Follow along as NORAD begins tracking Santa Claus
NORAD begins tracking Santa on Christmas Eve
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The agency tasked with protecting the North American airspace has once again set its eyes on a jolly old man in a bright red suit.
For the 66th year, the North America Aerospace Defense Command says they’ll be laying out all the stops for the young at heart to track the man known as Santa.
NORAD began tracking Santa around 4 a.m. EST on Christmas Eve on their website and app and will have operators standing by 6 a.m. EST for phone calls.
Inquiring minds worldwide can call the toll-free number 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) to hear the latest on Santa’s status.
FROM FALLS, FLAMS, SLIPS AND TRIPS, AVOID THESE ‘ELF ON THE SHELF’ DANGERS
According to Norad, the weather at the North Pole on Christmas Eve was favorable for an on-time sleigh take-off as Santa was preparing his ride to deliver presents to the world.
NORAD begins tracking Santa on Christmas Eve
NORAD celebrates 66 years of tracking Santa.
NORAD says Amazon users can also monitor the jolly Old St. Nick’s route on Christmas Eve by asking Alexa where Santa is. It’s suggested that Alexa users download the free NORAD Tracks Santa skill before attempting to track St. Nick and his eight reindeer.
The tradition of NORAD tracking Santa began 66 years ago as a misprint.
NORAD Commander Gen. Glen Vanherk said in 1955 an incorrect phone number was printed in a department store advertisement which resulted in calls to the Continental Air Defense Command Headquarters.
"Real quickly, the commander on duty realized it was a young child looking for Santa Claus. He realized he needed to keep answering those calls and history was born," Vanherk told FOX Weather.
And while you are in the app store, don’t forget to download the FOX Weather app to find out the forecast for Santa’s North Pole or weather where you live.