The City of North Pole
Not far from Fairbanks, Alaska, Southeast down the highway, you will come across a well-decorated and small city. This place is hard to miss with all the lights, tinsel, and elaborate Christmas decorations. In North Pole, Alaska, it is Christmas year-round. This city has less than 3,000 residents and has thousands of visitors each year. So, what makes this small city such a festive and fun place to visit?
History of the North Pole
The foundations of the North Pole began in 1891. This year marked the year the Secretary of the Interior made it possible to purchase the patent of 160-acre parcels of land just outside of Fairbanks. Fast-forward about 50 years to when Bon and Bernice Davis traveled all the way out to look for a possible homestead.
After pulling off Richardson Highway around mile marker 15, they walked down part of an abandoned trail and realized it was the perfect space for them. Once this couple owned the patent, they sold a couple of acres to John Owen and George Manley next to the Highway for a mere $500 per acre. After other people had purchased some nearby acres of land, people grouped to start building subdivisions in 1950. This group was able to establish electrical power and the land became much more in demand.
After that came the issue of renaming the town from the original “Davis” to proposing to change the name to the “North Pole.” The name change came with the idea that it might draw in someone wanting to run an attraction there. The young tradesperson Conrad Miller brought this forth. By 1953, the town was now a city officially named the “North Pole” of Alaska. From then on, the city has only been growing and becoming more vibrant. ( North Pole Alaska Community)
Attractions and Events
No matter the time of year, the Christmas spirit is alive in North Pole, Alaska. From the street names like Mistletoe Lane and Santa Claus Lane to an abundance of holiday decorations, and even a Santa Claus house, this city is covered from head to toe with Christmas cheer. And there are some pretty unique attractions to enjoy, too.
The Santa Claus House
The Santa Claus House is the center attraction at the North Pole and was one of the original buildings and ideas that originated in 1952. On the outside, a white and red trimmed Bavarian-style building greets you with many glittering light and holiday decorations. On the inside, this house is a sprawling store.
Once inside, enjoy the warm glow of the Christmas spirit. You can sample fudges and candies, find some unique gifts for the holidays, and maybe even get to talk to Santa. This store has a sweets and coffee shop to enjoy while you take in the letters to Santa that cover the walls. And if you want to talk to Santa about your holiday wish list, there is a live Santa there each day to listen and even get a picture with the jolly old man.
Just outside the store, you can check out Santa’s sleigh, which is 50 feet tall. You can even meet his reindeer, too. And remember to write your letter to Santa, as it is the quickest postage out there. Plus, you can send letters from the North Pole and Santa’s house to your family and friends. If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, there are plenty of Alaska-made gifts, an array of toys, and ornaments to choose from.
Winter Festivities
In the wintertime there is a holiday Bazaar and a winter festival that takes place each year. This a full-day event attracts many people, and news crews even broadcast live from Santa’s house that day. Local artisans and vendors come to offer uniquely crafted gifts for the holidays. There are activities, music, and food to enjoy. To top off the whole day, there is a firework display at night.
If you are good at planning ahead, you might be able to reserve an overnight stay at Hotel North Pole, which is open year round as well. This is a great way to dive into the Christmas holiday spirit and enjoy all the trimmings of wintertime celebration in one place. Be sure to dress warm for this event, as the middle of winter in Alaska can be quite brisk.
Outdoor Adventures
The North Pole attractions are lovely to experience, and remember to enjoy the splendor of the outdoors as well. The North Pole has its own totem pole just outside the city to check out. And nearby, you can find some short trails to trek through conifer forests. The city also has a park and playground to enjoy as well.
If you want more than a short journey through the woods, there is the nearby Chena Recreation Area, which offers 2,000 acres of public land to explore and enjoy. You can spot wildlife and participate in recreational activities like snowmobiling, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and much more. There are even campsites available if you are looking for some outdoor accommodations.
This area offers spectacular viewing points, and during the winter, you may even be able to see the Aurora Borealis.
Visit the North Pole
So whether you are looking for some holiday cheer, to talk to Santa about the naughty and nice list, or to have a unique experience, the North Pole is an excellent place to visit. And who knows, maybe you’ll be so overjoyed with holiday cheer that you decide to become one of the many volunteers that help hand write responses to the thousands of letters the North Pole receives each year.
