Santa on the Air Returns Nov. 27 With EchoLink Access
Back to Radio in the NewsSanta on the Air returns Nov. 27–Dec. 11, 2026, giving children a chance to talk with Santa through amateur radio. Colorado repeaters and EchoLink connections will carry the nightly sessions, allowing families beyond the local coverage area to join through a licensed operator.
The organizers’ 2026 announcement lists daily hours of 3–7 p.m. Mountain, or 2–6 p.m. Pacific and 2200–0200 UTC. The UTC window ends the following day. Volunteers will staff one-hour sessions within that period.
Now in its sixth year, the event uses NØP, November Zero Papa. Longmont Amateur Radio Club, Northern Colorado Amateur Radio Club and Georgia’s Alford Memorial Radio Club are organizing the operation.
Santa on the Air Offers Repeater and EchoLink Access
Longmont’s W0ENO repeater system provides two local RF access points. The 147.270 MHz repeater uses a +600 kHz offset and 100 Hz CTCSS; the 448.800 MHz repeater uses a −5 MHz offset and 88.5 Hz CTCSS.
An amateur radio operator’s license is required to access the repeaters or EchoLink. For a child’s participation, the licensee serves as the control operator. Club membership is not required. The normally linked repeaters connect through W0ENO-R, EchoLink node 8305; the event also lists W4BOC-R, node 330246.
EchoLink requires callsign validation before a new user can connect. Its process authenticates the licensed operator’s identity as well as the callsign, so a family planning to use a new account can complete that step before the event begins.
An Elf Handles Check-Ins Before the Santa Chat
The licensee serves as the child’s control operator, checking in with the volunteer serving as Santa’s Elf before the child speaks with Santa. Organizers request first names only and a two- to three-second pause between transmissions.
Each child who talks with Santa is promised a mailed QSL card. It goes to the participating amateur’s address on QRZ.com, keeping mailing addresses off the air.
The event page carries the session schedule and additional access information, including guidance for international participation. Volunteers are also being recruited; questions and offers to help go to k0itp@w0eno.org.
Sources and Further Reading
- Santa on the Air: Official 2026 Schedule and Participation Details
- Longmont ARC: Repeater Frequencies, Linking and EchoLink Access
- EchoLink: Callsign Validation Requirements