Every year, children and adults alike eagerly await the arrival of Christmas Eve, a magical night when Santa Claus embarks on his journey around the world to deliver gifts to children. The NORAD Santa Tracker has become an essential holiday tradition for millions of people, and in 2024, it promises to be even more exciting.

What is NORAD Santa Tracker?

The NORAD Santa Tracker is a special project run by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), a joint U.S. and Canadian military organization responsible for monitoring airspace and space. While NORAD’s primary mission is national security, it has a delightful secondary responsibility: tracking Santa Claus as he makes his annual journey on Christmas Eve. The tradition started in 1955 when a misprinted phone number in a local advertisement led a child to call NORAD’s predecessor, and the military staff decided to play along by giving updates on Santa’s whereabouts.

Today, NORAD’s Santa Tracker provides live updates, including a real-time map that shows Santa’s exact location on Christmas Eve. The tracker also offers various interactive features like games, videos, and fun educational content for children and families. It’s a wonderful way to add excitement to the holiday season and help children feel the magic of Christmas.

How to Track Santa in 2024

Tracking Santa has never been easier thanks to modern technology. In 2024, you can follow Santa’s journey through several convenient platforms:

NORAD Santa Tracker Website: The official NORAD Santa Tracker website is where you can access live updates, fun games, and educational content about the North Pole and Santa’s operations. The website is user-friendly and perfect for both kids and adults to enjoy together.

Mobile Apps: For on-the-go tracking, NORAD offers a mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices. With the app, you can follow Santa’s route as it unfolds, get notifications, and enjoy holiday-themed activities directly from your smartphone or tablet.

Social Media Updates: NORAD also keeps Santa watchers updated through their social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can follow Santa’s progress, enjoy special content, and even share the excitement with your friends and family.

Fun Activities for Kids and Families

In addition to tracking Santa, NORAD’s Santa Tracker offers a range of fun activities for kids to enjoy. Every year, the site features interactive games that teach kids about geography, Christmas traditions, and even the history of NORAD’s involvement in Santa tracking. You can watch videos, play festive games, and even listen to Christmas music as you follow Santa’s progress around the world.

Why Track Santa?

Tracking Santa is more than just a fun activity. It’s a way to bring families together during the holiday season and foster a sense of wonder. Children are especially captivated by the idea that they can see Santa traveling from house to house, bringing joy to kids everywhere. It’s a unique holiday experience that blends technology with tradition, helping to make Christmas even more magical.

Stores Open on Christmas 2024: Where to Shop on Christmas Day

While Christmas is a time for relaxation and spending time with loved ones, sometimes you may find yourself needing to make a quick trip to the store. Whether it’s for last-minute gifts, food items for Christmas dinner, or any other essentials, knowing which stores are open on Christmas Day 2024 can be helpful.

Stores Likely Open on Christmas Day 2024

Although many stores close their doors on Christmas, a number of retailers remain open, offering customers the ability to pick up what they need. Here are some stores that are likely to be open:

Grocery Stores: Many major grocery stores like Walmart, Safeway, and Kroger typically stay open on Christmas, though with reduced hours. This gives you a chance to grab ingredients for your Christmas meal or any last-minute grocery items.

Convenience Stores: If you’re looking for something quick, 7-Eleven, CVS, and Walgreens are often open on Christmas Day. These convenience stores tend to remain open 24 hours and offer a wide range of items, from snacks and drinks to medications and holiday-themed gifts.

Pharmacies: Stores like Rite Aid and CVS typically remain open on Christmas Day for customers in need of health products, toiletries, and over-the-counter medications. These stores are also a convenient stop for picking up gift cards or stocking stuffers.

Big-Box Retailers: While not all big-box retailers are open on Christmas, some like Target may open for a few hours. However, it’s important to check in advance, as hours vary by location.

Online Shopping on Christmas Day

If you’d rather not head out to a physical store, online shopping is always an option. Major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and eBay will be open for business, allowing you to purchase gifts, tech gadgets, or even last-minute Christmas items from the comfort of your home. Many online stores will even offer special holiday deals and promotions, so don’t forget to check their websites for discounts.

Tips for Christmas Day Shopping

• Check Store Hours: Be sure to verify the specific hours for your local store, as they may vary by location.
• Plan Ahead: Christmas Eve may also have extended hours at many stores, so if you can, get your shopping done the day before.
• Use Online Delivery: Take advantage of online retailers’ same-day or next-day delivery options for those last-minute gifts.

Both NORAD Santa Tracker and Stores Open on Christmas are essential parts of the holiday season, ensuring families stay connected with the magic of Santa and have access to everything they need, even on Christmas Day. Whether you're tracking Santa or grabbing last-minute gifts, these activities bring extra joy and convenience to your holiday celebrations.