Jay's family and I traditionally spend Christmas together. But with Ashley and Chase now adults, in college and making their own lives it's gotten increasingly difficult to get 8 peoples schedules to jive. Within recent years we managed to spend two Christmas' together - in Santa Claus, Indiana. One was a summer trip for a Christmas in July, the other a winter trip to spend a traditional December Christmas together.
I want to show you all that the town of Santa Claus has to offer so I'm going to do 2 versions - one of a summer trip, one of a winter trip to Santa Claus.
For our summer trip we originally considered staying in the Beast - until we found out the RV park was right next to a big amusement and waterpark which would be noisy the entire time the park was open. So we changed plans and found a perfect vacation rental, Cozy Vintage House. Five beds, two bathrooms, full kitchen, living room, dining room.
It was 10 minutes outside of Santa Claus so close enough to all the action while still being removed from noise and crowds.
We stayed at Cozy Vintage House on both of our trips to Santa Claus.
Other accommodations in and around Santa Claus
If you have kids, you might want to consider staying at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph. 78 North Holiday Boulevard, Santa Claus.
Located next door to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph is a family favorite. The resort features 219 cabins and cottages and 296 full-hookup RV sites and tent sites.
The resort features Santa’s SplashDown WaterPark, Blitzen Bay swimming pool, and splash pad. There are also golf car rentals, playgrounds, free mini golf, horseshoe pits, fishing, paddleboats, kayaks, basketball courts, gem mining, beach volleyball, planned family activities, free Wi-Fi, free shuttles to Holiday World, and more.
A NOTE ON DINING: You'll find in and around Santa Claus there is an overabundance of pizza joints. Sure, we like pizza...just not a steady diet of it. You'll have to drive out-of-town to find more varieties of restaurants.
We decided we'd cook most of our own meals, so I'll share our favorite holiday recipes with you, along with the lunch restaurants we went to.
We spent our first morning in Santa Claus
grocery shopping at Holiday Foods.
15 Kringle Pl, Santa Claus, IN
Open every day from 7 am to 8 pm
The great thing about Santa Claus, IN is that it's Christmas even in July!
10 Ideas for Celebrating Christmas in July in Santa Claus:
Plan a Festive Stay. Looking for lodging that’s decked out for the
holidays even in summer? Santa’s Lodge and Santa’s Cottages feature fun Christmas-themed décor inside and out. And vacation rentals like Christmas Cottage and Mistletoe Manor will make you feel like you’re enjoying a family holiday at home!
Write Your Wish List. What could be Christmas-ier than writing a letter to Santa? At the Santa Claus Museum & Village, you can write a letter in the town’s original post office. You’ll receive a response by Christmas—and it will include the annual picture postmark available exclusively during December from the town’s current Santa Claus Post Office!
Cool Down with Hot Chocolate. Hot chocolate in summer? It’s not for everyone. But FROZEN hot chocolate in July? That’s the good stuff! Find the favorite frozen treat at Santa’s Candy Castle… then shop the huge selection of new and old-fashioned candies for stocking stuffers.
Trim Your Tree. Just because it’s July doesn’t mean you can’t start planning for December’s Christmas tree. You’ll find the perfect ornament at Santa Claus Christmas Store. There are nearly 8,000 to choose from. And many are available personalized for free!
We brought our own Christmas tree with us and set it up in July.
Get on Santa’s Nice List. While you're at the Santa Claus Christmas Store, don't forget to visit with Santa himself! He's available weekends in July.
Christmas Shop ’til You Drop. The holidays seem to come faster every year. Wouldn’t it be great to have your shopping list knocked out in July? Find a great new outfit or accessory for Mom or Sis at Evergreen Boutique & Christmas Shop. And check out Santa’s TOYS for the most amazing selection of gifts for the kids in your life.
Enjoy Santa-Approved Eats. Pull up a chair and enjoy a meal that would satisfy the jolly old elf himself! The Fat Santa at Fat Santa's Pizza & More is piled high with every topping on the (nice) list. Belly up to Santa's Deluxe Burger with all the festive fixin's at Santa Claus Brewing Co. Or "go green" and try The Grinch pizza, topped with delicious pulled pork, at S&S BBQ & Pizzeria.
Meet a Real Live Reindeer. Think reindeer only come out to play in the winter? In Santa Claus, Indiana, you can get up close and personal with real reindeer at Santa's Reindeer Ranch during the summer. But that's not all—the ranch is also home to porcupines, mini Highland cows, and wallabies. And don't forget to stop in the gift shop!
