There's a Real Town Called Santa Claus in the U.S. — and It’s as Festive as It Sounds

Carly Caramanna

19 November 2023 at 9:00 am·5-min read

Welcome to Santa Claus, Indiana.

Welcome to Santa Claus, Indiana: a real-life town that celebrates Christmas all year long. This town is jolly 365 days a year, with plenty of holiday-fueled fun (including numerous Christmas-themed attractions to enjoy) — even in the heat of summer.

This town’s quirky 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 town’s first tourist attraction, Santa’s Candy Castle, opened in the 1930s — and the rest is history.

Santa Claus’s crown jewel is a theme park aptly named Holiday World, with 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 that draws in thousands of letters to Father Christmas from around the globe each year.

And it’s not all whimsy. Visitors can also walk in the footsteps of President Abraham Lincoln and enjoy the outdoors at Lincoln State Park between holiday-themed activities.

Here’s what you need to know before visiting Santa Claus, Indiana.

Places to Stay in Santa Claus

Accommodation options in Santa Claus include kitschy themed hotels like Santa’s Lodge, one- and two-bedroom cabins at Santa’s Cottages, campsites and cottages at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph, and spacious home rentals like Mistletoe Manor. Since Santa Claus itself is fairly small (population roughly 2,500), you might also want to look further afield. The city of Evansville, for instance, lies an hour to the west and has outposts from many mid-range hotel chains.

Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari

The highlight for many here is Holiday World, a theme park that dates back to the 1940s when it opened as Santa Claus Land. It’s grown throughout the years, expanding from solely a Christmas-themed land to include other holidays, like Halloween, the Fourth of July, and Thanksgiving. The family-owned park now offers an impressive lineup of award-winning roller coasters, but it has maintained a charming, small-town feel. Plus, fewer crowds and affordable prices compared to many theme parks make it a great place for a family excursion.

Courtesy of Spencer County Visitors Bureau / SantaClausInd.org

The Voyage, a high-speed wooden roller coaster, is a must for serious thrill seekers. And in the warmer months, head to Splashin' Safari to check out Cheetah Chase, the world’s first launched water coaster. The fun extends to food with the park’s signature blue ice cream (a Midwest favorite) and a bounty of holiday-inspired treats. Holiday World is typically open from May through October, though you'll want to check the theme park’s website for exact dates — they can vary, and during off-peak months, they're sometimes contained to weekends only.

Other Things to Do

Lincoln State Park

Lincoln State Park is a calming oasis just west of Santa Claus proper, boasting 2,000 acres of stunning scenery including trails, campsites, boat rentals, and picnic areas set along Lake Lincoln. The park and lake are so named because this area is where Abraham Lincoln spent 14 years of his childhood — to truly walk in his footsteps, stop by the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial just north of the park.

Santa’s Candy Castle

Santa’s Candy Castle dates back to 1935, and it’s a can’t-miss stop when visiting Santa Claus. The shop offers a staggeringly large collection of candies, including vintage and rare sweet treats as well as homemade confections. It’s also known for a special beverage that fits right in with the town’s theme: frozen hot chocolate.

Santa Claus Museum & Village

Start your holiday-inspired trip with a visit to the Santa Claus Museum & Village. It’s home to the 1880 Santa Claus Church, a 22-foot-tall Santa Claus statue that dates to 1935, and the original Santa Claus Post Office. Explore the town’s origins through exhibits and artifacts you won’t find anywhere else, and don’t forget to write a letter to jolly Saint Nick while visiting.

Christmas Lake Golf Club

This par-72 course is a welcome break from the nearby activities and features an on-site restaurant, full driving range, putting green, and shop for the utmost convenience.

Restaurants and Bars

Plymouth Rock Cafe

Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner all season long at this themed restaurant located inside Holiday World. The casual quick-service eatery is serving up the festive favorite with juicy turkey, savory mashed potatoes, and all the fixings. It also offers a cornucopia of other homestyle delights, including barbecue beef brisket and pulled pork, for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Santa Claus Brewing Co.

One of the newest additions to Santa Claus, this brewery across the street from Holiday World pours an ever-rotating lineup of suds made right in their on-site taproom. Beyond the beer, the brewery also offers a menu of pub favorites, including wings, burgers, and its twist on pretzel nuggets, reindeer balls.

Monkey Hollow Winery and Distillery

Located minutes from Santa Claus in the town of St. Meinrad, Monkey Hollow is a family-owned and -operated winery and distillery. Come summertime, the facility fires up the grill for prime outdoor dining with a view of the area’s green rolling hills.

David Williams The world's largest postcard made by the Santa Claus Museum will be mailed to Ripley's Believe it or not after the Santa Claus Christmas Parade. — David Williams
The world's largest postcard made by the Santa Claus Museum will be mailed to Ripley's Believe it or not after the Santa Claus Christmas Parade.

Best Times to Visit

With plenty of outdoor activities including the state park and Holiday World, summer is an ideal time to visit. Summer visitors can also take advantage of seasonal events, like movies at the drive-in theater, outdoor fairs, and specialty fireworks.

Of course, Santa Claus is also a popular destination during the holiday season. The Santa Claus Christmas Celebration takes place the first three weekends in December, adding merriment with drive-through light displays, shopping experiences, chestnut roasting, meet and greets with Santa, and the Santa Claus Christmas Parade.

How to Get There

Given its proximity to major cities including Indianapolis, Louisville, and Cincinnati, it’s a popular road trip for families in the Midwest. Evansville Regional Airport is located just under 50 miles west, and Louisville International Airport is approximately 80 miles to the east. If you fly, you’ll want to rent a car so you can get around.

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