Family Travel,  Indiana Trips,  Travel

The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Holiday World Weekend Getaway

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Planning a weekend getaway can be daunting, but with the right guidance, it can become a breeze. If you’re looking for a fun and family-friendly destination, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana, is the perfect choice.

Plan ahead to make the most of your time at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari
Plan ahead to make the most of your time at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari

This ultimate guide will give you all the information you need to plan a memorable trip to this exciting holiday-themed amusement park. We spill it all from the best time to visit to the top attractions!

Stop for a frozen hot chocolate at Santa’s Candy Castle, see Lincoln’s Boyhood, and snap a photo with Santa! Our complete guide has everything you need for an unforgettable Indiana getaway at Holiday World.

Where is Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari?

Tucked away in the small town of Santa Claus, Indiana, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari has been the top family attraction in the area for decades. The theme park opened in 1946 and features rides, live entertainment, and games that are divided into four sections that celebrate Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the Fourth of July.

Splashin’ Safari is the water park attached to Holiday World and is included with your admission cost.

Address: 452 E Christmas Blvd, Santa Claus, IN 47579

Drive Time To Holiday World

From Louisville: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Indianapolis: 2 hours and 38 minutes

Cincinnati: 3 hours

HallowSwings in Halloween
HallowSwings in Halloween

Planning The Perfect Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari Getaway

Preparing for an amusement park getaway requires some preparation to ensure everyone has a good time. Take into account the interests and preferences of your travel companions. Are you a thrill-seeker longing for adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, or do you enjoy peaceful water rides and relaxation by the pool?

The Voyage and Turkey Whirl inside Thanksgiving
The Voyage and Turkey Whirl

Additionally, consider accommodations that suit your needs, whether staying in a nearby cabin at Lake Rudolph or opting for hotels in the general area. By tailoring your Holiday World getaway to your liking, you’re guaranteed to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Ticket Options

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is one of the most reasonably priced amusement parks that I have visited. There are a few different ticket options that I will go over, but typically the best ticket price is offered online.

Tips for planning your visit to Holiday World!
Tips for planning your visit to Holiday World!

Pick Your Date: Tickets pricing will vary based on day, with weekend always being most expensive. If you are looking for the best deal on tickets, you can select the date, along with the best price for you. The downside with the pick your date is that if you need to visit a different day and have already purchased a date-specific Pick Your Date (PYD) ticket, you will need to visit Guest Relations on the date of your visit to have your ticket changed. Additional charges may apply depending on the date of your visit and the ticket purchased originally.

Consider a two-day Flex Ticket to spend more time at the waterpark
Consider a two-day Flex Ticket to spend more time at the waterpark

Any Day Tickets: These tickets are valid any operating day of the season.

Multi-Day Flex Tickets: Many families will opt to spend two days at the park to be able to get everything in. The park closes earlier than most amusement parks at 8pm or 9pm. The multi-day flex tickets lets guests visit the park two or three times within a week, depending on the ticket you purchase.

Multi-Flex tickets are a great value during the summer months, as families want to spend a good amount of time in the waterpark. Having the multi-day allows for a return visit to cross off the remainder of the park.

If you live nearby consider getting a season pass!
If you live nearby consider getting a season pass!

Group Discount: If you are bringing a group of 15 or more look into group discount pricing. Call guest relations to set up your group. Our recent visit was with a group of 19 which brought our ticket price down to $39.98 a piece. Natually, pricing can change so be sure to reach out to be the most recent price.

The Best Days to Avoid Crowds

Wednesday is often the day that Guests can expect to see the lowest crowds and shortest ride queues. Tuesdays and Thursdays also tend to pull smaller crowds, with weekends being the busiest time to visit.

The month also matters; with July and August being the highest attendance months, Guests who plan their visits during May and June will see smaller crowds and more ride time!

Read more of our tips for Avoiding Crowds at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.

Say "Hi" to your favorite Holiday World Characters
Say “Hi” to your favorite Holiday World Characters

Don’t Let a Little Rain Scare You Away

If rain does happen during your visit and rides shut down for more than 90 minutes, the Worry-Free Weather Guarantee will be activated. The Worry-Free Weather Guarantee lets you use your ticket to visit on another day of this season. There’s no rain check needed or any extra work on your part.