Find a World of Family Fun. At Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, you’ll see Christmas around every corner (along with sections of the park themed for Thanksgiving, Halloween, and even the Fourth July). And just like the holidays themselves, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is all about making family memories!
Morning:
Authentic Swedish Pancakes
Ingredients
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3 eggs
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1 1/4 cups milk
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3⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon white sugar
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1⁄2 teaspoon salt
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1 tablespoon butter, or as needed
Instructions
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Grease a griddle or skillet with real butter (not margarine) and set the heat to medium.
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Using a stand or electric mixer, thoroughly whisk the eggs in a medium bowl for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is uniformly bright yellow and thick.
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Add the milk and stir to combine.
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In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Whisk by hand to ensure even distribution.
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Add the dry mixture to the egg mixture, stirring gently with a spatula until smooth.
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Spoon the batter onto the griddle in tablespoon-sized batches.
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Spread each spoonful until it’s thin and wide, then cook for approximately 1 to 2 minutes or until the bottom turns light brown. Then, flip the pancake and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until that side is also golden brown.
We like to fill the pancakes with fruit filling, roll them up, sprinkle them with powdered sugar, then add a dollop of whipped cream.
Take A Walk Around Santa Claus
Santa Claus is an easily walkable town. Besides having some cool shops, see if you can locate all of the Santa statues around town! Download the Searching for Santa Statues map!
There's 15 statues to find!
While in town check out Evergreen Boutique & Christmas Shop, 8 North Kringle Place Santa Claus, IN and Santa's Toys, 3 North Kringle Place Santa Claus, IN.
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This is the greatest toy store ever!
They have just about any toys you can think of, including vintage toys I played with as a kid.
We pull names among us for a gift exchange and we upped the ante by challenging whoever pulled our name to pick out a toy they thought we would've played with as a kid.
Ashley to Uncle Jay "Dinosaurs went extinct thousands of years ago, Uncle Jay. And I don't see any live dinosaurs in this store..."
Jay: And if you'd been born when I was, I'd be buying you a CHATTY CATHY doll!"
Ashley: "What's a Chatty Cathy doll?"
Jay: "A talking doll that talked way too much and never shut up!"
You can browse through over 2,800 specialty toys at Santa's Toys. Guests of all ages are encouraged to find their inner child and play while browsing.
Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 12:00 - 4:00pm
After about 2 hours we'd had our fill of the toy store, all of us having found the toy to give our gift exchange recipient. Next stop...
Santa Claus Christmas Store
33 North Kringle Place Santa Claus, IN
You can find just about any Christmas themed item in Santa Claus Christmas Store.
The store provides beautiful gifts, collectibles, ornaments, outdoor decor, lights, and mouth-watering Christmas treats.
There's only so much you can pack into a plane so we wanted to pick up some Christmas ornaments for our tree. We easily spent over an hour browsing through everything.
We upped the ante of our gift exchange again in that you had to get a personalized ornament for the person whose name you'd drawn.
The Santa Claus Christmas Store is open from May through December.
Lunch: Los Panchos, 715 N 5th St Rockport, IN.
We were in the mood for Mexican so went to Los Panchos Mexican Restaurant,
We ordered a bunch of street tacos to split between us. The food was okay - not the best Mexican, not the worst we've had.
We'd planned on eating in the caboose but it was over 80 degrees in there so we passed on that.
Hours: Sun - Thurs 11 am to 9 pm
Fri & Sat 11 am to 10 pm
Santa Claus Museum & Village
69 State Road 245 Santa Claus, IN
Santa Claus Museum & Village is tourable summer or winter but you'll see much more during the summer.
Start your holiday-inspired trip with a visit to the Santa Claus Museum & Village. It’s home to the 1880 Santa Claus Church, a 22-foot-tall Santa Claus statue that dates to 1935, and the original Santa Claus Post Office. Explore the town’s origins through exhibits and artefacts you won’t find anywhere else, and don’t forget to write a letter to jolly Saint Nick while visiting. Admission is FREE.
The Museum
Post Office Sign
The old original Post Office
Post Office interior where kids can
write letters to Santa Claus
Santa's desk where volunteers answer letters to Santa
Collection of kids
letters to Santa
Child visiting Santa display
The old church
Church interior
This is the cutest little museum and village to visit. You can tour the entire place in about 40 minutes.
