North Pole is a home rule city in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, about 13 miles southeast of Fairbanks on the Richardson Highway. It had 2,243 residents in 2020 and is known for its Christmas theme and Santa Claus House.[1]
| Borough | Fairbanks North Star Borough |
|---|---|
| Population | 2,243 (2020) |
| Incorporated | 15 Jan 1953 |
| Elevation | 482 ft |
History and name
Bon V. and Bernice Davis homesteaded the central area in 1944. In 1952 the Dahl and Gaske Development Company bought, subdivided and renamed the homestead North Pole, hoping to attract a toy manufacturer. The city was incorporated in 1953 from parts of the Davis and James Ford homesteads; Ford became the first mayor.[1]
Santa Claus House
Conrad B. Miller opened a trading post on the highway in 1952 that became Santa Claus House, the town’s biggest attraction and home of its first post office for almost 20 years. It is known for the world’s largest fiberglass Santa Claus statue.[1]
FAQs
Is North Pole, Alaska, at the North Pole? No. It is near Fairbanks, far south of the geographic North Pole.
Why is it called North Pole? Developers chose the name hoping to attract a toy manufacturer.
How far is it from Fairbanks? About 13 miles.
Sources
Key facts
- Population 2,243 (2020)
- Named 1952
- Santa Claus House
Quick checkWhen was North Pole incorporated?Show answer
15 January 1953.
Sources
- Wikipedia. North Pole, Alaska. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-12)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 12, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue