Table Of Content
Rovaniemi—the administrative and commercial capital of Lapland, Finland's northernmost province—wasn't much of a tourist destination before Santa Claus came to town. Lapland had served as a sort of nebulous home base for Santa Claus in the European tradition ever since 1927, when a Finnish radio host proclaimed to know the secret of Santa’s hometown. He said it was in Korvatunturi, a mountainous region in Lapland shaped like the ears of a rabbit.
Writing Cultural Mythologies & Urban Legends With Colin Dickey
Now, people from all over the world can come and visit Santa right in his own home. For seventy years, we've put smiles on the faces of millions of children all over the world with our personalized Santa letters. "If you want to meet the real guy, you come here." But Brown admits there are other places that claim equal ownership to Santa’s legend. "From a competitive standpoint, if you want to call it that, Rovaniemi, Finland, would be our biggest competition." Thing didn't go according to plan—even with its location right on Richardson Highway, the Alaskan North Pole was too remote to sustain manufacturing and shipping.
Fairbanks Community Museum
Ever wondered if there’s a place where Christmas joy exists year-round? This enchanting destination is a must-see in Interior Alaska, drawing visitors globally with its festive allure. Located near Fairbanks, it’s a perfect addition to your Alaskan itinerary, offering a unique experience of Christmas magic regardless of the season. The real Santa Claus—the historical figure upon which the legend is based—never lived anywhere near the North Pole. Saint Nicholas of Myra was a fourth-century bishop who lived and died far from the Arctic Circle, in what is now Turkey. Nicholas was also a favorite among sailors, who prayed to him during rough seas.
Rites of Spring: Nature, Myth, and Legends
9 Biggest & Best Christmas Stores in the U.S. Where Holiday Shopping Never Ends - Time Out
9 Biggest & Best Christmas Stores in the U.S. Where Holiday Shopping Never Ends.
Posted: Fri, 20 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
No home is complete without a garage, and at Santa's, there's one that offers sleigh-size parking—a highly prized asset these days. The Santa Claus House offers a sweet shop with candies and fudge. Lines are a little longer during the Christmas season but if you visit during the summer you will get a lot of one on one attention. Visitors to the town will be greeted by not just it, but also a 42-foot-tall Fiberglas Santa Claus statue that stands on Richardson Highway. When Nellie and Con Miller arrived in Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1949, they didn’t have anything with them except for their two children and $1.40. Media coverage over the years has brought international fame to Santa Claus House.
Santa Claus House opened in 1952, but it wasn't immediately Christmas-themed. It was a general store typical of post-World War II Alaska, selling mostly dry goods and servicing people driving on the Richardson Highway or at nearby military bases. The store also had a soda fountain, which became a de facto watering hole for the growing local community. For 20 years, Santa Claus House was even the town's official post office. We stopped in Talkeetna and took a flightseeing tour that actually landed on Mt. Denali.
Mangyongdae Funfair
The postal tradition lives on—official Letters from Santa are postmarked from the North Pole and stamped with an official Santa seal. And today, the store includes live reindeer, a coffee shop, holiday gift items, the world’s largest Santa statue and, in summer months and over holidays, Santa himself. Originally, Santa Claus House doubled as a post office, with Nellie Miller as postmistress. The store, initially centered on children’s necessities, gradually shifted towards Christmas-themed items. In 1972, the Millers relocated the store to a more prominent highway location, further cementing its status as a festive destination. Santa Claus House in North Pole is more than just a destination; it’s an immersive Christmas wonderland.
Ester Gold Camp and Nenana: A Step Back in Time
There are over 60 vendors that line the streets with food, drinks, and Alaska-made gifts. North Pole, Alaska is a town with the Christmas spirit all year round. Everywhere you look there are candy cane striped poles and even the street signs are Christmas-oriented. We bring you not just authentic Alaska itineraries and insider tips but also a treasure trove of our own photos and first-hand experiences from the places we've explored and activities we've relished.
Today’s Hours
Con, driven to make a life in the harsh Alaskan landscape, turned to trade and fur buying. His transformation into Santa Claus during Christmas became a beacon of joy for local children. In 1952, the Millers established the Santa Claus House at the North Pole, initially a trading post providing essentials and serving as a community hub. Our visit to the North Pole was during an Alaskan road trip in August, returning from the Dalton Highway and the Arctic Circle.
