Things To Do In Santa Claus in
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7 Merry Things To Do In Santa Claus Indiana At Christmas

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It’s Christmas every day of the year in the small, charming town of Santa Claus, Indiana. It should come as no surprise that there are plenty of fun, festive things to do in Santa Claus, IN, especially at Christmas.

From roasting chestnuts on an open fire to the thrills of visiting the Holiday World Amusement Park, Santa Claus, Indiana, has something for the entire family year-round.

Things To Do In Santa Claus Indiana

Where Is Santa Claus, Indiana

things to do in santa claus indiana

Located just an hour outside of Louisville, Santa Claus Indiana makes a perfect road trip for those seeking a little holiday cheer. Visiting during the week of their Christmas Celebration, we anticipated a festive weekend full of Christmas cheer. It did not disappoint.

In the true spirit of Christmas, Santa Claus Indiana is all about the community. While at first glance there may not seem like a lot to do, dig a little deeper to see the programs and events that local businesses, clubs, and churches host.

During the weekend in December that we visited there was a new event, activity, or program practically every hour! The locals are amazing and very friendly or should I say, very jolly!

Best Place To Stay In Santa Claus, Indiana:  Cabins From Santa’s Lakeside Cottages

Santa's Cabins in Santa Claus Indiana

Hands down one of the best places to stay in Santa Claus is  Santa’s Lakeside Cottages.  The cabins are the ideal spot for those seeking a little privacy and a full kitchen.  If visiting during the summer months to Santa Claus, Indiana, be sure to check out great cabins and camping at  Lake Rudolphs Campground and RV Resort.

Back to Santa’s Lakeside Cottages.  The cottages were spotless, updated, and offered amazing views. It is perfect for a couple’s getaway or a family.

The fully stocked kitchen makes it easy to prepare meals and snacks and waking up to a lakeside view every morning was just the icing on the sugar cookie! It is your own little piece of the North Pole while you visit.

1880 Santa Claus Church and Village

Santa Claus Indiana

When I first laid eyes on the historic church of Santa Claus the song O Holy night immediately came to mind. You can envision the candles flickering and folks gathered inside on a chilly Christmas Eve.

Sitting high on top of the hill behind the church overlooking the town is a 22-ft tall cement statue of Santa that demands a photo op.   Swing by the post office to write and send a letter to Santa.

Your final stop in this little village is the Santa Claus Museum. Not only will you learn about the town’s history, but you can read letters to Santa that kids have written through the years.

It also takes you on a journey through history to show how Santa’s Claus iconic theme park Holiday World came to be.  The museum and village are free, but bring a couple of bucks to donate to help keep this enchanting little village beautiful. Remember Santa is watching.Santa Claus Indiana statue

Santa Claus Indiana

Send A Letter To Santa And Receive a Personalized Response

A remarkable thing that this town does is respond to all letters received to Santa by December.  In December personalize responses will be sent out.  To receive a personalized response, send letters to Santa using the address below:

 P.O. Box 1
Santa Claus, IN 47579

Looking for another great Christmas town? The town of Carmel Indiana transforms its square into a fabulous Christkindel Markt.

Our Favorite Thing to Do In  Santa Claus, Indiana At Christmas Was To Have Breakfast With Santa!

Santa Claus Indiana breakfast with Santa

After checking the events that were happening in Santa Claus we saw that a local church was hosting breakfast with Santa.  We opted to go. For only $5.00 you had all you can eat homemade pancakes, sausage links, and bakery donuts.  Complete with breakfast beverages.

I am also fairly certain they flew the big man in red down here directly from the North Pole because this was the realist Santa I have ever seen.  Not to mention they flew Mrs. Claus in as well!

As part of your visit, you got a free photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus.  This was one Santa that not even the Baby Soph would cry at, because he is the real one!!! It was a great time and I would highly recommend this experience.

You also get to mingle with locals and enjoy a local arts and crafts show.

Tip: Skip dinner with Santa at Santa’s Lodge and come here instead!

