The North Pole Experience and Stay in Flagstaff

“There is room for everyone on the nice list.” -Elf

We have talked about taking the kids to Arizona to go to The North Pole Experience and The Polar Express ever since they were babies. We decided this past year we had to go since our oldest is already 7 and very inquisitive. So we planned over the summer to head to Arizona and experience some Christmas magic. We had so much fun that I have to divide the trip into two separate posts; one with our trip to Flagstaff, which includes a hotel stay at the Little America Hotel as well as The North Pole Experience (NPX). Then I have another post with our trip to Williams which includes our Polar Express experience HERE.

We were hosted for one evening at the Little American Hotel and were gifted tickets to the NPX, but as always, all opinions and photos are mine.

First off in Flagstaff was our stay at the Little America Hotel. This is the sweetest little hotel all decked out in the holiday spirit. From the moment we drove up we were in awe of all the lights. It is the perfect location in Flagstaff since it is close to the downtown area and it has a bus that takes you directly from the parking lot to the NPX. Our kids had so much fun walking the candy cane lane in the back courtyard while admiring the little house and trees all it up. We even had a room that overlooked this area so we could see the lights from our balcony.

The lobby is warm and filled with more beautiful Christmas decorations, which make for a great family photo spot. There is also an onsite restaurant for your convenience if you don’t feel like leaving the hotel to eat.

The rooms were very spacious with a very large bathroom. We had two queen size beds and a pull out couch with more than enough places for everyone to sleep.

There is a large pool if you find yourself there during a warmer season. There is also a hot tub open in the winter if you can bear the cold. We found a cute little playground in the back as well.

They also have two adorable gift shops, one just off of the lobby and then this one, which is on your way to check in for the NPX. Inside this shop we bought an ornament that had the North Pole Experience 2019 on it and brought it with us to have the elves sign it. Makes for a great souvenir.

You can also book breakfast with Santa, which takes place in one of the main ball rooms. There is a full buffet with hot foods as well as a waffle and omelet station. Of course pictures with Santa are a must, he is tucked away in a huge chair wearing a more casual outfit.

The North Pole Experience is so much fun! You take a bus ride, which is lead by one of Santa’s elves, to the North Pole. As an adult you may be wondering how they pull this off? Well, there is lots of magic, a portal and some crazy driving. I won’t give away all their secrets, but the kids seemed to believe we had really made our way to the North Pole.

Once there you are greeted by more elves and travel from room to room to see everything. There is the toy workshop where you get to help elves dress a stuffed animal for another child. You get to stop at Mrs. Clause’s bakery and try out some of her famous hot chocolate and cookies. Inside the wrapping department you will see walls of wrapping paper, ribbon and march around the room.

During elf university you will learn about all the elf rules and what it is like to become an elf. A stop at the mailing depot allows kids to write a letter to Santa and drop it in a mailbox.

Then of course you get to meet Santa Clause himself and he even gives each child a teddy bear to take home. They also give you a certificate of graduation.

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This was such a wonderful experience, I highly suggest doing this with your family (and while they are still young). It is never too early to book a trip like this, in fact the earlier the better. The best deals are farther in advance, so don’t wait to book your trip! Any questions? Leave them below!!