A customized tour will be designed to fit your goals and timeframe.
Simply email santaclausmuseum@santaclausmuseum.org for pricing and availability.
You don't have to take a customized tour though! You can do a FREE self guided tour through the village.
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Museum: Explore the story of Santa Claus. Experience the magic of the festive decor, the town’s original memorabilia, vintage trains and more! For schools, students will be led in an age & curriculum appropriate activity.
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Gift Shop: The Museum also includes a small gift shop with affordable and many handmade items. A favorite featured item is Santa Dollars.
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Historic 1880 Santa Claus Church: Enjoy this beautiful, historic building. School groups will participate in a curriculum appropriate activity.
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Original 1856 Santa Claus Post Office: This historic structure is home to antique school desks where generations of children have penned their letters to Santa. Young students may draw/color what they want for Christmas. Adults may write on behalf of a child if they would like. Each letter will receive a response from Santa and the Elves in December.
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Santa’s Office Visits with Santa and/or Mrs. Claus: can be made available in the magical Santa’s Museum Office.
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Wishing Well & Santa Statue: Make an enchanted wish in the well and take a picture in front of the 22- foot- tall Santa Claus Statue, built in 1935!
Our last stop of the day,,,
Visit Santa's Candy Castle
15499 North State Road 245 Santa Claus, IN
What a place! Candy Heaven! I saw candy I hadn't seen since I was a kid in the 50's!
You want a sucker with a scorpion in it? They have it. Or how about a Tequila flavored treat with a worm in it? Or a lolly with ants in it? They have those too. Plus 35 flavors of frozen hot chocolate. And they have every kind of Pez dispenser and Pez candy you can think of!
For those of you too young to remember what Pez was, they were candy dispensers in different characters. You loaded little pieces of Pez candy in them in various flavors and dispensed the candy by tilting the head of the character back.
Fun for the kids, fun for the adult kids and worth every sweet penny.
Once a year the store also carries out a 100 year old tradition of roasting chestnuts over a fire. The roasting is held Nov. 29th through Dec. 19th on Saturdays only.
The event is FREE to attend.
*For the safety of guests and staff, severe weather or heavy rains may cause cancellation. Watch the Santa's Candy Castle Facebook page for announcements the day of the event.
Take A Hike
There are miles of beautiful hiking trails in and around Santa Claus.
One of the most popular hiking trails is the Lincoln Park Loop Trail. This 7.2-mile loop trail near Santa Claus is considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 38 min to complete.
Highlights include well-maintained paths and a fun fire tower. Challenges are bugs and spider webs. BRING LOTS OF INSECT REPELLENT!
We weren't hiking just to hike that day. We were on a mission. Decorating our Christmas tree together is a family tradition. Sure, we'd gotten some ornaments at the Santa Claus Christmas store...but we'd more items to fill the tree.
Tip: If you're short on tree decorations, do a woodland tree and scavenge the forest for some of your decorations.
There are many ornaments right out there in nature!
Lincoln Park Loop Trail
Decorating the Tree
We make decorating the tree into a kind of "cocktail hour", followed by a sit down dinner. This tradition allows us to spend some quality time together as a family, enjoying each other's company without having to rush anywhere.
Dee and I will whip up a tray of our fave hors d'oeuvres and some Christmas drinks and we're off and running to decorate.
Roast Beef Crostini Appetizers
Sit Down Dinner Menu
Spinach and Feta Steak Roll Ups
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Spend the rest of the evening relaxing.
Rosemary Honey Butter Dinner Rolls - Recipe here
Christmas Dessert Lasagna Recipe
Morning:
Breakfast Casserole
This easy egg breakfast casserole is thick, flavorful, and satisfying; plus, the recipe is an incredibly convenient breakfast choice since it’s make-ahead and infinitely adaptable.
You can use your favorite seasonings and cheeses, vegetables like peppers and mushrooms, meats like sausage or bacon, or you can make it vegetarian.
The best part is that you can assemble this dish ahead of time so breakfast is a breeze in the morning! This is a great breakfast option in any season.
Holiday World and Splashin' Safari
Undoubtedly the biggest draws in Santa Claus are Holiday World amusement park and Splashin' Safari waterpark .452 East Christmas Boulevard Santa Claus, IN
Today we're off for a day of fun in the sun!
