North Pole senior Tiahna Guzman tries to evade a Service defender during the Alaska state flag football championship game on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 in Wasilla. (Chris Bieri / ADN) ...

North Pole quarterback Taimane Skipps unleashes a touchdown pass during the Alaska state flag football championship game against Service on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 in Wasilla. (Chris Bieri / ADN) ...

In North Pole, which is located about 13 miles southeast of Fairbanks, candy canes double as street lights, and Christmas takes on special meaning for resident and FedEx driver Bill Soplu.

After a unique dining experience at the Alaska Salmon Bake in Fairbanks and a quick stop at North Pole, Alaska — where we snapped photos with a Santa statue — it was time to head south on the ...