North Pole, Alaska: Celebrate the Holidays everyday
Merry Christmas…in July? In North Pole, Alaska, it’s a festive season year-round. From Santa Claus to street poles resembling candy canes, this town celebrates the holiday season so sweetly, Hallmark is jealous. Has there been a Hallmark movie based in this town?
The epicenter of the holiday town is Santa Claus House, located on St. Nicholas Boulevard. Standing out in the landscape with its candy cane-inspired exterior, murals wrapped around the building like a present under the tree help set the stage for a visit.
Visitors are greeted in the parking lot by a 42-foot-tall Santa Claus engrossed in checking his list. Made of fiberglass, Santa weighs 900 lbs.
Built for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, Santa Claus House bought the sculpture in 1978, putting him on display in 1983, where he’s greeted visitors since.
Santa Claus House is a store, above all else. But, what a store! Any Christmas fanatic (raises hand) can spend an entire holiday season here. If you happen to be a Grinch or Scrooge (I’m not necessarily accusing my traveling partner of being one), you may find yourself longing to develop a plan to overtake the store.
Christmas displays of trees rival those of any home. I have acquaintances who decorate several trees in their homes during the holidays. Ornaments of all shapes and sizes, lights, glitter embrace trees clinging to grab the attention of passers-by. Life-size Santas of all eras (Victorian to today) add to the scenery.
Nutcrackers of all persuasions – from traditional wooden soldier nutcrackers to the “Old Man” from “A Christmas Story” – hang out on a wall, waiting to be selected and taken to a Christmas-loving home. How about an “Elf” nutcracker?
Figurines galore call Santa Claus House home. Of course, your standard figures are available – Santa, reindeer, trees. How about your very own “Frosty the Snowman,” who won’t melt?
Santa Claus’ postal center offers an opportunity to have letters sent to friends and family. Whether you want a loving, sappy letter from Santa or you prefer bawdy, raunchy, “You’ve been bad” letters, they have something for everyone.
Of course, the Jolly Old Elf, himself, sits on a throne checking his list. Are you on the good list? Or the bad list? I have heartbreaking news for some of you. Technically, it’s not too late for you to find your way to the good list, but seriously, are you even going to try?
Santa welcomes kids of all ages to his lap, sharing their list of preferred gifts. If you have loved one who insists on gifts only from the list, let’s hope Santa Claus knows.
Santa Claus House is missing one thing – a wreath made of bacon. Hmmm…
Driving around town, streetlights are decorated like candy canes. Sadly, they don’t taste like candy canes. Don’t ask how I know, but thank goodness it wasn’t below freezing that day (think schoolyard triple dog dares).
The United States Post Office even celebrates the season daily. I wonder if gifts sent there are delivered on time. I kid.
Whether you’re a Grinch or a gingerbread cookie with gumball buttons, a visit to North Pole, Alaska, may be the only gift you’ll ever want for Christmas.
Merry Christmas in July!
