santa house tour

A holiday tradition for generations.

For more than seventy years, we've put smiles on the faces of millions of children all over the world with our personalized Santa letters.

Where it's Christmas Every Day!

Enjoy a delicious piece of fudge, coffee, cookies, chocolates, or candy from The Sweet Shop while you browse, and remember to bring your camera for some memorable photos. A variety of unique photo opportunities and special displays are available throughout the building. Of course, don't forget to have your picture taken with the jolly man himself.

Outside, have a seat in Santa's sleigh, which is parked just in front of the World's Largest Santa - a larger-than-life three dimensional Santa statue standing nearly 50 feet tall. A variety of murals and exciting display windows adorn the front of the building, and other great surprises abound across the property.

After you've selected the perfect gift, mail your cards and letters to friends and family back home from right here at Santa Claus House to receive a genuine North Pole postmark.

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Santa's hours.

Step Inside Santa's North Pole Retreat (We're Totally Stealing These Rustic Decorating Ideas)

You've got to see the Elf Village of tiny houses.

Now, as it turns out, the North Pole is a pretty good place to invest in real estate because over the last six years the 25-acre property has increased in value from $650,000 to $1,154,137, according to Zillow's estimate. And, more importantly, this 200-year-old log cabin gem is brimming with rustic Christmas charm and cozy everyday decorating ideas you can use. So, this holiday, head to the full tour of Santa's home on Zillow for fun with this kids, but in the meantime, here's a look at the Country Living editors' 10 favorite things about the jolly guy's home style.

Cute Signage

A vintage-style road sign points the way to Santa's toy shop and reindeer stables. You might not have as may outbuildings as the big guy, but you can use this idea at home to point to your herb garden or the kids' treehouse.

Mudroom Nook

In a snowy locale like the North Pole, a mudroom is essential but doesn't have to be big (or even a room), as this nook proves. A bench for taking boots on and off, a coat rack, and space to store that overflowing bag of letters to Santa is really all you need.

Cookie Oven

What baker wouldn't love this cozy kitchen? Merry red accents are just the thing to balance the warm natural wood tones, but the star of this kitchen is the 12-setting cookie oven, which has specialized settings to bake all your Christmas cookies to perfection, whether crispy, chewy, or soft—including a gingerbread house setting. (An elf invention, the cookie oven is not currently available to the public.) Also in this open concept living area is a river stone fireplace for roasting chestnuts.

See more rustic kitchen ideas .

(Almost) Screen-Free Office

Okay, there are some things Santa has to pull out the laptop for, but otherwise he keeps it old-school with a rotary phone, typewriter, and a globe and maps for planning his routes. There are so many home office ideas to love here: (1) the desk made from a repurposed door and saw horses, (2) the antique shelf with tiny cubbies used for organizing supplies, and (3) the cozy vibes brought by the handwoven rug and plaid throw draped over a leather wing chair. And, of course, a crafty guy like Santa must have a sewing table in this office.

Mad for Plaid

Santa and Mrs. Claus use plaid accents throughout their North Pole cabin, but in the main bedroom it takes centerstage. All the fresh evergreen garlands paired with the classic pattern reminds us of another charming tartan-filled Christmas house tour .

Tiny House Inspiration

You know we love our tiny houses . But did you know Santa's elves started the trend? It's a little-known fact, Zillow reports . The Elf Village on Santa's property features an array of architectural styles and ingenious small-space decorating ideas .

Rough-Hewn Staircase

You might not expect such a chunky staircase in such a small space, but this hewn log staircase totally works.

Bucket Sink and Mason Jar Pendant Light

Does this elf read Country Living because we appear to share a love for clever ways to repurpose galvanized buckets and mason jars in home decor.

Also, that cheeseboard reminds us that we need to head to the store for some light Christmas lunch foods to tide everyone over till the big feast.

White Paint for a Small Kitchen

White kitchens are a classic for a reason. The light and airy shade really opens up this tiny elf kitchen that miraculously fits a farmhouse table for six and a Christmas tree.

Each elf's home reflects their unique aesthetic, interests, and backgrounds—and the yoga space incorporated into this Eastern-influenced design reminds us that there is always, always room for a yoga mat.

Terri Robertson is the Senior Editor, Digital, at Country Living, where she shares her lifelong love of homes, gardens, down-home cooking, and antiques. 

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This amazing log cabin was made for Santa Claus and his family — take a peek!

If you've always wondered what it looks like inside Santa Claus' cozy log cabin, here's your chance. It has quickly become one of the most viewed homes in the Arctic, having just appeared on Zillow with a Zestimate of $656,957.

It’s the first peek fans and believers have had of Santa Claus’ log cabin, a toy-lover’s paradise set on 25 idyllic acres at the North Pole – where you can even watch it snow .

