by Holly, age 9 from North Pole, Alaska, asks Santa about towns named after him, her hometown’s real location, and the famous Santa Claus House.
Dear Santa, my name is Holly, and I am nine years old. I live in North Pole, Alaska, which my mom says is a real actual town, even though it is nowhere near the real geographic North Pole.
Dear Holly, your mom is exactly right, and I will admit the name has caused a fair bit of friendly confusion over the years, mine included at first.
Santa, I have three questions.
Is there a Santa Claus city? My friend at school did not believe me when I told her I actually live in a town called that.
There absolutely is, Holly, and you are living proof, right there in North Pole, Alaska. There is also a town called Santa Claus, Indiana, home to its own famous holiday attractions. Tell your friend Santa can personally confirm both exist.
My mom says North Pole, Alaska is actually located near Fairbanks, not at the true geographic North Pole. Is that true?
It is true, Holly, your town sits near Fairbanks, hundreds of miles south of the actual North Pole at the top of the globe. It earned its cheerful name to help attract visitors, and it has certainly worked, with streets named things like Santa Claus Lane.
My mom says our town has a famous shop called the Santa Claus House that gets visitors from all over the world. Is that true?
It is true, Holly, the Santa Claus House has welcomed visitors from every corner of the globe for decades, a beloved holiday landmark right there in your hometown. It is one of my favorite stops to check in on every single December.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Holly Bennett
North Pole, Alaska
P.S. Will you tell my friend at school my town is real, once and for all?
Consider it officially confirmed, Holly, right here in writing.