Upgrading Your Experience

Offering complimentary soft drinks, free parking, and unlimited sunscreen, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari provides great perks to guests visiting the park.

Cabanas are a great upgrade for those with little ones!
Cabanas are a great upgrade for those with little ones!

If you’re looking to make the most of your theme park time or splurge on a bit of luxury, consider reserving a cabana at the waterpark or snagging tickets to the Drone Show Dessert Party. You’ll want to reserve these in advance; many cabanas sell out.

Drone Show at Holiday World
Drone Show at Holiday World

Tip: If visiting with little ones, a cabana makes a great napping spot along with having your own space for downtime and meals.

Planning Your Itinerary For Maximum Fun

Each group travels differently, which is why coming up with an itinerary that works for your party. Whether you are taking small children or it is a fun couples’ weekend, planning for meals and attractions outside of Holiday World will keep time wasted to a minimum and fun to the maximum.

Don’t want to have to come up with an itinerary? No worries, get our free one below!

Research the operating hours, show schedules, and special events to maximize your time at the park. Plan your days strategically, allocating time for must-see attractions, dining experiences, and relaxation. By planning a well-thought-out itinerary, you’ll make the most of your getaway and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

Rides That You Don’t Want To Miss

The Voyage: Clocking in at the 2nd largest wooden roller coaster in the world, the Voyage takes guests on an exhilarating ride over 1.2 miles of track. It frequently gets awards at the top wooden roller coaster, so be the judge yourself.

Good Gravy!: The newest coaster to hit the park in 2024 is Good Gravy! Imagine riding in a gravy boat on a quest to save Thanksgiving Dinner! This family coaster is one you don’t want to miss

Mammoth: Don’t miss a ride on the world’s longest water coaster, Mammoth. In addition to its Guiness World Record, it has taken numerous awards, such as the Water Park Ride of the Year in 2023!

Tippecanoes at Holiday World
Tippecanoes at Holiday World

Tippecanoes: The smallest park visitors will not want to miss this favorite in the 4th of July. Tippeanoes has been the award winner to my daughter and numerous other little ones, who loves a lazy float in their private canoe.

Turkey Whirl: I don’t know where else in the world you can go and ride in a spinning turkey. Better yet, the Turkey Whirl can be found in Thanksgiving!

Helpful Tips To Consider When Visiting Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari

Serving as a Holiblogger and being loyal patron of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari for years, we have come up with a few helpful tips to make your trip go smoothy.

The Legend
The Legend

For the Coaster Enthustist: We recommend rope-dropping the park and heading directly to Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is towards the back of the park and is home to Holiday World’s biggest coaster, The Voyage, Good Gravy!, and Thunderbird.

For Families With Young Kids: The two areas with the most rides that your little ones will enjoy is Christmas and Holidog’s Funtown. Bring a change of clothing and towel, as there is a splash pad in Holidog’s Funtown that is very tempting to littles.

Splash area at Holidog's Funtown
Splash area at Holidog’s Funtown

Families can have their children measured and issued a colored wristband so they know which rides they are tall enough to ride. The measuring station can be found across from the ornament fountain in Christmas.

For Foodies: Holiday World prides itself on offering a diverse selection of menu items that vary by holiday! From Christmas cookies to turkey dinners there are tons of Unique Foods to Try in Holiday World.

Turkey Leg at Plymouth Rock Cafe
Turkey Leg at Plymouth Rock Cafe

For Waterpark Lovers: Arrive when the waterpark opens at 11am and head directly to the Mammoth, Cheetah Chase or Wilderbeast. These water coasters tend to have the longest lines, especially as the day goes on. There are tons of water slides, a lazy river, two wave pools and two designated areas that have slides for kids and even a kiddie wave pool!

Splashin' Safari
Splashin’ Safari

There are two entrances to the waterpark, the main one by Halloween and the second in Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving entrance will place you near the Cheetah Chase.

