Santa tracker live: Follow Father Christmas's journey around the world
The original tracker was started by the North American Aerospace Defence Command
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Excited children – and a fair few adults no doubt – can track Father Christmas as he makes his annual present giving journey around the world.
There are two ways to track Santa this year: either the Google tracker (which allows you to play games and learn) or the more traditional Norad, North American Aerospace Defence Command, tracker.
The Norad tracker was begun shortly after the Second World War when Colonel Harry Shoup, later known as the Santa Colonel, ordered staff to pick up the phone after the base’s telephone number was accidentally published encouraging children to ring Santa.
During the Cold War those staffing the phones told reporters they were tracking Father Christmas “against possible attack from those who do not believe in Christmas,” according to the South Morning Herald.
Now in its 60th year, the operation has expanded and includes famous contributors – among them Michelle Obama this year – who are expected to man the phones and answer American children’s queries about Santa.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments