There’s something about an impending move that really fuels your adventurous spirit – or maybe that’s just me. However, knowing that we’re moving this summer has encouraged us to really take a good, long look at our Fort Wainwright bucket list to see what we can actually accomplish before we PCS. Honestly, it’s not nearly as much as we’d hoped to accomplish, but we’re doing the things we can and making the most of our remaining time in Alaska. So, whilst Ryan is TDY (again), the kids and I spent Spencer’s birthday last week visiting the Santa Claus House in North Pole.
The Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska
I know what you’re thinking; there’s an actual Santa Claus house? Yes, my friends, there is. If you’ve followed me for some time, you likely know that tourist attractions aren’t always my cup of tea, but this is one of those “when in Rome” sort of things. How many people can say that they lived 30 minutes from North Pole, Alaska, or that they saw Santa? I’ve put this one off because it can get crazy crowded with tourists during the holiday season, but last week felt like the perfect time to go.
The Santa Claus House is a North Pole fixture. The original Santa Claus House began as a trading post in 1952, offering basic necessities outside of Fairbanks proper, but it slowly evolved into a little gathering place of sorts, serving as a mail contract station and a place where locals could enjoy a soda together. In 1972, it grew into the location it is today, offering a renewed emphasis on Christmas treasures, adding a new wing, as well as the 42-foot tall Santa you’ll see out front today. It’s been a North Pole staple since.
What to Do at the Santa Claus House
In visiting the Santa Claus House, I knew it was going to be one of those “one-and-done” adventures, but our goal was to meet Santa and to let each of the kids pick a new ornament for our Christmas tree, which is a yearly tradition of ours. We also really wanted to see the Light the World Giving Machines that are currently at the Santa Claus House through December 12, 2024.
The Giving Machines are a unique way to give back during the holiday season, and it’s the first time Interior Alaska has had one. They’re heading down to Anchorage later this week. The kids each got to choose one vending item to give. Spencer chose 100 polio vaccines, Mieke chose tuition assistance for preschoolers, and Porter chose a chicken for a rural family.
During the summer months, visitors flock to the Antler Academy next door where you can see and interact with the reindeer team. It’s closed during the winter months, but you can view them via a pedestrian path during store hours. The Santa Claus House is, essentially, a place where Christmas lives all year long – and yes, it’s beautiful, and warm, and inviting (and expensive).
Is the Santa Claus House Worth it?
I’ll always say that I’ve never regretted an adventure or an outing, and the Santa Claus House is no exception. It was a fun, cute one to experience with the kids, and I’m really glad that we were able to visit during the week when it was quieter. Would we go again? Probably not, but I’m glad we went. It’s one of those local fixtures that just makes sense here, and yes, the kids enjoyed it.
Tips for Visiting the Santa Claus House
Address: 101 St. Nicholas Drive, North Pole, AK 99705
Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM (exceptions – closed December 25, 26, and 27, January 1, 2, and 3, Easter Sunday, and Thanksgiving Day)
Santa’s Hours: September 1 – November 10 – Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM; November 11 – December 31 – daily 10 AM to 6 PM
Tips for Visiting the Santa Claus House: If visiting during the holidays, it can get really busy on the weekends. If you can manage it, go early on a weekday to see Santa and explore the store in a quieter environment. If visiting in the summer, lots of the cruise companies stop by, and it can get extremely crowded. Also, it’s pricey. They accept all major cards, and there is an ATM out front.