On a festive Christmas Eve, a dedicated team at a Northern Ontario military base is once again keeping a watchful eye on the skies, tracking a very special visitor's journey across Canada. The men and women stationed at 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base North Bay are participating in the beloved annual tradition of monitoring Santa Claus's flight path as he approaches and traverses Canadian airspace.
A Cherished Holiday Mission
For decades, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has assumed the joyful duty of tracking Santa's global journey on December 24th. The personnel at the Ontario base are a key part of this operation, using their expertise to provide updates on Saint Nick's location to excited children and families across the nation and beyond. This unique mission blends military precision with holiday spirit, creating a magical link between national defense and Christmas cheer.
How the Tracking Tradition Works
The tracking effort is a significant undertaking, involving specialized systems and dedicated volunteers. While the exact technological details are part of the fun and folklore, NORAD traditionally uses a combination of radar, satellites, and fighter jet escorts to follow Santa's sleigh. Families can follow along in real-time through the official NORAD Tracks Santa website and various social media channels, receiving updates directly sourced from the team in North Bay and other NORAD locations.
This year's tracking on December 24, 2023, continues a heartwarming custom that began in 1955 due to a misprinted phone number in a newspaper advertisement. The tradition has since grown into a massive global operation that captures the imagination of millions, with the Canadian Armed Forces playing an integral role alongside their U.S. counterparts in NORAD.
More Than Just Tracking: A Symbol of Joy
The event is described by participants as "a joyous occasion" that offers a welcome respite and a sense of shared wonder. It highlights the human side of the military personnel who dedicate themselves to this special one-night mission. The operation from CFB North Bay underscores the binational cooperation at the heart of NORAD, showcasing a peaceful and unifying mission that transcends borders during the holiday season.
As Santa makes his way over Canadian cities and towns, from the Atlantic provinces to the Pacific coast and through the Arctic north, the crew in Ontario remains vigilant. Their work ensures that every child can know exactly when to head to bed, confident that Santa is on his way and that his safe passage is being monitored by some of the country's most skilled trackers.
