The One Thing To Do in Indiana Before the End of the Year

Some of us can’t believe that the holidays are already here. Yet this time of year serves as a reminder to slow down and soak in the festive season around us. If you’re looking for an infusion of Christmas spirit, there is no more fitting holiday destination than the wonderland of Santa Claus, Indiana. 

A small town in Southern Indiana, Santa Claus has earned the nickname “America’s Christmas Hometown.” If you're looking for a classical Christmas, start your day at the Santa Claus Museum and Village. The museum tells the small town’s story through artifacts, photos, and free family events. Explore the historic 1880 Santa Claus Church, admire the collection of vintage model trains, and pose with a 22-foot-tall concrete Santa Claus Statue from 1935.

The highlight is visiting the Santa Claus Post Office to write your letter to Santa. You’ll receive a reply in December from one of Santa’s Elves. The group of volunteers works inside to spread Christmas cheer by answering thousands of letters to Santa from children around the world.

For a taste of the holidays, head to Santa’s Candy Castle. The inviting, red brick castle looks like you have entered Candyland rather than Indiana. Since 1935, Santa’s Candy Castle has offered a joyful selection of candies, including nostalgic sweet treats, and dozens of flavors of hot cocoa. Don’t forget to order its signature Frozen Hot Chocolate. On select days, you can even roast chestnuts on an open fire. 

If you are in the mood for more adult flavors, stop by Santa Claus Brewing Co. Opened in 2022, the taproom offers craft beer and a menu of appetizers, wings, and sandwiches. The merry beer menu includes a Christmas saison called Adoration, Atomic Snowman IPA, Santa’s Winter Warmer, and St. Nicholas’ Stout.

Santa Claus goes into holiday overdrive for three weekends each December during the Santa Claus Christmas Celebration. While it’s Christmas all year in Santa Claus, this is the time to take advantage of a full seasonal events calendar and make holiday memories. The highlight is the annual Santa Claus Christmas Parade, where floats and marching bands escort Santa Claus and kids line the street collecting candy. 

Snap a selfie with real-life reindeer at the Live Reindeer Exhibit. Drive through the dazzling Santa Claus Land of Lights display which tells the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer across a 1.2-mile illuminated journey. Another drive-through experience called the Christmas Lake Village Festival of Lights invites you into a gated community to get inspired by nine miles magical light displays. From the Lighting of Santa’s Great Big LED Tree of Lights to Donuts with Santa and Mrs. Claus, there’s no shortage of ways to spread the holiday cheer in Santa Claus.

With a jolly setting to shop, eat, and make memories, Santa Claus is a magical destination all year long. Whether you visit during the Christmas season or enjoy its warm weather activities, you can’t help but feel the town’s festive spirit. For more information about holiday events and activities, visit the Santa Claus website. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.