If you can’t get enough of Christmas, then a visit to Santa Claus, Indiana should be a must do on your list. This small town in Indiana celebrates the season, regardless if it’s December or July.
“The town of Santa Claus is festive throughout the year but goes all out during the holidays with a three-weekend Santa Claus Christmas Celebration,” explained Melissa Arnold, executive director of the Spencer County Visitor’s Bureau. “Special events during the holiday season include roasting chestnuts on an open fire at Santa’s Candy Castle, Christmas Dinner with Santa at Santa’s Lodge, the 1.2-mile Santa Claus Land of Lights, and more.”
While it makes sense that a town named after Father Christmas should do the holiday in style, it is also a popular place to visit outside of the winter holiday season.
“The town is a destination during the summer and fall seasons, too. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is open May through October,” Arnold said.
Theme park aficionados may want to note that the Santa Claus theme park is the world’s first theme park. It features three top-rated roller coasters and the world’s longest water coaster.
Although there is no official count to the number of visitors that travel to Santa Claus, tourist officials estimate that number to be more than a million in the summer and several thousand for the December holiday weekend events.
Located in southwestern Indiana, the town of Santa Claus is located in Spencer County, which borders the Ohio River. It was founded in 1854 and called Santa Fe (pronounced "fee") at the time. In 1856, when the town was working to establish a post office, the Post Office Department refused their first application as there was already a town with that name established with the Post Office Department.
Santa and reindeer in the Christmas Parade in Santa Claus, IN. [Photo/Spencer County Visitors Bureau]
That decision left townspeople scrambling to find a suitable name. According to information on the Santa Claus Tourism Board’s website, the answer came on Christmas Eve when townsfolk gathered at a small log church to discuss options. It was the kind of Christmas Eve that holiday movies try to duplicate, snow on the ground and children playing outside.
As the legend continues, several names were tossed around but nothing seemed to be the right fit. Suddenly, a gust of wind blew open the church doors and the sound of sleigh bells drifted inside. The children ran to the door and shouted, “Santa Claus! Santa Claus!”
Following this incident, several town meetings were held and the name Santa Claus was ultimately selected. Accepted by the United States Post Office Department, the town’s post office was established on May 21, 1856.
Arnold said this town of about 2,500 has achieved many milestones in its history. The growth of the town is chronicled in the landmarks and attractions that make up the town’s appeal today. Streets carry the name of the holiday, from Christmas Boulevard (the main thoroughfare) to Blitzen Lane and Sleigh Bell Circle.
“We love Christmas so it’s incredibly rewarding to see and help visitors experience the town during the holidays and throughout the year,” Arnold said.
According to her, Santa Claus is home to the only post office in the world with postmark bearing Santa's name. During December, the post office offers a special holiday postmark designed by a local high school student each year.
“In the 1930s, Robert Ripley of 'Believe It or Not' featured the town post office which led to a flood of letters to Santa,” Arnold recalled. In 1935, a 22-foot Santa statue was dedicated to the children of the world and remains one of the things that set this town apart from other towns in the Hoosier state. The statue was designed and dedicated after a story about the town got national attention. In addition, Santa's Candy Castle was established that year. Soon after, in 1946, Santa Claus Land opened. Families have been visiting the town of Santa Claus for many years.
Even more fulfilling, the town’s postmaster began answering the letters to Santa written by youngsters across the nation that found their way to the post office. What he started more than 100 years ago continues today. Arnold said a volunteer group of "Santa's Elves" responded to approximately 22,000 letters sent to Santa in 2018.
To make sure people stay on the right side of the nice or naughty list, Santa is on site during the summer season, fall weekends and during the holiday celebrations.
Located on 78 North Holiday Blvd. is Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort. It’s the closest lodging and camping to Holiday World Theme Park & Splashin’ Safari Water Park in Santa Claus. A two-time National RV Park of the Year, Lake Rudolph was named one of the 11 most family-friendly campgrounds by U.S. News & World Report. See more at MobileRVing.com There are also some close-by facilities, Arnold said. Lincoln State Park offers year-round accommodations, with limited amenities from November through March.
“The state park is just five minutes from Santa Claus, Indiana,” she said.
When coming for a visit, Arnold suggests checking out the online resources to confirm operating hours and other information. The visitor’s bureau website can be found here.
“There are links to download a local map and the destination brochure, as well as links to monthly flyers that list the hours of operation at different businesses. “Business hours and details on upcoming events vary throughout the area,” explained Arnold.