Holiday World & Splashin' Safari offer two world-class parks for one low price. Plan for two or more days of family fun at the world's first theme park! Holiday World & Splashin' Safari is known for its friendly staff and clean park. Plus, these parks offer great value. Enjoy free soft drinks, free sunscreen, free parking, and free Wi-Fi.
The Thunderbird steel roller coaster launches riders from zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds. Riders will love the loops and rolls, plus this breathtaking flight through the woods. Holiday World also features TIME Magazine's choice for the #1 wooden roller coaster in the nation - The Voyage.
In addition, Splashin’ Safari is ranked as one of the nation’s Top 3 Water Parks by TripAdvisor.com and features the world's first launched water coaster, Cheetah Chase. Plus, the water park includes the two longest water coasters in the world, numerous family water slides, two wave pools, and water activities for children.
Multiple ticket options are available. "Pick Your Day Tickets" allow visitors to plan ahead and purchase tickets for a specific day. "Any Day Tickets" are one-day admission tickets valid for any day during the current season. "Flex Tickets" allow two visits within the same week. Season passes are also available. Click here for more information and to buy tickets.
This is a seasonal attraction. Splashin' Safari is typically open in May through the first part of September and Holiday World is typically open May through the end of October. The park/parks are typically open weekends only from mid-August through the end of October.
Heads up! There's a new roller coaster, the Cannonball coming to Holiday World in 2027!
Lunch: We didn't want the hassle of leaving the park so settled for sandwiches from Santa's Merry Marketplace inside the park. It was what you'd expect of overpriced, mediocre food, although they had a variety of different menu options.
If you plan on eating dinner in the park, then check out Plymouth Rock Café. Thanksgiving Meals and Indoor Dining. Located next to The Voyage in Thanksgiving. I can't comment on the food as we didn't eat there, but again lots of menu options.
Tickets & Prices: The park offers a lot of different ticket options plus a lot of discounts for First Responders, Military, etc.
This page has all of that information, Be sure to check out their Special Discounts & Programs.
Dinner: We were all pretty tired so did something really quick and easy for dinner that the family loves.
Ham Buns
INGREDIENTS
1 lb. ground chuck
Small diced onion
1/4 green pepper cut into small pieces
2T. prepared mustard
2T. chili sauce
Salt & Pepper to taste
3/8 lb. Velveeta, cubed
DIRECTIONS
Mix all of the ingredients together well. Place on buns of your choice. Bake in 350 degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes. (I bake them for 20 minutes so the Velveeta cheese gets nice and melty and the buns are a bit crispier)
The above recipe makes about 8 ham buns but simply double the ingredients to make a bigger batch.
Pair them with a cheesy hashbrown casserole and a mixed lettuce salad and dinner is served.
Berry Waffles
Morning:
This Waffle Recipe creates a beautifully golden crust with a soft, airy center that absorbs maple syrup like a dream.
It is a family favorite that requires very little effort but yields a bakery-style result every single time.
We serve them with blueberry flavored syrup.
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
3027 E South St, Lincoln City, IN
You can tour this attraction summer or winter but it's much better and more buildings are open in the summer.
Today we're going to tour the Indiana boyhood home of my (5x) great uncle, Abraham Lincoln - or "Linc" as I call him.
Lincoln spent 14 years of his boyhood growing up in Indiana and the footprint and foundation of the cabin he and his family lived in still stands. (A replica cabin stands nearby)
The farm is a working pioneer homestead with a log cabin, outbuildings, split rail fences, livestock, gardens and field crops.
Ranger in period dress teaches young visitor how to split rails
During the warm weather months Rangers in period clothing will give you a taste of what it was like growing up on this farmstead - splitting rails, shearing sheep, dying wool, cooking, working in the carpenter's shop, etc.
Dyeing wool
Learning how to shear a sheep
The kitchen in the replica cabin
Linc's bed
Linc's parents - Thomas and
Nancy Hanks Lincoln
The grave of Nancy Hanks Lincoln
The footprint of where the original
cabin once stood
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The Lincoln cabin was very small, scarcely the size of one of our modern living rooms. What boggles my mind is that a minimum of 5 and more likely, 7 people inhabited this cabin! Plus all the items they needed to survive!
Linc had one older sister by birth, Sarah. She was his only sibling by birth. But he also had several step brothers and sisters - Elizabeth age 13, Matilda age 10, a step brother John D age 9 and a stepbrother Tommy.
