Tucked away in Spencer County, Indiana, is a cute little town that’s famous for one thing: its name. Okay, maybe not JUST its name, but its name definitely gives you some insight into what to expect. It’s the little town of Santa Claus, Indiana, and it’s a charming small town no matter what time of year you just so happen to visit. Sure, you can experience Christmas year-round in Santa Claus, but there’s more to it than that. Come visit this charming village in Indiana named after the holiday icon ASAP – it’s always a good time! Even in July 🙂

Santa Claus, Indiana, was originally founded in 1854 as Santa Fe.
Santa Claus Indiana
Santa Claus, Indiana/Facebook
Eventually, though, word got around, and the denizens of the little settlement learned there was ALREADY a Santa Fe, Indiana, so the name needed to change.
"Santa Claus" was the agreed-upon moniker, and it's captured the magic of not just Christmas but of small-town Indiana in general perfectly ever since.
Santa Claus Indiana
Santa Claus, Indiana/Facebook
We wouldn't have it any other way.
As of 2020, the population in Santa Claus was hovering right around 2,495, give or take a few residents.
Santa Claus, Indiana/Facebook
There's a lot to do jam-packed into this little town, and we think you'll need at least a whole weekend to get the hang of things.

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There's a strong sense of community here, and the residents form a tight-knit bond over years of community festivals, events, and traditions.
Santa Claus, Indiana/Facebook
There's a delightful main street where there's always something fun happening; year-round, the town hosts block parties and events that are sure to charm visitors into considering a permanent residence here. Everyone is kind and friendly, and the entire town really seems to embody the charm of small-town life.
There are a few resorts here in the event that you choose Santa Claus for your next escape.
Santa Claus, Indiana/Facebook
Stay at Santa's Lodge, which is right beside Holiday World - one of the best theme parks in Indiana, hands down! We bet you didn't know there's something so epic all the way out here - but now you do.
Holiday World is a holiday-themed amusement park in Indiana settled down smack-dab in the center of Santa Claus, and it's packed with fun and shenanigans for the whole family.
Santa Claus, Indiana/Facebook
Should you make a trip out to this little town, we think you'll want to dedicate an entire day to the park, as it's quite large and entices guests through four different festive carnival themes. We won't spoil it here; if you're a fan of roller coasters and good times, Holiday World is where you'll want to be. Kill time in the stores (there's a Christmas shop open year-round... just saying), enjoy the unique eateries and mom-and-pop shops, and create memories you'll never forget in Santa Claus, Indiana.

Warm your heart by watching this YouTube video of the town of Santa Claus, Indiana.

The town is built up around three small lakes, each of which offers even more fun! Who says Santa Claus is only worth visiting in the winter? We sure don’t – it’s a delight year-round, even if it’s a little kitschy sometimes. For more adventure in this charming town, check out these attractions in Santa Claus that we recommend. When it comes to charming small towns in Indiana, this one’s unforgettable. For the perfect place to stay, be sure to visit our friends at Hotels.com.

What are some of your favorite unique things to do in Indiana? Share them with us in the comments. We would love to hear from you!

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More to Explore

Charming Small Towns in Indiana

Melanie J. | October 30, 2023

What are some of the best Christmas towns in Indiana?

Santa Claus might arguably be the best Christmas town in Indiana, but we have lots of towns that are filled with holiday cheer. Here are 10 of the best Christmas towns in Indiana that you must visit:

  • Shipshewana, LaGrange County
  • Valparaiso, Porter County
  • Fort Wayne, Allen County
  • Nashville, Brown County
  • Charlestown, Clark County
  • Madison, Jefferson County
  • Metamora, Franklin County
  • French Lick, Orange County
  • Richmond, Wayne County
  • Carmel, Hamilton County

 

Be sure to read our previous article which tells you more about the best Christmas towns in Indiana.

What are the best winter attractions in Indiana?

From Christmas markets to light displays to dazzling lights and more, here are the best winter attractions in Indiana that belong on your list:

Discover more from our previous article about the best winter attractions in Indiana.

Is there a Christmas Village in Indiana?

The short answer is yes. You can find Christmas villages in Indiana in many of our small towns. These are a few of the Christmas villages in Indiana that I recommend:

 

Visit our website to learn more about these Christmas villages in Indiana.

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Santa Claus, IN, USA