Where To Stay When Visiting Holiday World

Choosing the right accommodation is crucial to planning your Holiday World weekend getaway. Consider factors such as proximity to the park, amenities offered, and budget constraints. Whether you opt for a cozy cabin, a convenient hotel room, or a spacious vacation rental, ensure it aligns with your preferences for comfort and convenience.

Holiday Cabin at Lake Rudolph
Holiday Cabin at Lake Rudolph

Where To Stay When Visiting Holiday World

Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph

Lake Rudolph is one of our favorite spots to stay at while visiting Holiday World. Lake Rudolph offers cabin rentals and campsite options. We opt for the Holiday Cabin that sleeps up to six guests and has a full kitchen.

Inside the Holiday Cabin
Inside the Holiday Cabin

Note: The kitchens are sparsely stocked with cookware. We prefer to use the grill or bring an easy-to-heat meal such as a pasta bake.

Lake Rudolph has a swimming pool, a waterpark (admission is required), putt-putt, a general store, and more. They also offer a shuttle to Holiday World.

Santa Cottages

Another great overnight option is a stay at Santa Cottages. These lakeside cottages come in varying sizes and have a large deck or patio with a swing or glider. The property offers guests many amenities, such as the whimsical Elf Park, or you may take the Reindeer Express Train around the entire property.

Santa's Cottages
Santa’s Cottages

The park offers two playgrounds, a giant sandbox, hammocks, a basketball court, a very popular children’s zip line, and a shelter house for a picnic with your family. Relax around our landscaped pool and splash pad. The pool has swings and hammocks, and a large deck for seating.

Santa’s Lodge

Santa’s Lodge is a festive, budget-friendly hotel only minutes from Holiday World. It offers guests an indoor and outdoor pool, complimentary breakfast, fishing at the lake, and a playground. During our visit, the hotel was dated but clean. It made the perfect accommodation for a large group.

Outdoor Pool at Santa's Lodge
Outdoor Pool at Santa’s Lodge

For more accommodations near Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, look in nearby Jasper, Indiana, and Owensboro, KY.

Best Spots to Eat Near Holiday World

Only a handful of restaurants are available near Holiday World. Because there are few restaurants in Santa Claus, many visitors will dine at the park or make meals in their accommodations.

Fat Santa’s Pizza and S&S BBQ Pizzaria are local options only minutes away from Holiday World that offer carry-out or dine-in. Fat Santa’s Pizza was previously Frosty’s and still offers delicious pizza!

Address15 Cedar Ln, Santa Claus, IN 47579 – Fat Santa’s Pizza

Fat Santa's Pizza
Fat Santa’s Pizza

St. Benedict’s Brew Works is a hidden gem located in nearby Ferdinand. Tucked away behind the Sisters of Saint Benedict , the Brewery embraced the monastery spirit with clever brews such as Raising Lazarus IPA, Sister Betty Blonde and a Sanctimonious Stout. In addition to tasty brews, check out their food menu that offers pub classics such a chicken wings and pizza.

Address860 E 10th St, Ferdinand, IN 47532

St. Benedict's Brew Works
St. Benedict’s Brew Works

Not far from Holiday World are fast-food classics such as McDonalds, Arbys, Taco Bell, Wendys and a Casey’s.

Fun Things To Do In And Near Santa Claus, Indiana

Write A Letter to Santa at the Santa Claus Museum & Village

The Santa Claus Museum & Village is a top thing to do in Santa Claus, Indiana. Not only will you learn about the town’s history, but your child can write a letter to Santa that will get a response! As long as the address is legible, Santa and his elves send letters back to all the children in December, filling the home with Christmas cheer.

Writing a letter to Santa
Writing a letter to Santa

The museum takes you on a journey showcasing how Santa Claus’s iconic theme park, Holiday World, came to be. After the museum, take a stroll outside to see the 1880 Santa Claus Church and the iconic 22-ft cement Santa statue dedicated to the children of the world. 

Santa Statue dedicated to the Children of the World
Santa Statue dedicated to the Children of the World

TIP:  The museum and village are free, but bring a couple of dollars to donate to help keep this enchanting little village beautiful. Remember, Santa is watching.

