NORAD Santa Claus Tracker 2010 Now Open!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again — the time to track Santa Claus! The NORAD Tracks Santa site has gone live for the upcoming holiday season. You can’t really track him yet, but there are fun and games. More below, as well as what to expect on Christmas Eve.

NOTE: If you’re looking for the latest information on Santa tracking for the current year, see our Your Guide To Santa Trackers page.

NORAD — the North American Aerospace Defense Command — has been tracking St. Nick for over 50 years. In 2007, it teamed up with Google formally on the project. Google announced that this year’s site has gone live today.

Currently at the site, you’ll find Santa’s Village, where kids can click on different places and play little games. There’s also a countdown clock, so that you can tell to the second when Father Christmas begins his Christmas Eve flight:

On Christmas Eve, the site will really come to life. You’ll be able to track Kris Kringle on a map and watch videos of where’s he’s been.

Beyond the site, you’ll be able to track Santa Claus using your phone, through Google Earth, via email or even by making a telephone call.

I’ll return with a full rundown on all the action on December 24, with links and an illustrated guide to everything that’s live, along with tips on other ways to track Santa. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!