North Pole, Alaska is a quirky, livable small town built around year‑round Christmas charm (Santa Claus House, festive events) with easy access to classic Alaskan outdoor life—northern lights, snowmobiling and cross‑country skiing in winter and long daylight summers for hiking, fishing and river trips.
About 15 miles from Fairbanks (airport, restaurants, arts, healthcare) and roughly 60 miles from Chena Hot Springs for soaking and aurora viewing, a multi‑week assignment here can feel cozy, scenic and surprisingly social rather than isolating.