Santa Claus Indiana Santa Photo

Mail A Letter From The Santa Claus Indiana Post Office

Santa Claus Indiana Post Office

Be sure to make it a point to swing by the Santa Claus post office and get a special postmark that is unique to Santa Claus!

Did you know back in the early 1930s the US Postal Service suggested the town changed its name to prevent a Christmas frenzy!

Bunch of scrooges.  It is here, where thousands of letters received for Santa every year and with amazing volunteers, each letter receives a response.

Do a Little Shopping In Santa Claus Indiana

Need some rum in your rum papa pum?  Swing by the Old Tyme Liquors to stock your fridge with some holiday cheer. The Holiday Food Store is located nearby so grab your supplies for your cabin, camper, or whatever you may be staying.

Then swing over to Santa Claus Christmas Store to see more ornaments and Christmas decorations than at the North Pole.

The store makes fresh cookies so be sure to grab this decant treat while you shop or wait to see Santa. During the holidays they have crafts for the kiddos.

Just remember to be good because Santa is always watching.

Santa Claus Indiana

Plan a Visit out to Saint Meinrad Archabbey

 Saint Meinrad Archabbey

Hit pause on your Christmas music for a bit and take a quick drive out to see one of only two Archabbeys in the United States.  It is only one of 11 in the world!

Entering into the chapel of the Saint Meinrad Archabbey you immediately feel that you have entered a place of God. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the sanctuary and the serenity of prayer. After leaving the sanctuary stroll the grounds and revel in gorgeous architecture and gardens.

You have the option to do a self-guided tour or opt to take a free tour. We did the self-guided tour since we had a baby in tow.

Find All the Santa Statues in Santa Claus, Indiana

Shopping

Do you enjoy a good scavenger hunt?  Scattered all throughout the town of Santa Claus you will find numerous Santa statues. With Statues popping up in the most bizarre of places it is a great way to get familiar with the town.

Make it a personal goal to find each and every stature and get a #santaselfie.  Look high and low, for one Santa could be on the roof and the other outside of Subway. There is no official map of all the Santa’s so you might have to ask around to be sure you have uncovered and photographed each one!

Try the Fire and Ice Challenge at the Candy Castle

While insane to some, including myself, the Candy Castle offers a food challenge that will leave you with intestinal distress and likely diabetes. If you can stomach a pound of fire popcorn washed down for a half-gallon frozen hot chocolate and live to tell the tale you will be featured in the Candy Castle hall of fame.

You also get a bumper sticker and a $25 gift card.  You might lose your toes to diabetes, but it was worth it!  My recommendation, go and get a regular size frozen hot chocolate and some of their gourmet popcorn to go.

During the holiday season, they roast chestnuts on an open fire free to the public.  This is a unique experience and I highly recommend it.

Santa Statues

Things To Do In Santa Claus Indiana In The Summer

What better place to be in July than in Santa Claus? Embracing Christmas in July, Santa Claus offers tons of fun attractions and events.

Holiday World & Splashin Safari

Enjoy two holiday-themed amusement parks for the price of one. In addition to the guests getting to experience top-notch rides and attractions, they also get to enjoy free soft drinks, free sunscreen, free parking, and free Wi-Fi. It is also known as being on the cleanest parks in the world for two decades!

Lincoln’s Boyhood Home

Discover the historic sites and landmarks throughout Santa Claus. Explore Abraham Lincoln’s boyhood home and see the village where he spends his childhood.  Other great spots to visit are Lincoln State Park, Colonel Jones Home, and the Ohio Scenic Byway.

Holiday Drive-In Movie Theater

Cap off your perfect summer evening with a classic Drive-In Movie! Showing all the latest hits in their double nightly features. With three concession stands, this is the perfect family-friendly outing.

A return visit to Santa Claus will be on our list for the near future. Therefore, be on the lookout for one of the best sequels; Santa Claus 2!

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7 Things To Do In Santa Claus Indiana At Christmas

Things to do in Santa Claus Indiana

things to do in Santa Claus Indiana