Line 1 · Christmas & holiday
North Pole & Fairbanks with kids
Interior Alaska
Santa Claus House in North Pole, dog-sledding, Chena hot springs and good odds of seeing the northern lights.
−20°F is normal in December. Rent proper cold-weather gear.
Price it for your family from your ZIP →What it costs
Example for 2 adults and 2 kids, 5 days, including lodging, food and activities. Gas or flights depend on where you live, so price it from your ZIP for the full total.
| Where you stay | Estimated total* |
|---|---|
| Budget (1★) | $2,850 |
| Mid-range (3★) | $3,470 |
| Luxury (5★) | $5,350 |
*Planning estimate from typical recent prices, before travel, with an 8% buffer. Holiday weeks and school breaks cost more.
Best time to go
- JanGood
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprOff
- MayOff
- JunGood
- JulGood
- AugGood
- SepOff
- OctOff
- NovOff
- DecBest
Top attractions in Interior Alaska
- Santa Claus HouseNorth Pole
- Chena Hot Springs ResortAurora Ice Museum
- University of Alaska Museum of the NorthNorthern art and wildlife
- Pioneer ParkGold Rush town
- Running Reindeer RanchWalk with reindeer
- Fountainhead Antique Auto MuseumRare early cars
- Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors CenterFree exhibits
- Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl RefugeTrails
- Riverboat DiscoverySummer sternwheeler
- Gold Dredge 8Summer gold panning
Where to eat in Interior Alaska
- Pike's Landing$$Riverside American
- Lavelle's Bistro$$$Downtown Fairbanks
- Silver Gulch Brewing$$Fox
- Big Daddy's BBQ$$Southern BBQ
- The Cookie Jar$$Comfort food
- Lemongrass$$Thai
- Sam's Sourdough Cafe$Breakfast
- Chena Hot Springs Restaurant$$At the resort
Things to do
- Northern lights tourSeptember to April
- Dog sleddingMush your own team
- Soak at Chena Hot SpringsOutdoor rock lake
- Visit Santa's reindeerSanta Claus House
- Reindeer walkRunning Reindeer Ranch
- World Ice Art ChampionshipsFebruary to March
- Snowmachine tourGuided
- Ice fishingHeated huts
- Cross-country ski at Birch HillLit trails
- Mail letters with a North Pole postmarkNorth Pole post office
Places change. Tap any name to check it on Google Maps before you go.