Track Santa's Sleigh: Follow His Magical Journey Around the World

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — As the festive season approaches, Santa Claus is busy finalizing his legendary list and making sure everything is checked twice before his grand adventure. On Christmas Eve, he and his team of reindeer will soar through the skies, delivering presents to children worldwide. As billions eagerly anticipate his visit, young ones will be dreaming of the surprises awaiting them under the Christmas tree come morning.

For those eager to catch a glimpse of Santa’s magical journey, there’s good news. While Santa is known for arriving only when children are snug in their beds, families can still track his progress. The NORAD Santa Tracker offers real-time updates of Santa’s sleigh ride, complete with a live countdown to his arrival at each location.

If you prefer a more personal touch, you can also call NORAD at 877-HI-NORAD (877-446-6723) to speak with a staff member who can provide Santa’s current whereabouts. Additionally, the NORAD Santa Tracker app, available on both Apple and Google devices, offers another engaging way to follow Santa’s magical journey across the globe.

Families can also learn Santa’s exact location by calling and talking to a NORAD staff member at 877-HI-NORAD (877-446-6723). The NORAD Santa tracker app on Apple and Google phones offers another way to follow along with Santa’s journey.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is responsible for monitoring the airspace of the U.S. and Canada, and naturally, come Christmas time each year, notices a rather unique type of aircraft in the sky.

Though it began by pure accident, the organization has continued with its mission of tracking Santa’s sleigh since the 1950s, with NORAD pilots often tipping their wings to say, “Hello Santa!”

A powerful radar system allows NORAD to see Santa’s sleigh flying across the world — and it helps that Rudolph’s red nose gives off an easily detectable infrared signature.

Santa typically starts his journey at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean and travels west. NORAD predicts that Santa will arrive in Tampa Bay between 9 p.m. and midnight on Christmas Eve.

Only Santa knows his exact schedule, and if children are still awake, he’ll move on to other houses and return later when they’re fast asleep.