Things to Do in Santa Claus, Indiana

This is why most people come. Louis J. Koch opened it as Santa Claus Land in 1946, and it became Holiday World in 1984. Today it’s a theme park and a water park in one ticket, known for wooden roller coasters. The Voyage won the 2026 Golden Ticket Award for best wooden coaster in the world.

★ Good to know Soft drinks, sunscreen and parking are free. The season runs roughly spring through fall and the water park keeps a shorter summer schedule, so check the park calendar before you drive.

This free museum tells the story of the town, from the naming to the letters and the tourist boom. The village includes the original Santa Claus Post Office, an 1880 church, and the 22-foot concrete Santa statue that was dedicated on Christmas Day 1935.

★ Good to know Kids can write a letter to Santa right there, and Santa’s Elves volunteers write back in December. It’s open year-round, but hours change by season.

Dedicated in 1935 and sponsored by a Chicago candy company, it’s said to be the first themed attraction in the country. It was restored and reopened in 2006. It’s a quick, fun stop for sweets and a photo.

Abraham Lincoln lived here from 1816 to 1830, roughly ages 7 to 21, and his mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, is buried on the grounds. There’s a visitor center with a film, trails, and a living historical farm with rangers in period clothes. It’s in Lincoln City, about 10 minutes south of town.

It sits right across the road from the national memorial, so pair the two. Plan on a walk or some time by the lake after the history.

A 1.2-mile drive-through light show that tells the story of Rudolph, inside Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph. In 2026 it runs November 27 to December 23, starting at 5 pm Central. It charges admission.

A fourth-generation family farm just outside town, dating to 1913. Come in spring or early summer for u-pick strawberries, and check their page for what’s in season.