Travel to North Pole more easily than the explorer Robert Peary once did because this North Pole is in Alaska, not at the northernmost part of the world. Visit the town of North Pole, where the spirit of Christmas lives year-round.
The town was once called Davis, but enterprising citizens campaigned to change the name to North Pole, hoping to create a northern Christmas-based theme park. The name changed in 1953. Although the theme park has not developed, look for signs of Santa and wintry favorites in this holiday-themed town of about 2,000 residents. Mistletoe Drive and St. Nicholas Drive parallel the highway while Snowman Lane travels between North Pole Elementary and Middle Schools. Candy canes decorate the streetlights and many businesses have Christmas designs.
Whether you visit in December or July, stop at the Santa Claus House to buy sweet fudge and souvenirs, including holiday ornaments and decorations. Purchase stationery and stamps to mail postcards or letters with the North Pole postmark. Santa Claus is likely to be wandering around the store. Have a family photo taken with the jolly red-suited man and his reindeer. Outside, see a Santa statue that’s nearly 50-feet (15-meter) tall.
While the Santa theme has been part of the community for more than 60 years, nature has provided even more delights in this part of the world forever. From fall to spring look to the clear, dark skies to see the brilliant shimmering colors of the aurora borealis or northern lights. During the day, enjoy more than a dozen parks and trails around town.
North Pole and Fairbanks are great for Alaska’s outdoor recreation, somewhat unique to the region. Try dog mushing, ice fishing, snowmobiling and winter camping. Look for moose, bears and other Alaskan wildlife. Canoe, kayak or pilot a standup paddleboard on the Chena River or Tanana River as you gaze up at the snow-capped peaks of the White Mountains.
Bring your family to North Pole to see Santa and appreciate Interior Alaska.
