It’s the holiday season, and Santa Claus is busy deciding which kiddos get a Nintendo Switch 2 and which get a lump of coal. 🎶 He’s making a list, and checking it twice, gonna find out who’s naughty or nice…🎶 As the rest of the song goes, Santa Claus is coming to town for Christmas. But what if you could visit the big guy in his hometown instead? Tradition (and the movie Elf) tells us he lives in the mystical snowy North Pole, somewhere in the Arctic. But a small city in Alaska—aptly named North Pole—may just be Santa’s real residence when he’s not delivering toys in this sleigh.
Outside of Fairbanks along the Richardson Highway, the city of North Pole is “where the Spirit of Christmas lives all year round.” The city of just 2,243 residents boasts a Santa Claus House, candy cane streetlights, Christmas décor on buildings, and streets with holiday-themed names. We’re talking Saint Nicholas Drive, Santa Claus Lane, Mistletoe, Kris Kringle, Snowman Lane, and North Star Drive.
During the winter season, the city is covered in a blanket of snow and holds several Christmas-themed events. But the holiday magic doesn’t stop once December is over. Nay, my friend. North Pole is true to its slogan and is Christmassy all year round. When I visited in June, there wasn’t a lick of snow on the ground and the weather was pleasant, but the Christmas vibes were vibing. If you love the holidays and are planning a trip to Alaska, it’s worth a quick visit to North Pole.
Origins of North Pole, Alaska
Although Christmas and Santa Claus have a long history spanning over a millennium, the city of North Pole is relatively new. In 1944, Bon and Bernice Davis established a homestead on the land that was to become North Pole. Homesteading allowed Americans to claim 160 acres of federal land if they agreed to live on it and farm a portion of it. Before Bon and Bernice arrived, their would-be homestead was full of scrub trees, brush, and wildlife. Busy beavers were in nearby streams, while moose, deer, wolves, fox, and rabbits made the land their home.
Land was in demand throughout the 1940s, and other homesteaders staked their claims. In 1952, Dahl and Gaske Development Company bought much of the homestead. They had the bright idea to change the land’s name to North Pole to bring in business. They figured someone would create a Santaland, or a toy manufacturer would set up shop to create products “made in the North Pole.” How cool would that have been? Alas, no one scooped up that opportunity.
After the official name change, residents decided to go a step further by incorporating North Pole as a first-class city on January 15, 1953.1 The city has grown over the years into a Christmas destination, where the holiday spirit is ever-present.
Things to Do in North Pole
So, what do you do in North Pole? Visit Santa, of course! In addition to seeing Mr. Claus and his Reindeer Team, the Chena Lake Recreation Area is worth a visit for nature activities and seeing the Northern Lights. Read on for more details.
1. Santa Claus House on St. Nicholas Drive
Visiting Santa’s “official” home in North Pole is an absolute must. Named the Santa Claus House (duh), the building is a large Christmas store with ornaments, toys, décor, apparel, and hand-crafted Alaskan products. While you shop, you can enjoy chocolate, cookies, candy, and coffee at the Sweet Shop.
They’ve really decked the halls at Santa Claus House, with Christmas trees, garlands, and icicles galore. Don’t forget to take a peek into Santa’s workshop for a little behind-the-scenes action. And of course, Santa himself is available year-round for photo-ops.
Outside, you’ll find a huge Christmas tree that’s always decorated and a 42-foot-tall Santa sculpture. Be sure to sit in Santa’s live-sized sleigh for photos.
A trip to Santa Claus House wouldn’t be complete without meeting Santa’s reindeer team at the Antler Academy next door. You can pet and feed the reindeer, as well as take photos with them.
History of Santa Claus House
The man behind the Christmas magic was Con Miller, North Pole’s mayor for 19 years. He arrived in Fairbanks in 1949 and dressed as Santa Claus each Christmas for the village children. In 1952, Con and his wife Nellie made their way to North Pole to build a trading post. As the story goes, a local Alaskan boy recognized Con as Santa. He asked if the new building was going to be his house. Yes, yes, it was. Con ran with the idea and named it Santa Claus House.
At first, the store’s merch was more typical of a trading post, but it became increasingly Christmas-oriented as the years progressed. It also served as North Pole’s first Post Office for almost 20 years. In 1972, the house relocated to its current location on St. Nicholas Drive along the Richardson Highway.2
Letters from Santa
Since 1952, Santa Claus House has sent personalized letters from Santa to kids all over the world. The tradition is alive and well today, so if you’re in North Pole, order a letter to ease your children’s minds and assure them they’re not on the Bad List. If you can’t make it to Alaska, order your letter through their online shop.
Each letter is stamped with “Santa’s Official Mail” seal and printed on custom stationery that hasn’t changed since the 1960s. The letter comes with a bookmark, a photo of Santa, and a sticker proclaiming your child is on the Good List.
The beauty of Santa’s letter is that it’s mailed from Santa Claus House, which is a real address. Children know that they can visit Santa or write back to him if they wish. And write they do. Each year, North Pole receives an avalanche of Dear Santa letters from every corner of the globe. A selection of these letters is on display near the entrance. Doesn’t it just melt your frosty heart?
*Click on the “+” to expand the text.
Where: 101 St. Nicholas Drive, North Pole, Alaska 99705
2. Visiting North Pole During the Christmas Season
North Pole during the Christmas season is truly a winter wonderland. The community kicks off the holidays with a winter festival that has fireworks, ice carving, and a candle lighting ceremony. There’s also a Holiday Bazaar, with local vendors selling their wares.
3. Cruis’n with Santa
What’s better than hot rods and dad bods? Every May, North Pole holds a car show and street fair where car enthusiasts celebrate their love for automotives. Feast your eyes on muscle cars, vintage models, custom builds, and motorcycles. Shop at local vendors, eat Alaskan food, and enjoy live entertainment. And of course, say hello to Santa Claus.
Where: North Pole Hotel Parking Lot & Safeway Mall Parking Lot
When: Every May
4. Chena Lake Recreation Area
The Chena Lake Recreation Area is a 2,000-acre year-round nature destination. A 15-minute drive from North Pole, you’ll find campsites, a sandy beach, pavilions, boats, canoeing, fishing, and kayaking. There are picnic areas, playgrounds, nature trails, and bike paths. The Recreation area is divided into two sections: the 260-acre Lake Park and the River Park, along 4 miles of the Chena River.
The lake freezes in the winter, making it the perfect spot for ice fishing. Warm ice houses are available for rent. Finally, when conditions are right, you can see the Northern Lights from the Recreation Area.
Getting to North Pole, Alaska
The best way to travel to North Pole is from Fairbanks. It’s less than 20 minutes by car along the Richardson Highway.
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Footnotes
Bibliography & Further Reading
“About Santa Claus House.” Santa Claus House. Accessed November 23, 2025.
“History.” North Pole, Alaska. Accessed November 23, 2025.
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