NORAD Tracks Santa: A Christmas Tradition with New AI Features
Since 1955, the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) has been simulating Santa Claus’ journey as he delivers gifts worldwide, and this year, NORAD has added an AI chatbot to its tracking site. Though the AI capabilities are still limited, it adds a new interactive element to the popular holiday tradition.
NORAD Tracks Santa officially launched on December 1, but the actual simulation begins at midnight on December 24. Leading up to Christmas Eve, the NORAD Tracks Santa site offers plenty of holiday fun. You can play web games, watch videos about Santa and NORAD, listen to Santa’s favorite holiday tunes, and learn more about his traditions. The site also allows visitors to chat with Radar, the new AI chatbot, adding a fresh way to interact with the experience.
The real-time simulation itself is a spectacle, with military references, like the one from a 2013 video where Santa’s sleigh, “The Big Red One,” is mentioned, echoing the name of the US Army’s famous 1st Infantry Division.
NORAD, a joint US-Canada command tasked with monitoring North American airspace and providing early missile and air attack warnings, began this festive tradition with its predecessor in 1955. While the technology has evolved since then, from the early days without the internet, NORAD continues to engage millions of children and adults every year.
Visit the NORAD Tracks Santa site and check out the big countdown timer. Be sure to tune in on Christmas Eve to track Santa’s worldwide adventure!
