AI Santa Tracker: How NORAD and Google Use New Tech to Follow St. Nick

Parents and children worldwide can now follow Santa’s Christmas Eve journey with high-tech precision. Tools from NORAD and Google provide real-time updates, games, and festive activities. This year, new AI-powered features add an extra layer of interactive magic to the tradition.

These platforms transform a simple question into a global, immersive experience. They blend decades of tradition with cutting-edge technology. The result is a free, engaging way for families to celebrate the holiday together.

NORAD’s Santa Tracker Teams Up With AI for New Holiday Fun

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has tracked Santa since 1955. Its program is the original and most famous. This year, it introduced new features built with OpenAI’s technology.

One tool lets you turn a selfie into an animated elf character. Another generates toy ideas and turns them into coloring pages. A storytelling tool allows families to create personalized holiday tales.

The tracker itself is built on advanced 3D mapping technology. It uses Cesium’s open-source library and Bing Maps imagery. This creates a realistic globe for watching Santa’s progress.

According to NORAD, the website also features a “Santa Cam.” This shows videos of Santa delivering presents around the world. The companion North Pole Village site offers games, music, and a library.

You can access it on the official NORAD website or through mobile apps. The service is also available in eight languages. Volunteers are standing by at a toll-free phone number to give updates.

Google’s Santa Tracker Offers Games and Coding Lessons

Google launched its own Santa Tracker in 2004. It features a live map showing Santa’s location and next stop. The site displays the total distance traveled and gifts delivered.

Throughout December, it operates as an interactive “village.” Users can play games like “Elf Maker” and “Elf Jamband.” Educational activities include fun coding tutorials for kids.

You can also use Google Assistant to ask about Santa’s whereabouts. The Assistant can provide a North Pole newscast. It even lets you place a call to Santa Claus himself.

Both trackers are free and designed to be family-friendly. They have evolved from simple animations to rich multimedia hubs. This reflects how holiday traditions adapt to new technology.

The evolution of the AI Santa Tracker shows how classic traditions can embrace innovation. These tools provide a shared, joyful experience for families globally every Christmas Eve.

Info at your fingertips

When does Santa tracking start on Christmas Eve?

Both NORAD and Google’s trackers typically begin active, real-time tracking on the morning of December 24th. Their “village” features and games are available throughout December.

Are the Santa trackers free to use?

Yes, both the NORAD Tracks Santa and Google Santa Tracker are completely free services. They are accessible via websites and mobile apps without any cost.

What are the new AI features on NORAD’s tracker?

The new AI tools include an elf selfie generator, a toy idea and coloring page creator, and a personalized story builder. These were developed in partnership with OpenAI.

Can I track Santa on my phone?

Absolutely. Both NORAD and Google offer official mobile apps for iOS and Android. You can also use their mobile-friendly websites or ask Google Assistant for updates.

Is the NORAD Santa Tracker a real military operation?

Yes. NORAD, a joint U.S.-Canada military command, runs the tracker as a community outreach program. Volunteers, including personnel and family members, staff the operation.