North Pole Experience is a fun day trip

If you don’t have the time or means to trek to the top of the world, the North Pole Experience is an easy day trip from Phoenix.

The North Pole Experience in Flagstaff transports your family to Santa’s workshop where you can work alongside toybuilding elves. You won’t have to put in overtime, however, as the whole thing takes about 90 minutes and you can end your stay at the workshop with a visit with Santa himself.

Explore Santa’s workshop

The North Pole Experience starts with a trolley ride from the Little America Hotel through a forest lit with about a million Christmas lights.

Once you reach the workshop you’ll visit a variety of themed rooms where you can learn about various aspects of Santa’s operation. You can tour the factory floor, sit in on a class at Elf University (Northern Arizona University isn’t the only college in town), hear a story from Mrs. Claus, visit Santa’s mailroom and sample cookies and snowman soup at the bakery.

If your kids want to learn how Santa delivers all those toys in one night, they can check out Area 47, the hanger that’s home to his sleigh and the control center.

Take picture with Santa

The tour ends with a visit with Santa where kids receive a photo and teddy bear to take home.

The workshop is ADA-complaint. If you need additional accommodations such as a trolley with a wheelchair lift or an interpreter for the hearing impaired, contact the reservations desk in advance to make sure those services are available for your tour.

Daytime and evening tours available

Tours are offered during daytime and evening sessions. Families familiar with the experience note that the night-time tours offer the best views of the lighted forest trolley ride.

Check the weather and dress accordingly. Wear layers. It can be chilly in Flagstaff, particularly at night, but you’ll be indoors for the workshop.

Newbies or anyone looking for more information can visit the North Pole Experience Facebook page for reviews and tips from past visitors.

Arizona offers a rich variety of ways to celebrate the holidays, including a peek into Santa’s workshop at the North Pole Experience. Whether you want your Christmas warm or cold, the state hosts the festivity for you.

Children learn how Santa keeps his overnight delivery service humming during a tour at the North Pole Experience.

The elves are busy making toys at the North Pole Experience, which is next to the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff. NORTH POLE EXPERIENCE PHOTOS