Santa Claus Indiana

A magical Christmas town with lights, letters, and cocoa galore

Episode 105 – The Family Vacationer with Rob

We’re kicking off our annual holiday travel series with one of the most festive towns in America: Santa Claus, Indiana! With streets named after reindeer, a post office that receives thousands of letters to Santa, and holiday cheer all year long, this small but spirited town is a can’t-miss destination for Christmas-loving families.

Rob sits down with Melissa Arnold, Executive Director of the Spencer County Visitors Bureau, to talk about how this little town brings Christmas to life every December—and why families keep coming back for the holiday magic.

🎙️ In this episode:

• The legend of how Santa Claus, IN got its name (hint: a church, a gust of wind, and some excited kids)
• Why this is the only post office in the world with Santa’s name—and how you can get your cards postmarked with a special design
• A preview of the Santa Claus Christmas Celebration, which takes place over the first three weekends in December

🎄 Holiday highlights include:

• Santa Claus Land of Lights – A drive-through storybook light display about Rudolph
• Santa’s Candy Castle – Featuring roasted chestnuts, 30+ flavors of hot chocolate, and nostalgic candy
• Santa Claus Museum – Learn the town’s history and write a letter to Santa in the original post office
• Christmas Dinner (or Breakfast) with Santa – Multiple restaurants get in on the fun
• Santa Claus Christmas Parade – Floats, fun, and maybe even a 40-foot Santa
• Holiday shopping at the Santa Claus Christmas Store and Evergreen Boutique, with personalized ornaments

🍕 Where to eat:

• Frosty’s Fun Center – Pizza, sandwiches, and a kid-friendly arcade
• S&S BBQ and Pizzeria – Known for their legendary Grinch Pizza
• Santa Claus Brewing Company – Seasonal craft beer, appetizers, and great pizza

🏨 Where to stay:

• Santa’s Lodge – Festive lodging in the heart of town
• Rudolph’s Christmas Cabins at Lake Rudolph – Cozy cabins nestled in the woods
• Lincoln Pines or Mistletoe Manor – Great for larger or multigenerational families
• Standard’s Lakeside Cottages – Quaint accommodations with charm and comfort

☀️ Beyond the holidays:

Santa Claus, Indiana shines in the warmer months too!

• Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari – A beloved family theme park with free drinks, sunscreen, and parking
• Outdoor adventures – National and state parks, lakes, and hiking trails all nearby
• Year-round Christmas shopping – Stores like the Christmas Store are open in summer and fall

📍 Melissa’s favorites:

• Chestnut roasting at Santa’s Candy Castle
• The Santa Claus Land of Lights
• Annual traditions like writing letters to Santa or driving through the light display with cocoa and music

🎅 For more info:

Visit santaclausind.org

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