There are so many excellent holiday lights and decoration displays to explore in the Fox Cities. One of our favorites has become a family tradition and is unlike any others. The North Christmas Village in Chilton has welcomed families for 18 years! New features in 2023 include 1,200+ additional square feet inside with new displays, including an expanded lobby, Victorian winter scene, gingerbread house, and Santa’s office, and 300,000 lights outside, including a walk-through tunnel and photo opportunities.
The North Pole Christmas Village opens on November 17th, 2023.
About the Displays
More than twenty unique displays are homes to Santa’s helpers for one month in December. Mechanical characters tell magical little stories in this quaint Christmas village. While visiting the school, church, radio station, and watching the penguins ice skate, your family is transported to The North Pole without leaving the Fox Valley. The North Pole includes a bakery, a school, a general store, a North Pole welcome center, reindeer stables with reindeer, a North Pole Town Square, and more!
There is also a station for dropping off letters and cards for our men and women in the armed services who will not be home for Christmas. Letters will be hand-delivered to the VFW, and they send them out to members.
The North Pole property is over 6 acres and includes a large parking lot for ample parking and busses, indoor and outdoor displays, and room for expansion. The indoor area also consists of a snack area and a gift shop.
Santa’s Teddy Bear Village was a department store display straight from New York. A labor of love, Troy’s entire family helped unload and assemble the new display. This unique collection is one of the best in the Midwest! Make sure to chat with the life-size talking reindeer! There is plenty to look at, with nearly fifty bears in a two-story, floor-to-ceiling setup! Santa’s Teddy Bear Village was added in 2022.
Tips for your Visit to the North Pole
- Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Bring along cash for treats if you plan to buy them.
- Wear layers! There are indoor and outdoor elements to explore.
- Bring along non-perishable food items that will be donated to local food banks!
- Pack a thermos of hot cocoa and cups to enjoy a toasty, warm drink on your drive home.
Meet Troy Campbell
One of our favorite parts about The North Pole is the spirit of generosity and community spirit that accompanies it. From collecting food bank donations to keeping admission free to its original intention of bringing Christmas cheer to the elderly, poor, children, and disabled members of our communities, there is a lot of love and goodwill packed into this not-to-miss Fox Valley holiday tradition!
We spoke with Troy Campbell, the man behind The North Pole Christmas lights display, about the history behind his original creation in Kaukauna!
- When did you start The North Pole, and what was your inspiration?
- We started displaying The North Pole seven years ago. I was critically injured with a broken neck and dislocated left arm caused by being injured by a drunk driver. After being out of work for two years, I decided to help people who could not help themselves. I noticed that more and more people were going without food and that many of our senior citizens were forgotten at Christmas. My son-in-law, Robert, stepped forward to help me, and we vowed to make every one of the children and senior citizens feel important and forget about their worries while they are here.
- What is your favorite part of The North Pole?
- My favorite part is seeing the children and others smile and get excited about seeing what The North Pole offers.
- Tell us more about you. What keeps you busy? What fills your free time?
- We have a son that we care for that is autistic. We also enjoy helping to care for our young grandchildren. In my free time, I am always thinking about Christmas. I am what you call beyond obsessed with Christmas. If I had my way, it would be Christmas every day. My neighbors find it amusing that my son-in-law and I are building Christmas displays in July.
Plan Your Visit: The North Pole Christmas Village
- Address: N5207 Lemke Road, Chilton, Wisconsin
- Season Dates: Friday, November 17, 2023 through Saturday, December 23, 2023
- Hours:
- Mondays CLOSED
- Tuesdays through Sundays from 4 pm – 8 pm
- Cost: FREE (donations encouraged)
- Follow on Facebook for important updates throughout the season!
- Private Showings: Available via prior sign-up only Saturday, November 26 through Saturday, December 23, 2023.
- Cost: $199 for as many people as you’d like
- Includes:
- Santa visits
- 1.5 hours of semi-private time at The North Pole Village (two groups will have access at a time)
- Accommodations for groups needing to visit after December 23, 2023, will be considered.
- Highlights:
- Visiting Santa
- Holiday treats & gift shop
- Indoor, outdoor, and some interactive holiday displays