(Thomas' children from a previous marriage. He was a widower when he married Nancy Hanks.)
The Memorial Hall is a good place to start with a short educational video, some small exhibits, and the gift shop. The Memorial Visitor Center closes from 12-1 pm for lunch, so plan accordingly if you need to use the nice clean bathrooms or fill your water bottle.
From there you'll walk to Pioneer Cemetery where Linc's mother, Nancy is buried. She died of milk sickness all because a cow ate a snakeroot plant!
I highly recommend the Trail of Twelve Stones, which leads you through the peaceful woods along a path which houses 12 stones from significant locations in Lincoln's life. These are some of the same trails Linc himself walked as a boy and young man. The beautiful "walk through the woods" gives you a taste of the remoteness Lincoln experienced living in the area during that period.
I've visited countless Lincoln sites and this one impressed me the most, it's that good and authentic.
Kudos to the Park Service for not building the cabin replica on the original cabin site and trying to pass it ff as the real cabin.
Admission to Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial is 100% FREE. No general entrance pass or vehicle fee is required to visit. The $80 America the Beautiful Annual Pass is accepted for full entry. Active US military members, veterans, 4th-grade students, and US citizens with permanent disabilities enter FREE with interagency passes.
Visit mid-week or early in the morning to enjoy the quietest views. Weekend afternoons can get busy near the main visitor centers.
I had some mind blowing psychic interactions with Linc - as did several of my friends and family members. You can read that story here if you're interested.
Lunch: Jimador Bar & Grill, 560 South Washington Street Dale, IN. Nine minutes from Winter Wonderland.
Pineapple fajita? Yes please!
Jimador's earned high marks for food, superb margaritas, service and pricing.
Great Mexican food at this family owned restaurant and it's authentic Mexican made from recipes that have been passed down through the family for generations.
Mon 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tue 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wed 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thu 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Fri 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sat 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sun Closed
Santa's Reindeer Ranch
4178 E County Road 1700 N, Dale IN
Summer Season:
May - September
Winter Season:
November 14 - January 2
Santa's Reindeer Ranch is just a cool place to visit.
Their baby reindeer, Frankie and Denali are heart stealers.
SOOOOO CUTE!
Frankie was born on April 25th.
Two days later, the ranch welcomed Denali.
Moms, Nova and Noelle, are doing great.
Not that reindeer are the only critters who call the ranch home.
There are mini Highland cows, a porcupine named Quilly Nelson, a kangaroo, donkeys, and more.
Holiday Reindeer Encounter & Farm Tour - $36.75 ages 3 and up. 2 and under free.
Frankie and Denali
Experience the magic of the holidays at Santa’s Reindeer Ranch! This guided 45-minute tour includes an up-close encounter where you’ll meet, feed and photograph Santa’s reindeer, followed by visits with the other farm animals and time to shop for unique gifts in the Gift Shop. Advance reservations are required, and all tour times are listed in Central Time.
Dinner:
Tin Foil Beef Stew
Recipe below
Baby Lettuce Salad
Recipe below
Pillsbury Grand Buttermilk Biscuits
5 Layer Turtle Lasagna
Tin Foil Beef Stew
I'm not fond of beef stew. This is the ONLY beef stew I will eat.
INGREDIENTS
2 lbs. beef stew meat in 13x9 pan
1 medium onion cut in chunks
1 stalk celery cut diagonally in 1-1/2" pieces
6 carrots cut diagonally 2" long
I also add some quartered potatoes
Put all of the above in the 13x9 pan.
MIX
2 tsp salt
1 T sugar
2 T tapioca, uncooked
Sprinkle this mix over the top of the stew mixture
Over the top of the stew mixture add 1/2 cup V8 Juice. (I add more as I like a juicier stew)
DIRECTIONS:
Cover 13x9 pan tightly with tin foil. Bake at 250 degrees for 4 hours.
Baby Lettuce Salad
Savory sweetness harmonizes in the Baby Lettuce Salad with Raspberries, Cranberries, and Feta, where mixed baby lettuce is elevated by fresh raspberries bursting with juicy flavor, tart dried cranberries providing a delightful contrast, crumbly feta cheese adding a touch of saltiness, and toasted walnuts offering a satisfying crunch. When dressed in a zesty red wine vinaigrette, this salad becomes a masterful blend of flavors, perfect for both daily meals and special gatherings alike.
