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Voted “Best Holiday Experience for Children” by Arizona Foothills Magazine readers in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025 the North Pole Experience™ is the critically acclaimed Santa Experience located in the idyllic and breath-taking resort ski/summer destination of Flagstaff, AZ.
A Christmas Adventure of a Lifetime, the North Pole Experience starts by taking families on a trolley ride through the magic portal to Santa’s massive workshop in the middle of the forest. Once you arrive, Santa’s Workshop is a complete, hands-on experience for children and parents. Families work side-by-side with the elves, building toys and learning Santa’s Workshop secrets. They receive access to Santa’s main factory floor, attend Elf University, visit with Mrs. Claus, and enjoy Yetti-O’s and snowman soup in the bakery. Don’t forget Santa’s mailroom and his top-secret “Area 47” Sleigh Hangar, featuring his famous sleigh, mission control center, radar systems, and more. End the 1 hour 40 minute (approx.) experience with a private family visit with Santa himself.
The Little America Hotel in Flagstaff, AZ is the official North Pole Experience Trolley Departure Station, with 500 acres of beautiful private forest and decked out in over a million Christmas lights for the holiday season. Guests need to plan on arriving at the hotel at least 45 minutes prior to their scheduled departure time for Check-In; 2515 E. Butler Ave. Flagstaff, AZ 86004.
NO. Little America and the North Pole Experience partner together to make NPX happen, but we are two separate companies.
Breakfast with Santa is run by Little America.
Arizona has two (2) popular Christmas attractions, The North Pole Experience™ home of Santa’s Workshop in Flagstaff, Arizona, and the Polar Express train ride in Williams, AZ.
The North Pole Experience is a 1 hour and 40 minutes adventure INSIDE Santa’s Magical Workshop. Voted Arizona’s “Best Holiday Experience for Children” in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024 and 2025 by Arizona Foothills magazine, the entire experience is a magical, hands-on interactive adventure with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and all his elves. The North Pole Experience includes private family time with Santa, cocoa and a special treat in Mrs. Claus’s bakery, a complimentary digital photograph with Santa, and a Commemorative gift for each child* from Santa himself. (*1 gift per each paid Child’s ticket)
The Polar Express(TM) is a separate attraction in Williams, Arizona where you experience a train ride on The Polar Express™, where the children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg is read. The train travels to the North Pole village, where Santa boards the train and walks through each train car to say hello to the children. The Polar Express includes cocoa, a cookie, and a bell from Santa. You stay on the train for the entire trip. (Photos with Santa may be taken and purchased separately at the depot station)
The North Pole Experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes (100 minutes) from the time of departure from Little America to your arrival back at the hotel. Times may vary depending on weather, and/or unforeseen circumstances.
Little America Hotel, The North Pole Experience Trolley Departure Station, has over a million Christmas lights on display allowing night-time guests to enjoy the ambiance of the stunning hotel lights. You are also able to experience the lights of the Aurora Borealis at the fire pit! Booking a day ticket? Don't worry! The magic happens inside Santa’s Workshop and the experience is the same whether day or night. Please see the Buy Tickets page on our website to view a Checklist of everything included in your ticket.
Small strollers and small personal items are permitted and will be stored underneath the trolley buses during your travel to the North Pole and Santa’s Workshop. Upon arrival, your trolley driver will retrieve your stroller for you to take inside the workshop and will stow it away for you again on your ride back to the hotel. No personal items or strollers may be left on the trolley throughout your tour. Large strollers or wagon-style strollers are not permitted. If you have a non-ticketed infant, they are considered a lap child for the bus ride to and from Santa’s Workshop and must ride on an adult’s lap.
Be prepared for winter conditions and colder weather! Children and parents are encouraged to dress in pajamas or a Christmas outfit with boots or shoes, and a jacket! PJs are a tradition for many families!
*This is a family-friendly event and clothes must be appropriate.
Remember, these are memories that last a lifetime on those cameras! The trolleys and workshop are heated and families will be outside for a few minutes to board and depart the trolley. Once inside Santa’s Workshop, children can roll up their pajama sleeves and work side-by-side with Santa’s elves to build toys! After your visit with Santa, you will be outside for a few minutes around our large fire pit as you wait for your trolley to arrive.
In Mrs. Claus’ Bakery, all guests are served Snowman Soup and Yetti-O’s (hot cocoa and mini doughnuts). Our treats are not gluten, dairy, or nut-free; however, an allergy-friendly treat is available upon entering the bakery. Just let an elf know of your allergy and they will be happy to accommodate you!
Yes! If someone in the group needs to use the restroom, please let an elf know and someone will escort you to the bathroom as soon as possible.
We highly recommend using the restroom at Little America Hotel if there is time before you board your trolley there is only one restroom at the workshop!