Colorado Springs (trfnews.i234.me) — Kids know Santa is coming. Many just want to know where he is right now.
Two popular Santa trackers can help on Christmas Eve. One is run by NORAD. The other is run by Google.
NORAD Tracks Santa
NORAD is a joint U.S. and Canadian defense command. It runs the annual “NORAD Tracks Santa” tradition.
You can follow the map and updates at
noradsanta.org.
The tracker is for fun. It uses a holiday story version of NORAD’s real tools.
You can also call the NORAD hotline on Christmas Eve. Dial 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723).
Volunteers share Santa’s last known location during the event.
NORAD says it cannot predict Santa’s exact route in advance. Only Santa knows that.
Google Santa Tracker
Google also runs a Santa tracker at santatracker.google.com.
It includes games and learning activities throughout December.
On Christmas Eve, Google’s tracker shows Santa’s trip across time zones. Google says the full journey lasts about 25 hours.
Why families use trackers
For many families, the trackers add holiday magic. They also give kids a reason to get to bed.
Parents often say Santa visits after children fall asleep. The trackers help kids feel ready.
Want to “call Santa”?
A separate Santa voicemail line is also available online. FreeConferenceCall hosts “Santa’s Hotline.”
The U.S. number listed there is 1-605-313-4000.
Callers hear a greeting. Kids can leave a message for Santa.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.