Tracking Santa: A Military Tradition

In a fascinating twist on its usual operations, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) dedicates part of its advanced command center, every December, to track Santa Claus. Yes, you read that right. The same radar systems normally on duty to safeguard North American airspace are repurposed to follow Santa’s high-speed journey from the North Pole.

The origins of this unique tradition stretch back to 1955 when a Colorado Springs newspaper mistakenly published a wrong number in a Sears ad encouraging kids to call Santa. The incorrect number went directly to the Continental Defense Forces, and Colonel Harry Shoup, who was on duty, decided to play along, leading to an annual event that has now reached its 70th year.

Today, tracking Santa is a global sensation, attracting millions of visitors online and receiving calls from children across more than 200 countries. Yet, behind the joyful calls and holiday spirit, NORAD remains vigilant in its real mission: unwavering protection against threats to the U.S. and Canada.

Remarkably, there’s no special equipment required for Santa tracking. NORAD uses the same technology employed to monitor the continent every day. The process kicks off with the Northern Warning System, a series of radar stations scattered throughout Alaska and northern Canada, which pick up anything approaching the U.S. and Canadian airspace, including Santa’s fast-moving sleigh.

An infrared satellite system then picks up heat signatures (often humorously referred to as Rudolph’s nose) and sends that data back to an operations center at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs. The same systems that track incoming ballistic missiles and foreign aircraft also monitor the festive journey of Santa and provide maps for families on Christmas Eve.

According to NORAD, holiday shifts are common for its approximately 1,500 employees. Despite the focus on tracking Santa, personnel keep an eye on radar feeds and satellite data to respond to any emerging threats, just as they do throughout the year. Some staff members work during the holidays, allowing others to enjoy family time.

This operation is further enlivened by countless volunteers—often military spouses, veterans, and community members—who respond to calls and messages from excited children around the globe. On Christmas Eve, the phone lines open, and volunteers might find themselves answering thousands of queries regarding Santa’s whereabouts.

The atmosphere in the command center shifts noticeably during this time. With maps of Santa’s route displayed, ringing phones, cookies, and coffee accessible, the serious operations center briefly adopts a festive vibe while still maintaining its critical mission.

Interestingly, there’s been recent attention on NORAD’s operations thanks to a Netflix film titled “A House of Dynamite,” which dramatizes the urgency of missile defense decisions. However, NORAD maintains a balance between the anticipation of Santa’s arrival and its ongoing responsibilities of national security.

So, as NORAD tracks holiday joy, the core of its mission of readiness remains intact, ensuring that someone is always on watch, just like Santa’s steadfast reindeer.