NORAD Santa Tracker - A Christmas Eve Tradition

By Liz Taurasi (Patch Staff)

Once again, the North American Aerospace Defense Command’s (NORAD) Santa Tracker is poised to trace Santa’s movements. The NORAD Santa Tracker website is already up and running with a countdown clock ticking away the time until the big night arrives.

Starting at 12:01 Mountain Standard Time (MST) on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, trackers can log on to the NORAD Santa Tracker website and watch Saint Nick get ready for the big trip. Then, starting at 4 a.m. (ouch) MST, phone lines will open up for the Santa-curious to speak with live operators who will dish on the big guy’s coordinates: 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723).

NORAD and its predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command, have been tracking Santa’s movements since 1955, the agency’s website says. That website also offers a number of activities, including games, movies, music and the “Secret Santa Files” to keep kids busy on Christmas Eve – and before.

Parents who want to help their kids track Santa – and know when to go to bed – just need to visit thetracker site online.

How do you keep your kids busy on Christmas Eve? Share your best tips by commenting below.