Fun Fact: Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari started out as Santa Clausland!

Address69 IN-245, Santa Claus, IN 47579

Get Frozen Hot Chocolate At Santa’s Candy Castle

Step into a literal Candyland as you gaze upon walls and walls of nostalgic candy, homemade confections, and an entire wall of Pez dispensers. If you are looking for a particular type of candy, you will likely find it at Santa’s Candy Castle.

However, you must try their world-famous frozen hot chocolate. Frozen hot chocolate is one sweet treat you will not want to share and is mandatory for every visit to Santa Claus.

While insane to some, including myself, the Candy Castle offers a food challenge that will likely leave you with intestinal distress. 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. This challenge has been featured in the Man Vs. Food series on Food Network; however, I won’t tell you if he completed it.

Fun Fact: Santa’s Candy Castle was America’s First Themed Attraction, opening in 1935.

Address15499 IN-245, Santa Claus, IN 47579

Go Shopping at the Santa Claus Christmas Store

Start your Christmas shopping early by stopping into the Santa Claus Christmas Store. This massive gift shop has everything you could need, from personalized gifts to tasty treats that would make the perfect souvenir. Browse thousands of Christmas collectibles, Christmas decorations, ornaments, and more.

Santa does make appearances during the Christmas season and select events.

Tip: The store is only open from May-December.

Address33 Kringle Pl, Santa Claus, IN 47579

Play A Round Of Golf At The Christmas Lake Golf Course

Try your hand at the Christmas Lake Golf Course. This championship 18-hole Golf Course is open to the public and has a full-service Golf Shop. The Christmas Lake Golf Course has a Putting Green and Driving Range.

Address7200 E County Rd 1450 N, Santa Claus, IN 47579

See The Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial

Minutes from downtown Santa Claus is the Lincoln Boyhood National Park. The park preserves the area where Abraham Lincoln spent his childhood, including the cemetery where his mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, is buried.

Address3027 E S St, Lincoln City, IN 47552

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial

Start your tour a the Memorial Visitor Center, which offers tons of information about the park, Abraham Lincoln, and museum exhibits. Restrooms can be found at the Memorial Visitor Center, a bookstore, and a film and gift shop.

  • There is no fee to visit the park or the Lincoln’s Indiana boyhood home.
  • Get your National Park Stamp
  • Kids can become Junior Rangers for free! Check-in with the front desk in the Memorial Center to get information on how they can become one.
  • You can hike to the historic sites or park a lot closer to the Living Historical Farm.
  • The Trail of Twelve Stones is a fantastic hike featuring important stones from the life of Abraham Lincoln and the period.
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial

Go Hiking At Lincoln State Park

Directly across the street from the Lincoln Boyhood National Park is Lincoln State Park. Abe Lincoln spent a good portion of his youth in the region that is now Lincoln State Park. The park features a variety of activities, from camping to touring the historic Col. Jones Home.

Our recommendation is to hike the “Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood Walk,” highlighting the park’s Lincoln-era sites such as Noah Gorden’s mill and the grave of Abe’s sister, Sarah Lincoln-Grigsby.

Another popular trail is the South Forty Trail, which takes visitors to the front of the Colonel Jones Home, and the Trail 1, which takes you around Lake Lincoln.

Address15476 County Rd 300 E, Lincoln City, IN 47552

Grab A Glass of Wine At Monkey Hollow Winery

A great place to enjoy a glass of wine overlooking a scenic vineyard is Monkey Hollow Winery. Swing into their tasting room, where you can enjoy a complimentary tasting of their award-winning wines and other distilled products.

The winery does offer live music on Saturdays from May-October.

Address11534 County Rd 1740 N, St Meinrad, IN 47577

Find All The Santa Statues Around Town

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

Find all the Santa statues  in Santa Claus, Indiana
Find all the Santa statues in Santa Claus, Indiana

We hope that our guide helps you plan the perfect getaway to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. Be sure check out these related articles:

The Ultimate Water Park Packing List

17 Festive Things To Do In Santa Claus, Indiana

Everything You Need To Know About The Pre-K Pass at Holiday World

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