North Pole, Alaska
North Pole has been written into the hearts and minds of our souls ever since we were kids. The infamous Santa lives there and makes all the toys that are delivered on Christmas! So of course, why wouldn’t you want to visit this little town just 11 miles south of Fairbanks? Not to be confused with the actual north pole which geographically lies in the middle of the Arctic Ocean, The City, whose mayor is (you guessed it) Santa Claus makes it a priority to stick to the North Pole theme as much as possible. Here, you will find light poles painted as Candy Canes, The McDonald’s Sign high in the air, also painted as a candy cane. Santa’s house is here with the reindeer and they make amazing fudge inside. There are a few places to hike and some really hidden gems to eat here. If you are coming up north, I would of course stop by downtown North pole for a few hours just to say you did!
you can check out the offical North Pole, Alaska Website here to read more about the town that I have not addressed!
Where To Stay
There are always options when staying in North Pole. I personally prefer an AIRBNB because you can have your own privacy but there is a hotel and some Cabin B&B’s that you can stay at that is centrally located. The city of North Pole has taxes so things are a little more expensive here. Honestly, I would stay in Fairbanks somewhere unless you find a cool air bnb to stay that seems better for your needs.
Hotel North Pole
449 N Santa Claus Ln, North Pole, AK 99705
(907) 488-4800
This is the Main hotel in North Pole. It has nice accommodations and isn’t a bad place to stay if you are wanting to spend some time in this central area!
North Pole B&B Cabins
1477 Levee WayNorth Pole, Alaska 99705
(907) 888-0899
If a B&B is more your jam or you want something a little cheaper you can stay at the five star rated
Cabins on the Pond
1673 Volleyball Ct, North Pole, AK 99705
(907) 687-4694
Or the B&B made with cabins near a pond and comes with breakfast!
Air BnB
And of course, because I love the freedom of my own space and the true Alaskan experience, I recommend you check out Air BnB and find a home you may be able to see a moose at and sit by a fireplace or in a hot tub at -20.
What to See and Do
Like I said before, North Pole is a small town so it offers things to do but not as much as a bigger city. However, it is THE NORTH POLE so they have fun things, I promise. Some things are seasonal, like North pole puts on a light show in the winter but not the summer. However, In the summer they have a food truck rally and firework sales. These are the three main things to do however in the winter, only the Santa Claus house is worth going to.
The Santa Claus House
The Santa Claus House
101 St Nicholas Dr, North Pole, AK 99705
(907) 488-2200
You are able to hang out there, the house is more a store but it does sport one of a kind Christmas ornaments, amazing fudge, and sit downs with Santa and Mrs. Claus. You can even purchase letters from Santa, and see his reindeer.
3779 Laurence Rd
North Pole, AK 99705
Phones: (907) 488-1655
This is a multi function recreation park that I personally frequent for many reasons. You can camp, go for walks on their many trails, go fishing, swimming, rent boats or other water toys and play on the huge lake, can check out the flood control project, ride bikes on their trails, walk dogs, play – honestly anything. You can read my write up about it here.
The Alaskan Experience
This is a family owned business that will take you on fun ATV or 4 wheeler trips into Alaska. They have the knowledge of the area and have many great reviews on TripAdvisor. I’d check them out in the summer.
What to Eat
This is my favorite topic about North Pole. There are so many amazing places to EAT in North Pole and because North Pole is so small, it kind of doubles as a “thing to do”
Diners/Burgers
Little Richards Diner
2698 Hurst Rd, North Pole, AK 99705
This little air stream looking restaurant doesn’t look like much from the road (it is right off the main highway into North Pole by the firework stands) but what it lacks in appearance, it makes up in food sizes. This is an old school diner that makes pancakes as large as your head and gives you large meals for the price. The food is super good too!
Country Café 235 N Santa Claus Ln, North Pole, AK 99705
This is a cute little diner that again, doesn’t look like much but this diner is run by a nice family and the food is consistent. It’s also located in central North Pole so it’s easy to get to.
Chinese/Steak
Pagodas
(907) 488-3338
431 N Santa Claus Ln, North Pole, AK 99705
It is talked about around town that Pagodas, the Chinese restaurant has a pretty amazing steak – good Chinese too!
Fire Wok
249 N Santa Claus Ln, North Pole, AK 99705
This is like the fast food of Chinese in North Pole and their fry bread is amazing.
Mexican
Outlaw Tamales
302 N Santa Claus Ln, North Pole, AK 99705
This is located in a little hut by the Verizon store. Probably the best tamales around this area and consistently so.
Thai
Spicy Thai
1189 Old Richardson Hwy, Fort Wainwright, AK 99703
This place is kind of home town little food hut. They have amazing food but its only to go but don’t let the little house fool you, it’s got gold inside.
Thai House
537 St Nicholas Dr A, North Pole, AK 99705
I would almost drive from Fairbanks to have this food. The curries are amazing and the noodle dishes are consistently good as well. They also have a little Thai food store inside the diner that you can browse while you wait for your food – its small but has some interesting things
Random
The Elf’s Den
2552 Mistletoe Dr, North Pole, AK 99705
Known for their cal zones and what I would recommend getting.
The Crepery
235 N Santa Claus Ln Unit 7
A husband and wife started this business and brought what they know from France to us! They started in Fairbanks and have just recently opened the North Pole Branch- the crepes are sweet or savory – I’d recommend one of the cheesecake crepes or the mediterriaan crepe! Also the coffee is wonderful here
Sunrise Bagel & Espresso
(907) 455-9500
2860 Doughchee Ave, North Pole, AK 99705
Has the best soft serve in town and you can see their little coffee huts all over with little ice-cream cones on top of them. They also serve really amazing coffee and Bagel Sandwhiches, breakfast and lunch style!
Fast Food
These speak for themselves but I will add the contact information for your convenience.
Taco Bell
209 N Santa Claus Ln, North Pole, AK 99705
(907) 490-5990
Wendys
33 St Nicholas Dr, North Pole, AK 99705
(907) 385-0240
Subway
227 N Santa Claus Ln, North Pole, AK 99705
(907) 488-7444
Mcdonalds
352 N Santa Claus Ln, North Pole, AK 99705
(907) 488-7779
Great Alaska Pizza Company
3392 Badger Rd, North Pole, AK 99705
(907) 488-3733
Where to Hike/Camp
Chena Lakes
3779 Laurence Rd
North Pole, AK 99705
Phones: (907) 488-1655
To read my write up about Chena Lakes click Here. Chena lakes has alot of things to do including camping and hiking. There is a fee to camp but its a pretty neat little place to take the family.
Beaver Springs Nature Trail
Parking on 5th Avenue, A short little trail and might see some wildlife!
Bathing Beauty Pond
Nice for fishing/Trail walking
Moose Creek Bluff
A mile long walk up a little hill off the road to Eielson, AFB. Take a can of spraypaint, as the custom is to paint it when you visit!