Now in its 17th year, the North Pole Experience draws families into Santa’s 400-year-old Workshop with immersive experiences, elf-led adventures, and magic around every corner.
Across the country, families are dashing through snow (and airports) in search of holiday experiences worthy of a Christmas classic. Nearly 79 percent of Americans say they’ll attend a holiday-themed event this season—from glittering light shows to gingerbread-studded festivals—making yuletide pageantry the new gold standard of the holidays.
Well before immersive attractions became a trend, an Arizona family created an experience so carefully designed, so rich in theatrical detail, and so warmly received that nearly three-quarters of a million visitors have already passed through its doors. This season, the North Pole Experience (NPX) in Flagstaff, Arizona, celebrates welcoming its 750,000th guest with more than $240,000 in recent upgrades and enough magic to melt even the grinchiest spirit.
Here, families don’t just watch Christmas unfold—they tumble headlong into it. The journey begins aboard a magical trolley powered by the Aurora Borealis. A glowing portal whisks riders to the North Pole, where 400-year-old English oak doors creak open to reveal Santa’s Grand Workshop. Inside, half a million pieces of décor, antique toys, and Broadway-caliber sets conspire to create a storybook world where every corner hums with wonder. Every moment at NPX is interactive, inviting families to feel, play, and become part of the Christmas magic itself.
“It’s a place where generations can experience magic together, hand in hand,” said Scott Pace, Creator and Founder of NPX. “What began as a dream for our own children has grown into a tradition for families across the country. Welcoming our 750,000th guest this season is a milestone that humbles us—and this year, we’re weaving in new touches for both first-time visitors and returning believers.”
Santa, never one to be outshined, adds with a wink: “The Naughty & Nice list is polished, the elves are busy, and my Workshop doors are about to swing wide. Families will find interactive experiences, sparkling décor, and a few merry surprises tucked here and there. Some are easy to spot, others you’ll discover only if you look closely—that’s half the fun.”
2025 Highlights of the North Pole Experience:
Magical Trolley Ride: Climb aboard the enchanted trolley and let the Aurora Borealis power your ride through the portal. Begin and end your adventure at the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff, the official gateway to the North Pole.
Toy Hall of Fame: March beside the proud Toy Soldiers and explore a dazzling collection of Santa’s most iconic creations from the past 100 years.
Santa’s Original Workshop: Step back in time to where Christmas magic first sparked to life. Wander through Santa’s legendary workshop and see where the very first toys were made.
Santa’s Assembly Room: Grab your tools and dive in with the elves. Build, craft, and share the spirit of giving as toys for children everywhere come to life before your eyes.
Toy Factory Experience: Jump into the action as teddy bear production kicks into high gear. The elves need your help to keep the line moving, with playful surprises popping up along the way.
Elf University (EU): Explore, tinker, and discover the secrets of flight that power Santa’s sleigh. Feel the magic in motion and graduate with your own Honorary Elf Diploma.
Mrs. Claus’s Bakery: Sip cocoa, chat with Mrs.Claus, and dance with bakery elves while nibbling on warm Yetti-O mini doughnuts.
Santa’s Mailroom: Dash into the bustling heart of the North Pole, where you’ll write your wishlist and watch elves sort letters from children all around the world.
Area 47 Sleigh Hangar: Sneak behind the scenes into Santa’s top-secret Mission Control. Spot reindeer, marvel at the sleigh, and uncover classified Christmas magic.
Santa Visit: Step into Santa’s parlor for a private, heartfelt moment. Families leave with a keepsake gift for each child and complimentary digital photos to treasure forever.
Voted Arizona’s Best Holiday Experience for Children in seven of the last nine years, NPX has grown into more than a seasonal outing—it’s a pilgrimage. Families fly in from across the country, often in matching pajamas, to step through the Magic Portal into a cinematic Christmas world. And Flagstaff itself has become part of the tradition, with the North Pole Experience fueling hotels, restaurants, and shops with festive cheer as snow-dusted streets echo the merriment of Santa’s Workshop.
The North Pole Experience runs November 15–December 24, 2025. Tickets range from $52 to $76, and advance reservations are strongly encouraged as the event sells out annually. For details and tickets, visit northpoleexperience.com.
