Santa Tracker 2023: NORAD Says Santa Spotted Over North America

Christmas Eve brings joy and anticipation for millions of people who are eagerly expecting the arrival of Santa Claus to their home. For years, officials at North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) say they have used special tracking technology to keep watch of Santa's sleigh as he flys through the night, delivering presents and good cheer to the young and the young-at-heart.

NORAD officials have released a real-time map, seen below, that can tell you what they calculate to be Santa's exact location right now.

What Time Does Santa Leave the North Pole?

NORAD notes that Santa's journey starts off over the Eastern Pacific ocean, near the International date line. That's why their live tracking launches at 4 a.m. Eastern time, aligned with the optimal present-delivery timeframe in the areas of the world that greet the day.

But what time would that be for Santa at home? Well, that's a much more difficult question to answer. Why? Turns out there's no set time zone for the North Pole. The global shape of our globe means that both poles intersects with every single time zone on the planet.

So Santa — and any other North Pole residents — can choose whichever time zone suits them that moment. Technically, it's all correct.

Where is Santa Right Now in 2023?

According to NORAD, Santa has already visited New Zealand and Australia, flown over Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean, Indonesia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean — as well as every place in between. Right around 1:45 a.m. Eastern time, Santa's sleigh was spotted over Colorado in the U.S., according to NORAD.

When Will Santa Be at My House?

That question obviously depends on where your house is located. Reports say that Santa historically arrives on the East Coast of the United States after 9 p.m. Eastern time, but curious questioners can call 1-800-HI-NORAD to talk to NORAD — and maybe get a clearer estimate.