RELATED: Here's what it's like living in a town that celebrates Christmas year-round

A roaring fire in the living room’s river rock fireplace is perfect for roasting chestnuts, while the gourmet kitchen boasts an oven with 12 different cookie settings.

For an even cozier time, cuddle close to the wood-burning stove in the guest suite, or snuggle up in the bunk-bed loft.

Tiptoe down the hall to Santa’s study, where the jolly fellow’s writing desk is flanked by the same sewing table he used to create the original teddy bear.

“Millions of kids are looking forward to a visit from Santa this year, and now they have the opportunity to virtually visit Santa’s house themselves,” said Zillow Chief Marketing Officer Jeremy Wacksman.

Santa’s home measures 2,500 square feet, with three bedrooms and two baths, and Zillow forecasts it will appreciate 2.2 percent over the next year.

• An Insider’s Look at Santa’s House
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Santa Claus House

Top ways to experience Santa Claus House and nearby attractions

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Santa Claus House (North Pole) - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

• (0.74 km) Hotel North Pole
• (0.62 km) Beaver Lake Resort
• (0.76 km) North Pole Cabins
• (0.71 km) North Pole Cabin Retreat
• (15.17 km) A Taste of Alaska Lodge
• (0.28 km) Wendy's
• (0.46 km) North Pole Crepery
• (0.63 km) Pagoda Restaurant
• (0.40 km) Outlaw Tamales
• (0.46 km) Country Cafe
• (4.40 km) Rod's Alaskan Guide Service
• (3.96 km) Alaska Wildlife Guide LLC
• (14.67 km) Paws for Adventure
• (2.03 km) The Screaming Weasel Gift Shop
• (15.36 km) Aurora Pointe

Santa's 25-acre North Pole home is now worth over $1 million — and it has hot cocoa on tap, according to Zillow

• Santa's fictional cabin is once again available for viewing on real estate site Zillow.
• The 25-acre property was valued at $650,000 in 2016 and is worth an estimated $1.1 million in 2022.
• Santa's house is one of Zillow's most viewed homes, according to the company. 

Zillow has launched a 3D-tour of Santa's fictional 25-acre North Pole compound that includes an "Elf Village" made up of tiny homes and lots of red accents around the main cabin.

According to the off-market listing , Santa's home is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom cabin built in 1822 and "steeped in Old World charm." The property features reindeer stables, a sleigh parking garage, and a toy workshop for an estimated $1.1 million.

Related stories

Although the listing is all in good fun, it's become one of Zillow's most-viewed homes on the site since it was first published in 2016, the company wrote in an official release.  

In true Santa fashion, the listing boasts an oven with 12 different cookie settings and "cocoa on tap." According to the release from Zillow, the home was only worth $650,000 when Kris Kringle laid his claim to it six years ago. Its value has increased nearly 77% since then.

"Santa gets a peek into millions of homes each year. Now, millions of Zillow surfers are getting a peek into one of the most famous homes in the world," said Amanda Pendleton, Zillow's home trends expert.

She continued: "Touring Santa's house on Zillow has become a new, high-tech holiday tradition."

In addition to touring St. Nick's cabin, users can also tour three tiny homes on the property as part of Elf Village — a part of the property added to the listing in 2017.

There's also a link to the North American Aerospace Defense Command's Santa Tracker, which tracks his route around the globe on Christmas Eve. NORAD has operated the Santa tracker since 1958, according to its official site . 

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Santa’s Home Base: Top Things to do in North Pole Alaska

Published: october 16, 2019.

Home » Epic Locations » Santa’s Home Base: Top Things to do in North Pole Alaska

Christmas in Alaska might only arrive in late December, but the holiday season and spirit are celebrated year-round in the quaint and whimsical town of North Pole, Alaska. No, this isn’t the North Pole set deep in the icy Arctic at the top of the world. Whether you’re seeking a winter wonderland experience or a summer retreat, there are plenty of things to do in North Pole, Alaska to enchant every traveler. Without further ado, let’s dive in.

Where is the North Pole in Alaska?

North Pole is a welcoming commuter community about a 15-minute sleigh ride (or an even shorter drive) from Fairbanks and close to Ft. Wainwright and Eielson Air Force Base in the heart of Alaska’s Interior region . It is a whimsical destination that captures the essence of the holiday season and offers a unique blend of winter wonderland charm and year-round allure.

Santa Claus House in North Pole Alaska near Fairbanks.

Things to Do in North Pole Alaska: A Festive Adventure Awaits

We always get asked from customers “what to do in north pole alaska” or “is there anything at the north pole”. The truth is, Alaska’s North Pole is home to a unique blend of festive attractions, serene natural beauty, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere . While it may not be as busy as Anchorage or other big Alaskan cities, your Alaska winter tour will be incomplete without a trip to the North Pole. Below we have captured some of the best things to see and do during your trip to this cute yet magical destination.

