(NEXSTAR) – The stockings have been hung with care, the children will soon be dreaming of sugar plums, and St. Nicholas is embarking on the biggest night of his year. Unlike Christmases of yore, you no longer have to listen for a clatter on your lawn to know Santa Claus has arrived — there's a tracker for that. The North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, is again tracking Santa and his eight tiny reindeer as they make their trek around the world this Christmas. The organization, a joint effort between the U.S. and Canada, tracks everything that flies in and around both countries. Its tracking of Santa, which began accidentally in 1955, remains its most beloved mission. Santa departs the North Pole around 4 a.m. ET on Wednesday, December 24, which is when NORAD starts tracking his movements around the world. You can watch a stream of NORAD's tracker at the top of this story as soon as he takes off. NORAD also staffs a call center of members who can tell you exactly where he is until early Christmas morning. You can reach NORAD at 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) during those hours. If you want to be extra certain of Santa's arrival, Google also tracks the man in red's progress.