Getting North Pole postmark advice

Question

I am motivated in sending my nieces and nephews and other family members some postcards that have the North Pole postmark. I won't have a car and looking up the bus to Santa's House it is 50 minutes from Springhill Suites which seems a long time just to send a postcard and visit what seems to be just a gift shop. The North Pole post office on Badger Lane is closer but I would still be stuck then waiting for the return bus with nothing else around it.

I wonder if anyone has recommendations of any place else that would be on a bus route that has a post office drop box that might be more worthwhile such as a strip mall that has a restaurant or store, etc but is in the North Pole post office area that would better to kill time while waiting for the bus back?

Answer

Visiting the North Pole post office in Fairbanks to get the special North Pole postmark is a fun tradition, but without a car, it does require some planning if you’re relying on public transportation. You are correct that Santa’s House is about 50 minutes by bus from SpringHill Suites, and while it’s a charming stop, it mainly consists of a gift shop with a small area to drop postcards, so it may not be the most time-efficient option.

The North Pole post office on Badger Road is closer to the main town area, but as you noted, it’s not surrounded by restaurants or stores. To make the trip more worthwhile while waiting for the bus back, consider these nearby options:

North Pole City Hall / Visitor Center area: A few blocks away from the post office, there are small local shops and cafes where you can grab a coffee or snack.
Fred Meyer or small strip malls along the Richardson Highway: These are within walking distance from some bus stops near the post office and allow you to browse stores, get refreshments, or even pick up souvenirs.
Local restaurants: There are a handful of fast casual spots or diners along Badger Road where you can have a meal while waiting for the bus. Options like the Sourdough Coffee or Bear’s Den Cafe provide a cozy spot to sit and relax.

Other tips to make the trip smoother:

Check the bus schedule carefully and plan your postcard drop-off around the bus timings to minimize waiting. The local bus service can be infrequent, so buffer extra time.
Bring something to read or a small activity if you anticipate some waiting time, especially if you end up in a gift shop or a small café with limited seating.
Consider combining the North Pole post office stop with other small local attractions nearby, like the famous Christmas Tree House or roadside Christmas decorations along the main street, to make the outing more enjoyable.

Overall, the most practical approach without a car is to use the closer North Pole post office on Badger Road and plan a short walk or café stop nearby while waiting for your return bus, rather than making the longer trip to Santa’s House.