Holiday Drive-in Movies
646 North State Road 161 Rockport, IN
Those of us who grew up with drive-in movie theaters know how much more fun they were to go to than a regular indoor movie theater. It's good to see them beginning to make a comeback!
Unlike most drive-in's, Holiday Drive-in features 6 different movie screens, each showing 2 different movies.
Admission: Adults $12
Children 4-11 $6
You can see 2 movies for that price!
Two concession stands open their doors as soon as they lift the gates. The main building between screens 1 and 2 opens first and stays open the longest. The second building
behind screen 2 services the back half of the drive-in for your convenience.
You are welcome to bring your own coolers packed with your favorite snacks and soda pop, but you cannot bring a grill or cookout of any kind. This is a fire code violation.
Holiday Drive-In now takes debit or credit cards at the ticket booth and the concession stand.
Morning:
10-Minute Spinach Omelet
Our 10-Minute Spinach Omelet is the perfect meal to get you going in the morning or fill you up for a light lunch.
We use the whole eggs because the yolks are packed with nutrition, and protein is found in the whites and the yolks. We sautéed the eggs in heart-healthy extra-virgin olive oil and gave them an extra heart-healthy boost by adding folate-rich spinach.
We know melty cheese is a must for omelets, so we added a mild Cheddar for creaminess, and the fresh dill at the end brightens up this omelet.
Christmas Day In July
We decided day 4 on our itinerary would be our Christmas Eve in July, a stay-at-home day.
I come from a Swedish family so we always celebrated Christmas Eve as they do in Sweden. But you can tailor your itinerary to your own Christmas traditions.
Dee, Ashley and I sent the guys out to play golf - which they vehemently objected to - *cough cough* so we gals could prepare a scaled down version of the traditional Swedish Julborg.
A Swedish Julborg
The Julbord is the heart of Swedish Christmas celebrations, typically served on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day. It is a multi-course buffet that begins with cold fish dishes, followed by cold meats, then hot dishes, and concludes with cheese and desserts. Traditionally, the Julborg is served in 7 distinct parts but as I said, we papred the size of our Julborg down.
Sill (Pickled Herring): Herring prepared in various ways, from mustard to onion, a non-negotiable part of the cold fish course.
Classic Gravlax (Dill-Cured Salmon)
Gravlax is the elegant centerpiece of the cold fish course. Its name means “buried salmon,” referring to the old method of salting and burying the fish in the sand to cure. The result is a silky, fragrant salmon that’s far superior to anything you can buy.
Köttbullar (Swedish Meatballs): Served piping hot, these are a favourite for all ages.
Julskinka: The essential Swedish Christmas ham, often boiled and coated with a mix of mustard and breadcrumbs.
Janssons Frestelse: A creamy potato casserole baked with onions and sprats (often mistakenly translated as anchovies)
Knäckebröd: (crispbread)
similar to Ry-Krisp
Pepparkakor: These thin, incredibly crisp cookies are packed with warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Tradition says you can make a wish on them! Place a cookie in your palm, press down in the center with your thumb. If it breaks into three pieces, your wish will come true. The dough needs to chill overnight, so this is a
perfect make-ahead task.
Ris à la Malta: Sweet Rice pudding
Rulltårta: has been translated to everything from “Jelly Roll” to “Swiss Roll”.
There are some traditions that go along with the Julbord.
Pepparkakor: Tradition says you can make a wish on them! Place a cookie in your palm, press down in the center with your thumb. If it breaks into three pieces, your wish will come true.
Ris à la Malta: My grandmother would hide an almond in one of the dishes of rice pudding, then award a prize from Sweden to the person who had the almond in their rice pudding.
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Swedish Bird’s Nest in a Christmas Tree
In Sweden and other Nordic countries, finding a bird’s nest in a Christmas tree is considered a sign of good luck, prosperity, and new beginnings. This tradition has roots in Iceland, Sweden, and Germany, where it was believed that a nest nestled among the branches of a family’s tree would bring health, happiness, fortune, and a happy New Year.
Don't forget to play some Swedish Christmas music in the background!
For your own Christmas in July "Christmas Eve", do a dinner based on your family's nationality!
Christmas Day in July
Morning:
Raspberry Chocolate Pancakes
These are another quick and easy family favorite.
A little chocolate, a little pancake, a little fruit and we’ve got a well-rounded breakfast.
