The North American Aerospace Defense Command is tracking Santa’s Christmas Eve journey in real time — here’s when families in Stroudsburg and across the Poconos can expect him

STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY — Santa Claus is on his way to Stroudsburg. The North American Aerospace Defense Command — better known as NORAD — is once again tracking the big guy’s journey from the North Pole as he delivers presents to children around the world this Christmas Eve. And for families across Monroe, Wayne, Pike, Carbon, and Lackawanna counties, the question on every kid’s mind is simple: when will he get here?

When Santa Arrives in Stroudsburg

According to NORAD, Santa typically reaches the East Coast between 9 p.m. and midnight on Christmas Eve. For Stroudsburg and the surrounding Pocono region, that window narrows slightly — expect his sleigh to pass over Monroe County sometime between 10 p.m. and midnight tonight.

Stroudsburg sits right in Santa’s path as he makes his way down the Eastern Seaboard after entering through Canada. Kids in East Stroudsburg, Stroud Township, and the Stroudsburg Area School District footprint should be tucked in by 10 p.m. to ensure they don’t miss out.

Santa’s route takes him from the International Date Line westward around the globe, hitting the South Pacific, New Zealand, and Australia first before sweeping through Asia, Africa, and Europe. By the time he reaches North America, he typically enters through Canada before making his way down the Eastern Seaboard.

County-by-County Breakdown for the Poconos

NORAD doesn’t provide city-by-city arrival times — only Santa knows his exact route — but based on historical patterns and the geography of northeastern Pennsylvania, here’s what families can expect:

Monroe County — including Stroudsburg (Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg, Mount Pocono, Tobyhanna, Tannersville, Bartonsville): 10 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Pike County (Milford, Dingmans Ferry, Bushkill): 10 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Wayne County (Honesdale, Hawley, Lake Wallenpaupack): 10 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Carbon County (Jim Thorpe, Lehighton, Palmerton): 10:15 p.m. – 11:45 p.m.

Lackawanna County (Scranton, Clarks Summit, Old Forge): 10:15 p.m. – 11:45 p.m.

The key factor? Whether your kids are asleep.

“NORAD tracks Santa, but only Santa knows his route, which means we cannot predict where and when he will arrive at your house,” the agency notes on its website. “We do, however, know from history that it appears he arrives only when children are asleep.”

How to Track Santa Live

NORAD’s Santa tracker is available at NORADSanta.org, featuring a 3D map that updates in real time as Santa makes his deliveries. The tracker uses the same satellite and radar technology NORAD employs year-round to monitor North American airspace.

Families can also call 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) to speak with a volunteer who can provide live updates on Santa’s location. The hotline is staffed until 2 a.m. Eastern time.

This marks the 70th year of NORAD’s Santa-tracking tradition. It began in 1955 when a child accidentally dialed the Continental Air Defense Command’s unlisted hotline after a local newspaper misprinted a phone number for a department store Santa. Instead of correcting the mistake, the colonel on duty played along — and a tradition was born.

Google also operates a separate Santa tracker at santatracker.google.com, offering games, activities, and live tracking for families waiting up on Christmas Eve.

Weather Conditions

Santa will find mostly clear skies over the Poconos tonight, with temperatures in the 30s — perfect flying conditions for reindeer.

Bottom Line for Stroudsburg Families

If you’re in Stroudsburg or anywhere in the Poconos, make sure the cookies and milk are out and the kids are in bed by 10 p.m. According to Master Sergeant John Storms of NORAD, Santa moves at speeds that are “incomprehensible” — but he does slow down occasionally so military aircraft can check on him.

“We’ll give him a little wing dip and he’ll wave to us, letting us know he’s OK before he gets back up to speed and continues his journey,” Storms told CBS News earlier today.

Merry Christmas, Stroudsburg. Merry Christmas, Poconos.

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Track Santa live at NORADSanta.org or call 1-877-446-6723 for updates.