North Pole, Christmas-themed city in Fairbanks North Star Borough, US.
North Pole is a small town in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, located about 20 minutes from Fairbanks. Candy cane streetlights, Christmas decorations, and themed street signs define the look of this permanently Christmas-themed community.
The settlement began as a residential development in the early 1950s and became an incorporated city in 1953. The name was chosen to attract toy manufacturers and later became the foundation for the Christmas theme.
The local post office receives thousands of letters to Santa Claus each year, which volunteers answer to keep the tradition alive. Street names like Santa Claus Lane and Mistletoe Lane shape the cityscape throughout the year.
The town sits near the Richardson Highway and is easily reached by car from Fairbanks. Visitors will find mostly family-friendly activities and Christmas-related shops open year-round.
The Santa Claus House, a large store with a giant Santa statue in front, draws visitors from around the world. The building also hosts live reindeer that can be observed in an outdoor enclosure.
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