Source: content.time.com

Visit the Santa Claus House in North Pole Alaska

No visit to the North Pole would be complete without a visit to the iconic Santa Claus House , a true embodiment of Christmas spirit. Inside the Santa Claus House, visitors can meet the man himself, Santa (and sometimes Mrs. Claus, too), for a chat and a photo, as well as shop for holiday gifts, ornaments and memorabilia, and even purchase personalized letters from Santa for the well-behaved children in their lives.

You’ll actually see Santa’s presence long before you pull into the Santa Claus House parking lot at Santa Claus House with arguably the world’s largest Santa statue, complete with an abbreviated Naughty/Nice list looming over the property. Stand at his feet for a perfect pose – #SantaSelfie! It’s almost comical for summer visitors to take this image, sweating under the Interior’s very warm and very bright Midnight Sun, as the symbol of white Christmases and winter cheer stands over their shoulder. Nearby there’s even a pen of reindeer, who are clearly enjoying a relaxing life of carb-loading before their long night of flight on December 24.

Inside the Santa Claus House, visitors can meet the man himself, Santa (and sometimes Mrs. Claus, too), for a chat and a photo, as well as shop for holiday gifts, ornaments and memorabilia, and even purchase personalized letters from Santa for the well-behaved children in their lives.

Unleash Your Inner Child at Santa’s Workshop

Step into the world of imagination at Santa’s Workshop, where elves are busy crafting toys and preparing for Christmas. Let your inner child run wild as you explore the workshop and create your own Christmas-themed souvenir. Speaking of Christmas letters, hundreds of thousands of messages either addressed to Santa from children or requesting a North Pole postmark on cards from families and individuals arrive from around the world at the North Pole’s post office each year. Santa’s little helpers (community volunteers) do their jolly best to make sure every message gets a reply and/or the polar postmark.

Explore the Quirky Streets

Upon arriving, it doesn’t take long to realize this isn’t “Anytown”, U.S.A. North Pole’s quirky-name roadways including Santa Claus Lane, Mistletoe Lane, St. Nicholas Drive, Snowman Lane and Kris Kringle Drive have jumbo candy canes dangling along them, while some businesses and residences are also adorned with their festive finest. What else would you expect from a town that at one time ambitiously hoped to be a toy factory headquarters

Witness the Spectacle of North Pole’s Holiday Festival

Winter is when the North Pole truly lives up to its name. This town has a big holiday festival around Christmas time, complete with a tree lighting ceremony, mesmerising fireworks, and festive performances. That event certainly feels more like what you’d expect from a town called North Pole, as temps hover around zero.

Unwind at the Chena River and Chena Lakes

In the summer, the North Pole is warm and welcoming – an excellent destination for Alaska travelers who are looking for an easy-going place to pitch a tent or park an RV along the Chena River or at the nearby Chena Lakes, which are tranquil and excellent for recreational swimming, kayaking and fishing .

Admire the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and Witness the Majestic Wildlife

While Santa is North Pole’s unrivaled star resident, another icon passes through North Pole: the engineering marvel Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Consider booking a north pole tour from Fairbanks , which features a guided trip to the Museum of the North, Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and the north pole Santa Claus house.

For a glimpse into the Alaskan wildlife, embark on a wildlife viewing tour or simply venture into the surrounding forests, where moose, bears, and other creatures may make an appearance. The reindeer, however, are perfectly content to stay put at the Santa Claus House.

Trans Alaska Oil Pipeline view.

North Pole, Alaska : A Year-Round Gem

From the twinkling lights and festive cheer of Christmas to the serene beauty of summer retreats, North Pole, Alaska, is a destination that enchants visitors throughout the year. Whether you’re seeking a magical holiday experience or a tranquil escape into nature’s embrace, North Pole offers a unique blend of attractions and activities that will leave you with lasting memories of a truly extraordinary destination.

Experience a Magical North Pole Alaska Christmas

As you plan your Alaska Christmas vacation, consider the North Pole, a town where the spirit of Christmas lives on all year round. There are plenty of things to do in North Pole Alaska and its surrounding areas that can elevate your tour experience to another level. Embark on a dog sledding expedition in Fairbanks , or experience the rustic comfort of Alaska’s Arctic Circle in winter in a lodge-based winter adventure – perfect for viewing the Northern Lights . 

Alaska Tours offers a variety of winter packages and excursions to suit every traveler’s preference, ensuring an memorable experience in the heart of Alaska’s winter magic.  Contact us to learn more about our North Pole tours, and book your unforgettable Alaskan adventure today

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Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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