Discover the Festive Charm of Santa Claus, a Real Town in the U.S. – Unveiling the Enchantment
Welcome to Santa Claus, Indiana: a real-life town that celebrates Christmas all year round. The city is full of fun 365 days a year, with plenty of holiday fun to be had (including several Christmas-themed attractions to enjoy) – even in the heat of summer.
The town’s bizarre story dates back to the 19th century when the town’s original name application was rejected, and its community decided on “Santa Claus” instead. The city’s first tourist attraction, Santa’s Candy Castle, opened in the 1930s – and the rest is history.
The crown jewel of Santa Claus is a theme park aptly named Holiday World, which features lands dedicated to different holidays, a water park, and the most impressive collection of roller coasters in the area. This small town is also home to an official Santa Claus post office, which brings thousands of letters to Father Christmas from all over the world every year.
And this is not all whimsical. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of President Abraham Lincoln and enjoy the outdoors at Lincoln State Park amid holiday-themed activities.
Here’s what you need to know before visiting Santa Claus, Indiana.
Places to Stay in Santa Claus
Accommodations in Santa Claus include cabins and campsites at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph, one- and two-bedroom cottages at Santa’s Lakeside Cottages, large home rentals at Mistletoe Manor, and quirky themed hotels like Santa Lodge.
Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari
The main attraction for many is Holiday World, a theme park that dates back to the 1940s when it opened as Santa Claus Land. It has grown over the years, from just being a Christmas-themed land to including other holidays like Halloween, the Fourth of July, and Thanksgiving. The family-owned park now offers an impressive array of award-winning roller coasters, but has retained a charming, small-town feel. Plus, the low crowds, affordable prices, and friendly staff make it a great place for a family outing.
The Voyage, a high-speed wooden roller coaster, is a must-see for serious thrill seekers. And in the warmer months, check out Cheetah Chase, the world’s first launched water coaster at Splashin’ Safari. The fun extends to the food, with the park’s signature blue ice cream (a Midwest favorite) and plenty of holiday-inspired dishes. Holiday World is generally open from May to October; Check the theme park’s website for exact dates.
Other things to do
Lincoln State Park
Lincoln State Park is a tranquil oasis of over 2,000 acres of stunning scenery, with trails, camping sites, boat rentals, and picnic areas along Lincoln Lake. Don’t forget to stop at the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, the site where Abraham Lincoln and his family lived for 14 years during his childhood.
Santa’s Candy Castle
Santa’s Candy Castle dates back to 1935, and is a memorable stop to meet Santa Claus. The shop offers a surprisingly large collection of candies, including vintage and rare sweets, as well as homemade sweets. It is also known for a special drink that fits perfectly with the theme of the city – Frozen Hot Chocolate.
Christmas Lake Golf Club
This par 72 course is a welcome break from the surrounding activities and features an on-site restaurant, full driving range, green space and shopping for utmost convenience.
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Santa Claus Museum and Village
Start your holiday-inspired journey with a visit to the Santa Claus Museum and Village. It is home to the 1880 Santa Claus Church, a 22-foot-tall Santa Claus statue dating back to 1935, and the original Santa Claus Post Office. Explore the city’s origins through exhibits and artifacts you won’t find anywhere else, and don’t forget to write a letter to Jolly St. Nick during your visit.
Restaurants and Bars
Plymouth Rock Cafe
Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner all season long at this holiday-themed restaurant located inside Holiday World. The casual quick-service eatery is serving up festive favorites like juicy turkey, delicious mashed potatoes and more with all the fixings. It also offers a cornucopia of other homemade dishes, including barbecue beef brisket and pulled pork for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Monkey Hollow Winery and Distillery
Part of the Hoosier Wine Trail and located just minutes from Santa Claus, Monkey Hollow is a family-owned and operated winery and distillery. During the summer, the facility prepares grills for prime outdoor dining overlooking the area’s lush hills.
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Santa Claus Brewing Company
As one of the newest additions to Santa Claus, located across the street from Holiday World, this brewery is pouring a constantly rotating lineup of handcrafted foams in their on-site taproom. In addition to beer, the brewery serves a menu of pub favorites, including wings, burgers and pretzel nuggets, its twist on Reindeer Balls.
How To Get There
Given its proximity to major cities including Chicago, Louisville, and Cincinnati, it is a popular road trip for families in the Midwest. Evansville Regional Airport is located approximately 50 miles to the west and Louisville International Airport is approximately 80 miles to the east. If you travel by air, you may want to rent a car so you can get around.
Best time to visit
With plenty of outdoor activities, including state parks and Holiday World, summer is an ideal time to visit. Summer visitors can also take advantage of seasonal events, such as movies at a drive-in theater, outdoor fairs, and special fireworks.
Of course, Santa Claus is also a popular destination during the holiday season. The Santa Claus Christmas Celebration is held the first three weekends of December, featuring drive-thru light displays, shopping experiences, chestnut roasting, meet-and-greets with Santa, and excitement with the Santa Claus Christmas Parade.