Table of contents
- Quick summary
- How NORAD Tracks Santa works this year
- Google Santa Tracker — what it offers in 2025
- NORAD vs Google: which tracker should you use?
- When trackers go live and the best times to follow Santa
- How to use NORAD’s phone, web map and Santa cams (step-by-step)
- Google Santa Tracker features: games, learning and family tools
- Safety, privacy and why trackers are fun (but not literal radar)
- Troubleshooting: common questions and fixes
- Reader poll (interactive)
- Final checklist for Christmas Eve tracking
- Disclaimer
1. Quick summary (NORAD and Google Santa Tracker 2025)
If you want to know “where is Santa right now,” two major public trackers lead the field: the NORAD Tracks Santa system and Google’s Santa Tracker.
This guide explains how each works for 2025, when they go live, and how to follow Santa on Christmas Eve.
2. How NORAD Tracks Santa works this year
NORAD runs a live, operational tracker from its Peterson Space Force Base center each Christmas Eve, combining radar, satellites and volunteer updates.
For 2025 the program marks its 70th year and NORAD’s site and operations center will be active with live updates and Santa “cams.”
3. Google Santa Tracker — what it offers in 2025
Google’s tracker is an animated, family-friendly experience that runs throughout December and features interactive games, countdowns and a live tracking mode on Dec. 24.
Where NORAD emphasizes a radar motif, Google provides a colorful, educational platform tuned to younger audiences and classroom use.
4. NORAD vs Google: which tracker should you use?
Choose NORAD if you want the classic “radar + volunteer operators” experience and the ability to call a live operator on Christmas Eve.
Choose Google if your family prefers mini-games, lessons and a highly visual animation before switching to live mode on Dec. 24.
5. When trackers go live and the best times to follow Santa
NORAD’s tracker typically goes live early on December 24 (NORAD announces exact start times each year).
Google enables its live-tracking mode on Christmas Eve as well, but you can enjoy its activities all month long to build excitement.
6. How to use NORAD’s phone, web map and Santa cams (step-by-step)
- Visit NORAD’s official tracker page and open the map on Dec. 24.
- If you prefer voice contact, call 1-877-HI-NORAD (877-446-6723) during operating hours to speak with a volunteer operator.
- Watch NORAD’s “Santa cams” and periodic updates as Santa passes major cities; the site also lists multilingual support and apps.
7. Google Santa Tracker features: games, learning and family tools
Google’s platform offers mini-games, a North Pole Village interface and timed experiences that teach coding, geography and holiday traditions.
On Christmas Eve the interface switches into live-tracking mode so families can follow Santa’s global route in a playful format.
8. Safety, privacy and why trackers are fun (but not literal radar)
Both trackers are intended for entertainment and family engagement; NORAD adds the playful conceit of radar tracking using military assets.
Treat the trackers as seasonal storytelling and educational tools—perfect for kids—rather than literal, technical flight-path telemetry for Santa.
9. Troubleshooting: common questions and fixes
If the site is slow on Dec. 24, try the app or call the toll-free number; high traffic is normal and mirror sites or apps reduce load.
If you can’t find your timezone setting, check the tracker’s settings menu or refresh the page; both Google and NORAD publish simple help notes.
11. Final checklist for Christmas Eve tracking
• Bookmark the NORAD map and Google Santa Tracker now so you won’t search under pressure.
• If you plan to call, save the toll-free number: 1-877-HI-NORAD on your phone.
• Set a family alarm for the expected local times Santa reaches your region (trackers will show ETA).
12. Disclaimer
This article summarizes public tracker services and guidance current for Christmas 2025. NORAD’s Santa Tracker and Google’s Santa Tracker are seasonal, family-oriented services; factual timing and features reflect official NORAD and Google announcements for 2025.