When December 24th comes around there is one thing on every child’s mind: “where is Santa!?” Thanks to NORAD you can tell them the exact answer to that question. For over 50 years NORAD has been tracking Santa, and this year they are making it even easier to keep tabs on the Big Guy.

NORAD has brought their Santa Tracker app to almost every platform imaginable this year, including Windows 8 and Windows Phone. Right now the apps show a countdown to when the Santa Tracker begins. Once Santa begins his trip you will be able to see on a map where he is and where he has been. Usually this has been powered by Google Maps, but this year it is powered by Bing Maps. The app also includes videos of Santa’s trip, links to social media, and the Windows version has a link to games on NORAD’s website. There is also information on how you can support the troops with Operation Goodwill.

NORAD Santa Tracker is a great example at how an app can be built for both Windows and Windows Phone. Both versions operate almost exactly the same. This is something Microsoft has been hoping developers will do. This is a great app if you have kids or are a kid at heart. NORAD Santa Tracker is free for all platforms.

Windows Phone | Windows