Is there any kid who wouldn't want to visit a place with that name?
This town in southern Indiana got its name way back in 1856; by 1935, someone had seen the potential for the place to be a tourist attraction, and "Santa's Candy Castle" was opened, reportedly the first themed attraction in the United States.
Nowadays Santa Claus is home to summertime attraction Holiday World, the "world’s first theme park" (yes, before Disneyland), known for top wooden roller coasters, and paired up with the Splashin' Safari waterpark.
But of course any place called "Santa Claus" has got to see some action at Christmas, too.
The Christmas in Santa Claus Festival takes place on Dec. 13-14 2008, with a parade, pancake breakfast with Mr. Claus, Christmas craft show. Visitors can tour the Santa Claus Museum, and see the Festival of Lights at Christmas Lake Village. (See schedule of events.
Look for special lodging packages at Santa's Lodge in December, that include cookies and milk and bedtime stories with the jolly old fellow; breakfasts with Santa too.
- Read more about the Christmas in Santa Claus Festival.
*photo courtesy of Spencer County Visitors Bureau
