As Christmas lights glimmer on the Rogue River and festive decorations adorn downtown Grants Pass, the holiday spirit is in full swing. Families strolling through Riverside Park can almost hear the jingle of sleigh bells as children eagerly talk about their wish lists for Santa. It’s that magical time of year when kids put pen to paper and pour their holiday hopes into letters addressed to none other than Santa Claus himself.
For many families in Grants Pass, writing to Santa is a cherished tradition, filled with crayons, creativity, and the promise of Christmas magic. Once those letters are finished, however, one big question lingers: how exactly do you send them all the way to the North Pole, which sits a frosty 3,286 miles from Grants Pass?
Fear not—Grants Pass has plenty of ways to get your kids’ letters on their merry way to Santa’s workshop.
The first stop on your magical mailing journey might be the Grants Pass Post Office on 6th Street. As you walk through the doors with your child clutching their precious letter, you’ll notice the hustle and bustle of other families doing the same. The friendly postal workers are always ready to lend a hand, ensuring Santa’s mail gets special priority. You can even make the trip part of a holiday outing by grabbing a cup of hot cocoa at Dutch Bros or taking a stroll down G Street to admire the holiday window displays.
For an extra sprinkle of enchantment, local holiday events often feature “Santa’s Mailbox” drop-offs. Perhaps during a visit to the iconic Grants Pass Caveman statue decked out in holiday cheer, or while catching the Grants Pass Christmas Parade, your child can spot one of these festive mailboxes. Many local businesses, like Evergreen Federal Bank or holiday craft fairs at the Josephine County Fairgrounds, host special Santa mail stations. These drop boxes are said to be directly connected to the North Pole, with Santa’s elves standing by to whisk the letters away.
And here’s where it gets even better: Santa can write back! Thanks to the U.S. Postal Service’s “Letters to Santa” program, parents can create an unforgettable moment for their children. With a little planning and creativity, you can help your child receive a personalized reply from Santa himself. After your child has mailed their letter, you can secretly write a response from Santa, mentioning something unique from their original message—whether it’s a wish for a new toy or a promise to keep their room tidy. Simply include the reply in an envelope addressed to your child and send it off with a little Christmas magic to Anchorage, Alaska, where it gets an official North Pole postmark.
Writing to Santa isn’t just about asking for gifts; it’s a beautiful opportunity to share holiday dreams, practice gratitude, and even improve those penmanship skills. It’s also a reminder of the joy that comes from slowing down and soaking up the magic of the season.
So, this Christmas season, gather around the kitchen table with some paper, markers, and maybe a sprinkle of glitter. Let the kids’ imaginations run wild as they craft their letters, knowing their wishes will travel from the heart of Grants Pass to the snowy wonderland of the North Pole. Whether your child is asking for a shiny new bike or simply wishing for a snowy Christmas morning, those letters carry more than words—they carry the magic of Christmas.
And as you seal up the envelope, take a moment to appreciate the twinkling lights, the crisp Oregon air, and the joy of creating lifelong memories in Grants Pass, one letter at a time.
