This Is The United States's Quirkiest Little Town
With Christmas 2025 still many months away, the holiday may be far from your mind. But for early shoppers, Christmas-in-July enthusiasts, and travelers who love all things unusual, the merry town of Santa Claus is a destination worth visiting. Tucked away in southwestern Indiana, Santa Claus is exactly what you would expect, but also so much more. From a holiday-themed water/theme park to a Post Office that receives thousands of Letters To Santa each year, this Christmas community is no mere gimmick. Whether popping by to mail a letter in December or exploring its museums and shops in July, “America’s Christmas Hometown” is truly the coolest and quirkiest little town in the United States.
How Did The Town Of Santa Claus Get Its Name?
Before rising to fame with its holly-jolly atmosphere, the town of Santa Claus went by a different name. When westward-moving pioneers settled here in the early 19th century, they initially dubbed the area “Santa Fee.” By the 1850s, their humble farming settlement was finally large enough to apply for a post office. Unfortunately, a preexisting Indiana town called “Santa Fe” had beaten them to the punch, and their application was declined.
Local legend believes that a group of townspeople met on Christmas Eve to discuss a new name for their merry town. With the spirit of Christmas in their hearts and on their minds, the rebrand seemed fitting: Santa Fee would become Santa Claus. Without having to worry about another town sharing their new name, the United States Post Office Department accepted the change, establishing the Santa Claus, Indiana, Post Office in 1856.
A Town That Celebrates Christmas 365 Days A Year
Despite its quirky name change, the town of Santa Claus remained a sleepy farming community for many years after. So how did this Indiana town become the Christmas Wonderland we see today? For this, we can thank James Martin. The town’s 14th postmaster, Martin began responding to children’s Letters To Santa at his own expense in 1914. This inspired a longtime tradition that remains to this day, now performed by volunteer “Santa’s Elves.”
However, this is not the only thing Martin’s Christmas goodwill inspired. After his jovial efforts were showcased in Robert Ripley’s iconic Believe It or Not cartoon strip in 1930, the town’s Christmas theme exploded. Roused by the new identity, local entrepreneur Milton Harris opened the town’s first official Christmas-themed tourist attraction, Santa’s Candy Castle, in 1935. That same year, a 22-foot Santa Claus Statue was erected where the Santa Claus Museum & Village sits today. In the years that followed, “America’s Christmas Hometown” continued to add a range of whimsical holiday-themed shops, boutiques, and attractions for visitors to enjoy year-round.
Weird And Wonderful Attractions In Santa Claus
No visit to Santa Claus would be complete without visiting the site that started it all. At the Santa Claus Museum & Village, visitors can stop by the Original Santa Claus Post Office and leave a letter for Jolly Old Saint Nick. Today, the historic building is a home base for Santa’s Elves volunteers, who help reply to the thousands of letters received each year.
Other must-see sites include the 1880 Santa Claus Church and the original 1935 Santa Claus Statue. Towering 22 feet, the concrete figure is perfect for a group photo or selfie to remember your time in this quirky town. Afterward, the Santa Claus Museum is worth exploring, displaying artifacts and photos about the town’s history and its iconic namesake. From antique toy displays to children’s letters spanning decades, this attraction is truly one-of-a-kind.
Claiming itself as “The Nation’s First Themed Attraction,” Santa's Candy Castle promises “a magical experience for believers of all ages.” Incorporating classic castle elements like a pointed tower and crenelated turret, the 1935 structure is straight from the pages of a fairytale. Despite closing down in the 1970s, the attraction luckily got its happy ending, reopening its doors and reigniting the magic in 2006.
Inside, rows upon rows of candy-packed shelves hold something for every sweet tooth, from nostalgic classics to more modern confections. Whether buying retro-inspired candy cigarettes or modern novelty Pop Rocks, you will leave Santa's Candy Castle with a smile. On December 22nd, 2025, the Castle will also celebrate its 90th anniversary with 90¢ specials, for the perfect chance to pick up last-minute stocking stuffers.
Whether stocking up on holiday essentials, hunting for the perfect gift, or stopping by to browse, the Santa Claus Christmas Store welcomes shoppers year-round. Stocked with tens of thousands of Christmas-themed items, visitors could spend hours perusing its shelves. Ornaments alone make up nearly 8,000 of the shop’s inventory, all of which can be personalized for free on-site. Other festive items include nativity scenes, nutcrackers, sweet treats, and wreaths—but this barely scratches the surface of what you can find here.
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is by far one of the country’s most unusual theme parks, inviting visitors to embrace outside-of-the-box fun. The park originally opened as Santa Claus Land in 1946, centering all of its rides, restaurants, and displays around the town’s beloved holiday. However, in 1984, it rebranded to Holiday World, adopting Halloween and 4th of July rides and fun. Then, nearly a decade later in 1993, Splashin’ Safari Water Park was added, while Thanksgiving joined the party in 2006.
Eclectic and eccentric, Holiday World has something fun for everyone. Thrill seekers can find heart-racing coasters like The Voyage and The Thunderbird, along with water coasters like The Cheetah Chase and The Wildebeest. There are also countless kid-friendly rides and attractions for tamer fun, including the Dasher’s Seahorses merry-go-round and the Good Gravy! Family Coaster.
Festive Fun Around Christmas Time
The town of Santa Claus may celebrate Christmas year-round, but when November and December roll around, they take things to the next level. During the annual Santa Claus Christmas Celebration, the town hosts three weekends of holiday events and experiences. Although certain 2025 events will be announced later in the year, confirmed events include the Santa Claus Christmas Parade on December 13, 2025, and the Santa Claus Land of Lights, dates to be determined.
Countless local businesses will also amp up their holiday spirit in 2025. On Saturdays from November 29th to December 20th, Santa’s Candy Castle will host Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire. The free experience will demonstrate the old-fashioned Christmas tradition, allowing guests to taste delicious samples. From November 29th to 30th, Santa’s TOYS will also host their Annual Live Reindeer Exhibit, welcoming people of all ages to meet Santa’s four-legged friends.
Discover The United States’ Quirkiest Little Town
While some assume that the quirks of Santa Claus end with its bizarre name, its local attractions say otherwise. For travelers who love unusual sights and experiences, Santa Claus has all the hallmarks of a world-class roadside attraction, wrapped up in an entire town. Whether spending the day riding Thanksgiving-themed roller coasters at Holiday World, satisfying your sweet tooth at Santa's Candy Castle, or making your list and checking it twice at the Santa Claus Christmas Store, your time in this quirky town will feel unreal in the best way.
