North Pole

Turns out the North Pole isn't as far as you might think! This Alaska town has Christmas spirit all year round with the Santa Claus House, the world’s largest Santa (standing nearly 50ft!), live reindeer, candy cane-striped lamp posts, and fun street names like Kris Kringle Drive and Snowman Lane. After shopping for gifts and posing with Santa, mail your holiday cards or letters to loved ones with a genuine North Pole postmark. As a bonus, you might even glimpse the wondrous Northern Lights.

Celebrate Christmas any time of year with a trip to the Santa Claus House. Stroll through the magical winter wonderland to shop Santa’s Workshop for unique toys, North Pole apparel, and Alaska-made gifts. Sample fudge, cookies, and other treats while looking for the jolly man himself.

Take a photo with Santa in his sleigh or in front of the 43-foot, wooden Santa statue. Parents can coordinate for their children that are on the nice list to receive personalized letters from Santa.

Located next to the main house, the Antler Academy is where Santa’s reindeer team lives. Visit the reindeer pen to learn about all their reindeer games as you pet and feed the animals. After experiencing the childhood magic of Christmas, purchase a one-of-a-kind Alaska ornament to commemorate the trip.

Food Network’s Guy Fieri traveled to the North Pole to sample his favorite holiday dishes for his hit series “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives.” Embark on a culinary tour to his must-see restaurants including Big Daddy’s BBQ & Banquet serving Southern dishes with northern flare. The restaurant offers smoked turkey and beef brisket.

Fans of “A Christmas Story” can live out the movie at Pagoda Restaurant. Fieri’s team recommends the Santa Claus Lane dining spot for Asian eats with an Alaska twist — Alaska king-crab legs with ginger and the famous Pagoda steak. Or indulge in a decadent, traditional Christmas at Country Cafe, known for its cranberry glazed ham, holiday turkey dinner, and homemade stuffing. Try the reindeer sausage hoagie or almond-crusted beef tournedos with brown gravy and béarnaise at Elf’s Den & Lounge, where it’s always Christmas. Other Fieri-recommended eateries near North Pole include the Cookie Jar Restaurant in Fairbanks and the Silver Gulch Brewing and Bottling Co in Fox.