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Spotlight

NORAD Tracks Santa

The North American Aerospace Defense Command tracks every aircraft that flies over North America, keeping our airspace secure all year. Since 1955, NORAD has been tracking a certain magical sleigh in December, following Santa on his around-the-world journey from the North Pole.

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NTS kick-off video. Play
Marking a Milestone
1:59
Marking a Milestone
The North American Aerospace Defense Command is ready to track Santa. NORAD monitors and defends North American airspace 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. On December 24th, NORAD has one additional mission: tracking Santa Claus as he makes his way across the globe delivering presents to children. Play
The Nicest Wrong Number
4:49
The Nicest Wrong Number
A video shows Santa in his sleigh and details how NORAD tracks him every year on Christmas Eve. Play
NORAD Tracks Santa
1:47
NORAD Tracks Santa

Sleigh Tech Specs

NORAD info image

Feature

Answer

Designer and Builder

K. Kringle & Elves, Inc.

Probable First Flight

Dec. 24, 343 C.E.

Home Base

North Pole

Length

75 cc (candy canes)/150 lp (lollipops)

Width

40 cc/80 lp

Height
Note: length, width, and height are without reindeer.

55 cc/110 lp

Weight at Takeoff

75,000 gd (gumdrops)

Passenger Weight at Takeoff

Santa Claus: 260 lbs

Weight of Gifts at Takeoff

60,000 tons

Weight at Landing

80,000 gd (ice & snow)

Passenger Weight at Landing

1,260 pounds

Propulsion

Nine (9) rp (reindeer power)

Armament

Antlers (defensive)

Fuel

Hay, oats and carrots

Emissions

CLASSIFIED

Climbing Speed

One "T" (twinkle of an eye)

Max Speed

Faster than starlight

NORAD Tracks
Santa FAQs

24 hours a day, 365 days a year, NORAD tracks everything that flies in and around North America in defense of our homeland.

NORAD is a binational U.S./Canadian military organization responsible for the aerospace defense of North America. On Christmas Eve, NORAD also tracks Santa! More info: www.norad.mil.

NORAD's predecessor, CONAD, began tracking Santa in 1955. NORAD took over in 1958 and tracks Santa's flight every Christmas Eve.

NORAD tracks airplanes, missiles, space launches and anything else that flies in or around North America. It's the only organization with the technology, qualifications, and people to do it, and they love it. NORAD is honored to be Santa's official tracker.

NORAD confirms Santa's sleigh is a versatile, multipurpose, vertical short-takeoff and landing vehicle capable of traveling vast distances without refueling.

The NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center is operational from 4:00 a.m. MST on December 24 each year. Call 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) to get Santa's location.

One DOW civilian manages the program. About 1,250 Canadian and American uniformed personnel volunteer on Christmas Eve to answer thousands of calls from around the world.