How Old Is Santa Claus? NORAD Tracker Reveals His Height And Weight
Have you ever wondered how old Santa Claus really is or how tall the man in the red suit might be? As children, we rarely question these details, but curiosity tends to grow with age. Now, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, widely known for its popular NORAD Santa Tracker , has revealed some fascinating facts about the Christmas icon in its official “About Santa FAQ”.
Santa Claus Age, Height and Weight Explained
Santa Claus has long been the heart of Christmas celebrations across the world. From festive films to advertisements and decorations, his image has become deeply woven into global pop culture. While many details about Santa remain wrapped in mystery, NORAD has offered some surprisingly specific insights.
According to NORAD, although it is “hard to know for sure”, Santa Claus is believed to be at least 1,600 years old. This estimate is based on historical references and long-standing traditions linked to the legendary figure.
When it comes to Santa’s physical appearance, NORAD analysts have taken a scientific approach. Based on flight profile data collected from radar systems, satellites and tracking sightings recorded over more than five decades, Santa is estimated to be around 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs approximately 260 pounds. These calculations may sound playful, but they are part of the long-running Santa Tracker tradition that blends festive fun with aerospace expertise.
Interestingly, NORAD did not set out to track Santa Claus. The tradition began purely by accident in 1955. A child attempting to call Santa after seeing a department store advertisement in a local newspaper accidentally dialled the wrong number. Instead of reaching Santa, the call was routed to the Continental Air Defence Command Operations Centre in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The officer on duty that night was Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup. Rather than correcting the mistake and disappointing the child, Col. Shoup played along and offered an update on Santa’s location. That small, kind gesture sparked a tradition that would continue for generations.
When NORAD was officially established in 1958, it carried forward the festive practice. Since then, the NORAD Santa Tracker has become a global Christmas Eve phenomenon, delighting children and families worldwide.
For nearly 65 years, NORAD has tracked Santa’s journey around the world on Christmas Eve. The initiative has grown into one of the US Department of Defense’s largest community outreach programmes, supported by volunteers, government resources and business donors.
Christmas, celebrated on December 25 each year, marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed by millions of people around the world.
Santa Claus Age, Height and Weight Explained
Santa Claus has long been the heart of Christmas celebrations across the world. From festive films to advertisements and decorations, his image has become deeply woven into global pop culture. While many details about Santa remain wrapped in mystery, NORAD has offered some surprisingly specific insights. According to NORAD, although it is “hard to know for sure”, Santa Claus is believed to be at least 1,600 years old. This estimate is based on historical references and long-standing traditions linked to the legendary figure.
When it comes to Santa’s physical appearance, NORAD analysts have taken a scientific approach. Based on flight profile data collected from radar systems, satellites and tracking sightings recorded over more than five decades, Santa is estimated to be around 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs approximately 260 pounds. These calculations may sound playful, but they are part of the long-running Santa Tracker tradition that blends festive fun with aerospace expertise.
How the NORAD Santa Tracker Began
You may also like
- Bihar suicide case: CID team visits crime scene, illegal microfinance racket is under scanner
- Defence Electronics Firm CoreEL Technologies Raises $30 Mn
Minister advises India Post to drive strategic biz growth, boost regional outreach- Inside India's $28 Bn+ Agritech Opportunity And The Rise Of AI-Powered Farming
- Best foods for insulin resistance that support long-term blood sugar health
Interestingly, NORAD did not set out to track Santa Claus. The tradition began purely by accident in 1955. A child attempting to call Santa after seeing a department store advertisement in a local newspaper accidentally dialled the wrong number. Instead of reaching Santa, the call was routed to the Continental Air Defence Command Operations Centre in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The officer on duty that night was Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup. Rather than correcting the mistake and disappointing the child, Col. Shoup played along and offered an update on Santa’s location. That small, kind gesture sparked a tradition that would continue for generations.
When NORAD was officially established in 1958, it carried forward the festive practice. Since then, the NORAD Santa Tracker has become a global Christmas Eve phenomenon, delighting children and families worldwide.
A Global Christmas Eve Tradition
For nearly 65 years, NORAD has tracked Santa’s journey around the world on Christmas Eve. The initiative has grown into one of the US Department of Defense’s largest community outreach programmes, supported by volunteers, government resources and business donors.
Christmas, celebrated on December 25 each year, marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed by millions of people around the world.
More from our partners
Loving Newspoint? Download the app now
