story and photo by Vickie Jenkins, Staff Writer
As the holiday season approaches, shoppers eagerly seek that holiday magic; twinkling lights, festive decorations and the perfect Christmas tree. For those looking to surround themselves with the spirit of the season, North Pole City, is the ultimate destination. Here, the magic truly comes alive, with a dazzling array of Christmas trees, sparkling lights, and unique ornaments at every turn. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, another enchanting display awaits, making it a holiday wonderland unlike any other.
David Green is the owner and founder of North Pole City. He recently shared the inspiring story behind his journey to entrepreneurship. “I’ve always been drawn to sales and have genuinely enjoyed the process,” he began. “When I was 12 years old, I dreamed of owning a bicycle, but my parents couldn’t afford to buy me one. Determined to make it happen, I started helping behind the counter at Harvey’s Drugstore, doing whatever tasks were needed. Over time, I saved enough money to purchase a shiny new bike. That moment was crucial to me. It taught me the value of hard work and perseverance and showed me that with dedication, my efforts would eventually pay off.”
When asked how he decided to open a Christmas store, David replied, “I guess it all started when I was a kid. My mother always made Christmas a truly special time for our family. Those memories stuck with me. After I got married in 1983, my wife and I would travel to Dallas, Texas for market, and there was this incredible place called The Original Christmas Store. It was absolutely beautiful and left a lasting impression on us. At the time, I owned a ceiling fan business, which kept me and my employees busy, mainly during the summer. But, I wanted to find something to keep us occupied in the winter months as well. That’s what led me to the Christmas business. The idea of opening a store dedicated to the magic of Christmas felt like a perfect fit. We chose the name North Pole City because it captured the spirit of the season. Today, we’re proud to be the only Christmas store in Oklahoma City.” The business, which began in 1987 when David Green built the original building, has been a family affair from the start. “Of course, my wife, Darra has been instrumental in everything over the years,” David shared with a smile. “We work side by side and have spent countless hours building this dream together. Our partnership has been a cornerstone of our success.” Now, their older children are becoming involved in the business, ensuring that North Pole City will carry on to the next generation. “This is truly a family-owned and operated business,” David emphasized. “We put a lot of thought and care into the displays and decorations because we want everyone who steps through the doors to feel genuinely welcome. Seeing the wonder on people’s faces when they walk in, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”
David explained that North Pole City operates as a year-round business, with a buying season that begins in December and runs through the middle of March. “Starting in December, we also begin inventory work, which continues all the way through September. There’s a lot that goes into getting everything ready for the many people who visit our store each year,” he said. To keep things running smoothly, the business relies on a dedicated team of employees. “Right now, we have 12 year-round employees and an additional 25 seasonal staff during our busiest time. I’m fortunate to have some truly amazing people working for me. They’re like the cream of the crop,” David said with pride. “We’re like one big happy family. I have several employees who have been with us for over 35 years and others for at least 25 years. That kind of loyalty and dedication is rare and I have the utmost respect and trust for all of them. They’re a huge part of what makes North Pole City so special.”
David shared his vision for North Pole City over the next five years, emphasizing a focus on growth and innovation. “We’re always thinking of new ideas to enhance the experience for our customers and keep the magic of Christmas alive,” he said. “I’d love to see us continue to grow, possibly even build a new, larger space to expand our offerings, and create an even more mesmerizing experience. The goal to keep improving and finding fresh ways to bring joy to everyone who visits our store.”