Downtown Ketchikan Walking Tour: Must-See, Must-Do, Must-Eat
Even in summer, the Christmas magic at the Santa Claus House was palpable and joyfully infectious. If you are visiting Fairbanks, make sure to take a trip to Santa Clouse House, as it’s one of the top attractions in the Fairbanks area. While Alaska does not have the geographic North Pole, it boasts the charming town of North Pole, a slice of Christmas heaven. Known for its yuletide cheer, this town is famous for the Santa Claus House, where the spirit of Christmas thrives throughout the year. It’s a place that brings the mythical North Pole to life with endless decorations, Santa encounters, and a perpetual celebration of the festive season.
Beyond this Christmas wonderland, explore the nearby Chena Hot Springs and Chena Lake Recreation Area. Santa Claus House, a heartwarming symbol of Christmas joy since the 1950s, is a must-visit destination for a truly enchanting Alaskan experience. Con and Nellie Miller, arriving in Fairbanks in 1949 with little more than hope, laid the foundation for what would become an Alaskan icon.
Also new this year, Santa’s Village is going cash free and will only be accepting major credit cards, debit cards and Apple Pay, according to its website, santasvillagedundee.com. “Cash to card” kiosks will be set up to convert cash to prepaid Visa debit cards. The total layout for the North Pole Expedition, inside and outside, is about 10,000 square feet, Kosanovich said. The ride takes about three minutes, and requires two of Santa’s Helpers to operate. "If children are still awake when Santa arrives, he moves on to other houses. He returns later, but only when the children are asleep!" NORAD says. According to NORAD, it's impossible to know because only Santa knows his route.
Santa Claus House has grown into a landmark of the North Pole, Alaska, attracting visitors worldwide. Today, it offers a variety of attractions, including meeting Santa, photo opportunities, and a chance to immerse in a magical Christmas environment all year round. Delight in the magic of the holiday season at Santa's enchanting, 400-year-old workshop. Join us for an unforgettable North Pole Experience inside the toy factory, Mrs. Claus' Bakery, Elf University, Santa's Sleigh Hanger, and family time and photos with St. Nick himself. The next time you hear that question, you can answer with a link to a Zillow listing.
Inside the unique Christmas-themed MCDONALD'S in the North Pole - which boasts an array of specialty items, in - Daily Mail
Inside the unique Christmas-themed MCDONALD'S in the North Pole - which boasts an array of specialty items, in.
Posted: Tue, 19 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
It’s renowned for an array of Christmas ornaments, decorations, and unique gifts, transforming it into a veritable Christmas wonderland. There are also cool activities for anyone coming to Fairbanks during winter’s aurora-watching season. Ice art spectators can also find their way through an ice maze or ride down an ice slide. The exhibit stays up throughout December—and plenty of folks even make this a destination on Christmas Day.
In 1972, Alaska rerouted the Richardson Highway, moving it away from the front door of Santa Clause House. By that time the store's purpose had also shifted, from dry goods to Santa-themed tourism. The Millers built a new storefront on the new highway, slowly but surely phasing out their inventory of canned goods in favor of Christmas trinkets. Around 1952, the Millers decided to put down permanent roots and set up a trading post outside Fairbanks, near the Davis homestead in what would later be called the North Pole. One day, a group of children who had seen him dressed as Santa drove by and called out, "Hello Santa Claus, are you building a house?" An idea was born.
Build toys with the elves and make lifetime memories with friends and family. NORTH POLE -- For the first time, Santa's house jumped in value to more than $1 million, according to real estate website Zillow. There is also a Candle-light processional when a king and queen are chosen. It is a fun festival to get you into the Christmas spirit and one of the best things to do in North Pole, Alaska during the Christmas season.
These delightful letters are dispatched in early December, ensuring they arrive in time to add sparkle to your Christmas celebrations. Each letter is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the individual child’s life, making it a deeply personal and memorable experience. Printed on exclusive stationery only available at Santa Claus House, these letters are a keepsake your child will treasure. What’s more, they’re mailed directly from the North Pole, complete with a genuine address for children to write back to Santa.
No comments:
Post a Comment