TL;DR
NORAD and Google both run Santa-tracking sites that simulate Father Christmas’s progress on Christmas Eve, and NORAD recently added AI-powered interactive tools via a collaboration with OpenAI. Both platforms offer maps, games and multimedia experiences for families, plus apps and voice-assistant integrations to follow along.
What happened
Two long-running Santa-tracking services — NORAD Tracks Santa and Google’s Santa Tracker — continue to provide live-style updates and holiday activities for families on Christmas Eve. NORAD, which launched its tracker in 1955, now builds its globe visualization in 3D using Cesium’s open-source mapping library with Bing satellite imagery, and it supplies a mix of games, videos and a “Santa Cam” video feed. NORAD also added new AI-driven features through a partnership with OpenAI, including a selfie-to-elf image generator, a toy-idea-to-coloring-page tool and a fill-in-the-blank story creator. The NORAD experience is available on noradsanta.org, mobile apps and social channels, and users can call 1-877-HI-NORAD to speak with a volunteer. Google’s tracker, active since 2004, offers a simulated live map, estimated arrival times, a running tally of distance and gifts delivered, and an on-site Santa’s Village with mini-games and coding tutorials; Google Assistant can also answer Santa-related queries or connect users to Santa content.
Why it matters
- These platforms turn a seasonal myth into an interactive, multimedia experience that families can follow in real time.
- AI tools add personalization — for example, transforming selfies and creating customized stories and coloring pages.
- Cross-platform availability (web, apps, social media, voice assistants and phone support) makes the trackers accessible to diverse audiences.
- Educational and play-focused activities, such as mini-games and beginner coding lessons, extend engagement beyond a simple map.
Key facts
- NORAD first ran a Santa-tracking service in 1955 and has expanded its site with games, music and videos.
- NORAD partnered with OpenAI to introduce AI features: a selfie-to-elf image generator, toy-idea generation plus printable coloring pages, and a customizable story tool.
- NORAD’s tracker uses Cesium’s open-source 3D mapping library and Bing Maps satellite imagery for its globe visualization.
- NORAD offers a ‘Santa Cam’ video feed and a North Pole Village with a countdown, arcade-style games, an online library and YouTube videos.
- The NORAD Tracks Santa site is available at noradsanta.org and via official apps on Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store; the website supports multiple languages including English, Chinese, French, Spanish, Japanese, German, Italian and Portuguese.
- Users can follow NORAD on social platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or call 1-877-HI-NORAD to speak with a volunteer for Santa-location updates.
- Google’s Santa Tracker debuted in 2004 and presents a simulated live map, next-stop information, estimated arrival times, total distance traveled and a count of presents delivered.
- Google’s site operates as Santa’s Village in December with mini-games, quizzes, animated videos and activities like an ‘Elf Maker’ and beginner-friendly coding lessons.
- Google Assistant supports Santa queries (for example, asking 'Where’s Santa?') and can surface North Pole updates or connect users to Santa-related content.
What to watch next
- Check NORAD’s website or official apps on Christmas Eve for the live 3D tracker and Santa Cam video updates.
- Whether NORAD’s new AI features (selfie-to-elf generator, toy-to-coloring-page tool, storytelling tool) will be fully available across all platforms and languages is not confirmed in the source.
- How Google Assistant handles peak user demand when people ask about Santa or request North Pole updates is not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- NORAD: North American Aerospace Defence Command, a joint US-Canadian organization that operates a seasonal Santa-tracking service.
- Cesium: An open-source 3D mapping library used to render globes and maps with three-dimensional perspective.
- OpenAI: An AI research and deployment organization that develops machine learning tools and models.
- Google Assistant: Google’s voice-activated virtual assistant that can answer questions and perform actions across devices.
Reader FAQ
Can I follow Santa in real time?
Both NORAD and Google provide map-based, live-style tracking and multimedia updates designed to simulate Santa’s position.
Does NORAD use AI?
NORAD has added AI-powered features through a partnership with OpenAI, including an image generator, toy/coloring-page tool and a story creator.
How can I contact NORAD for Santa updates?
You can visit noradsanta.org, use the NORAD Tracks Santa app, follow NORAD on social media, or call 1-877-HI-NORAD to speak with a volunteer.
Are the trackers available in multiple languages?
NORAD’s website is offered in several languages (English, Chinese, French, Spanish, Japanese, German, Italian and Portuguese); availability on other platforms is not confirmed in the source.
If you’re a parent with young children, then you’ll probably hear this a lot on Christmas Eve: “Where’s Santa right now?” With tracking tools like the NORAD Santa Tracker and…
Sources
- How to track Santa Claus this Christmas Eve using AI
- Track Santa On Christmas Eve 2025 (Via NORAD & Google)
- Santa tracker 2025 live – where is Santa right now and …
- Official NORAD Tracks Santa
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