It’s Christmas Eve, and Santa Claus is preparing for his annual journey from the North Pole to deliver gifts to children worldwide. As part of a cherished tradition, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is tracking Santa’s flight in real time. Since 1958, NORAD has provided families with live updates, showing Santa’s progress as he travels across the globe.

Here’s everything you need to know about tracking Santa this Christmas!

Track Santa’s Journey in Real Time

NORAD updates its tracker continuously, providing live information about Santa’s current location as he travels. You can follow Santa’s progress:

• On NORAD’s official website (with a real-time map).
• Social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube offer periodic updates throughout the day.

When Will Santa Arrive at Your Home?

While the NORAD tracker shows Santa’s location, it doesn’t predict the exact time he will reach specific homes. According to NORAD:

“Only Santa knows his route, which means we cannot predict when he will arrive at your house.”

However, historical data suggests Santa typically visits individual homes between 9 p.m. and midnight on Christmas Eve — but only when children are asleep!

How Does the Santa Tracker Work?

NORAD uses advanced technology, including radar and satellites, to track Santa. Here’s how it works:

• Radar: NORAD’s North American Warning System, consisting of 47 radar stations across northern Canada and Alaska, monitors Santa’s takeoff from the North Pole.
• Satellites: Once Santa is airborne, NORAD’s satellites detect infrared heat signals from Rudolph’s glowing red nose, enabling them to track his sleigh throughout the journey.

Families can also call the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center at 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) to speak with operators about Santa’s latest location. The phone lines are open from 6 a.m. to midnight ET on December 24.

Volunteers Behind the Scenes

Tracking Santa is a massive effort, with more than 1,250 volunteers—including U.S. and Canadian military personnel, civilians, and even the president and first lady (on occasion)—answering phone calls and emails about Santa’s progress.

Santa’s Flight Path

Santa typically begins his journey at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean, traveling westward in this order:

1. South Pacific (e.g., New Zealand, Australia)
2. Asia
3. Africa
4. Europe
5. North America, Central America, and South America

Santa’s route may vary due to weather, but NORAD coordinates with his Elf Launch Staff to confirm his takeoff time. From there, Santa decides his path as he goes.

The NORAD Santa Tracker has become a beloved holiday tradition, blending technology with holiday magic to bring joy to families worldwide. So whether you’re watching online or calling in for updates, join in the fun of tracking Santa this Christmas Eve!

Happy Holidays!

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Over 1,600 years after his death, archaeologists may have uncovered the final resting place of the saint who inspired the legend of Santa Claus. A team of experts believes they have discovered a sarcophagus at St. Nicholas Church in Demre, Turkey, marking an important step in identifying the burial site of Saint Nicholas, the beloved bishop whose spirit of generosity still influences Christmas traditions today.

A Surprising Find in the Heart of History

The discovery took place during an excavation led by associate professor Ebru Fatma Findik from Hatay Mustafa Kemal University’s Department of Art History. The excavation, part of a project sponsored by Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, was conducted at the Church of St. Nicholas, which is located in Demre, Antalya.

The sarcophagus was found in a two-story annex of the church, thought to be the original burial site of Saint Nicholas, who lived in the ancient city of Myra in the 4th century. While drilling inside the structure, the team was surprised to encounter the sarcophagus, which appeared to be undisturbed in its original position.

“We believe this is the first time we’ve discovered a sarcophagus in its original location,” Findik explained.

A Closer Look at the Sarcophagus

The sarcophagus is constructed from local stone and measures approximately 2 meters in length and 1.5 to 2 meters in height. It has a barrel-shaped roof and a handle on its lid, which is typical of sarcophagi from the region. According to Findik, its design strongly resembles others found in the area, further supporting the theory that this could be the burial site of Saint Nicholas.

“We’re working inside a 20-meter-long, two-story structure adjacent to the church courtyard,” Findik said. “The sarcophagus is part of a group of undecorated sarcophagi, made of local stone.”

Historical Significance and Connection to Saint Nicholas

The exact location of Saint Nicholas’ burial has long been a mystery. Historical sources suggest that he was buried near the sacred area of the city of Myra, and the newly uncovered sarcophagus might confirm that this site is indeed the location described in those records. Findik believes the discovery adds crucial archaeological evidence to support the idea that this area is where the saint’s remains were once laid to rest.

“We can now say we’ve found archaeological evidence that confirms historical accounts of Saint Nicholas’ burial site being in the city’s sacred area,” Findik explained.

Artifacts and New Insights

Before reaching the sarcophagus, the excavation team uncovered other interesting artifacts, including fragments of terracotta oil lamps and animal bones, which shed further light on the area’s historical significance.

Saint Nicholas, who was born in the 3rd century in the village of Patara (modern-day Turkey), became famous for his acts of generosity, especially toward children. Orphaned at a young age, he used his inheritance to help the needy. He served as bishop of Myra and passed away in 343 CE. Nearly 200 years after his death, his remains were moved to the Church of St. Nicholas.

Looking Ahead to Further Discoveries

Findik and her team are excited about the progress of the excavation, hopeful that this discovery will lead to more insights into the life and legacy of Saint Nicholas.

“We are thrilled by the discovery of the sarcophagus so close to the church believed to house Saint Nicholas’ tomb,” said Findik. “We look forward to continuing the excavation and restoration, which will contribute to both our historical understanding and Turkey’s tourism.”

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