North Pole, AK

Travel Guide

North Pole
North Pole showing markets
North Pole
North Pole
North Pole

Celebrate Christmas any day of the year in this Interior Alaska town, home to Santa Claus and the 49th state’s great natural wonders.

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 FairbanksOpens in a new window 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.

Alaska log cabins on the pond B & B

Alaska log cabins on the pond B & B

2.5 out of 5
1673 volleyball court, North Pole, AK
Stay at this B&B in North Pole. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions North Pole Plaza and Morning Star Park are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (295 reviews)
"Jim was very friendly and welcomed us to the cabin. It had everything we needed and wanted. A very pleasant stay"

Reviewed on Sep 12, 2025

Alaska log cabins on the pond B & B
Hotel North Pole

Hotel North Pole

2 out of 5
449 N Santa Claus Lane, North Pole, AK
The price is ¥29,478 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
¥29,478
¥31,836 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in North Pole. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions North Pole Plaza and Santa ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (244 reviews)
"Really nice rooms, very convenient, very good breakfast."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Hotel North Pole
LOG CABIN on the beautiful Chena River! Sleeps 4* AURORA viewing

LOG CABIN on the beautiful Chena River! Sleeps 4* AURORA viewing

Fairbanks
Stay at this cabin in North Pole. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attraction Morning Star Park is located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (79 reviews)
"Beautiful log cabin with everything you might need. Lovely inside and gorgeous setting on the river. Host was very helpful and accommodating. Would definitely stay again if in the area."

Reviewed on Sep 1, 2025

LOG CABIN on the beautiful Chena River! Sleeps 4* AURORA viewing
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
LOG CABIN on the beautiful Chena River! Sleeps 4* AURORA viewing

LOG CABIN on the beautiful Chena River! Sleeps 4* AURORA viewing

Fairbanks
Stay at this cabin in North Pole. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attraction Morning Star Park is located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (79 reviews)
"Beautiful log cabin with everything you might need. Lovely inside and gorgeous setting on the river. Host was very helpful and accommodating. Would definitely stay again if in the area."

Reviewed on Sep 1, 2025

LOG CABIN on the beautiful Chena River! Sleeps 4* AURORA viewing
The Wandering Wolf - Frontier Village

The Wandering Wolf - Frontier Village

North Pole
Stay at this cabin in North Pole. Enjoy a garden, balconies, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Birch Hill Recreation Area and Morning Star Park ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"The cabins were perfect! We had a lovely stay."

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2025

The Wandering Wolf - Frontier Village
Polar Luxe Log Home (极地豪华小屋)

Polar Luxe Log Home (极地豪华小屋)

North Pole
Stay at this cabin in North Pole. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Beaver Lake and Morning Star Park are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
"Wonderful property for our family and owner was very easy to work with."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Polar Luxe Log Home (极地豪华小屋)
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of North Pole

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
18
5 - Excellent 58%
4 - Good
10
4 - Good 32%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 3%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice area, great Chinese food at the Pagoda and Riverboat Discovery was worth the time and money.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It was just AWESOME!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This is a very unique place to spend some time

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Not much to do here

5/5 - Excellent

Anonymous

Fun place to visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Enjoyed the area in general. Was only there one day. Much to do.

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