They're best with fresh raspberries! You can also use blueberries or blackberries. Recipe here
After a relaxing breakfast we open our Christmas gifts. We always try to do something different with our gift exchanges.
One year the giver had to give the recipient whose name they pulled volunteer time to the recipient's favorite charity.
Another year the gift had to be something you made yourself - no store bought gifts. Yet another year we gave each other gag gifts.
We try to avoid the crass commercialized Christmas if at all possible.
Lincoln State Park
15476 County 300 E, Lincoln City, IN
Pack a picnic lunch and head for Lincoln State Park. for a refreshing day at the lake.
The 1,747-acre park was established in 1932 as a memorial to Lincoln's mother, Nancy Hanks. The Little Pigeon Creek Baptist Church and Cemetery, located on the property, is where Lincoln’s sister Sarah is buried.
Sarah Lincoln Grisby died on January 20, 1828, at the age of 20, in childbirth, and was laid to rest with her infant in her arms.
She was the only sibling by birth to Lincoln.
Her husband, Aaron Grigsby, was buried beside her; he died in 1831, just three years after her and one year after remarrying.
Lincoln Park holds a lot to explore.
Lincoln State Park offers 10 miles of hiking trails, two scenic lakes, and an interpretive center to help you experience early life of settlers in southern Indiana. Your entire family can enjoy a relaxing time at one of the campgrounds, cabins, or group cottages.
You can discover the park with a number of activities like hiking, trailing, fishing, and boating.
The Lincoln Amphitheatre and the interpretive center are also located on the park premises where a number of events are hosted by the management.
Tour the Colonel Jones Home, the historic home of the merchant and Civil War officer who employed young Lincoln.
Colonel Jones Home
Lincoln Park Amphitheater
Lincoln slept here the night he gave a campaign speech for Henry Clay, the Whig Party presidential candidate in 1844. Lincoln lived in Illinois at the time and included his old neighborhood in the campaign tour.
In early 1861, before Lincoln traveled to Washington for his first inauguration, Jones visited him in Springfield, Illinois. A local paper reported, "Mr. Lincoln was called upon to-day by
an old man from Indiana named Jones for whom thirty years ago he worked as a common farm-hand at a dollar a day." Once the Civil War broke out, Jones joined the Union Army, despite being in his sixties. He was a lieutenant colonel of the 53rd Regiment of Indiana Volunteers when he was killed at the battle of Atlanta in 1864.
The house is a typical example of Federal architecture except for the second floor observatory. Jones and his wife Rachel built it about 1834, across the street from their store, which is no longer standing. The east room features 11-foot-high, built-in cupboards beside the fireplace. The kitchen once displayed the corner cupboard shown above left. This piece, attributed to Lincoln's father, has since moved to an Indianapolis museum.
This historic site open FREE of charge (donation appreciated) mid-March through mid-December, Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
We spent an entire leisurely day at Lincoln Park just taking in the different sites and relaxing and having our picnic lunch on the beach.
Dinner:
Cashew Chicken Stir Fry
This cashew chicken is a quick and easy chicken stir fry ready in less than 30 minutes.
Juicy and tender chicken and fresh vegetables are stir fried and smothered in a garlicky, sweet and savory Asian sauce with crunchy cashews.
Serve it with rice. We usually use wild rice or Chinese Fried Rice but you can use any kind of rice.
If we're feeling ambitious we sometimes add some homemade Fortune Cookies for dessert.
Morning:
Delicious Yogurt Parfait
We pair these parfaits with granola bars.
Sunny Acres Stables
11576 US-150 Greenville, IN
The 'kids' wanted to go horseback riding so we piled in the car and drove an hour to Sunny Acres Stables.
(Santa's Stables near Santa Claus had/has permanently closed)
Sunny Acres Stables offers horse riding for individuals, families and groups over 300 beautiful acres of woods and pasture in the picturesque hills of southern Indiana.
Experienced guides lead riders of all experience levels, even if you've never been on a horse before.
They offer 2 hour trail rides for $70 per person. Reservations required.
Anyone under 18 that can control a horse can ride but they must have a helmet. The horses are well behaved and are very mild mannered for those that might be timid.
Lunch: Head 13 minutes outside of Santa Claus to have lunch at New Boston Tavern, 11886 N State Rd 545 Troy, IN.
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I asked our server what she'd recommend and she said they were famous for their pork chops.
WOW! I know of only one other place where I've had a better pork chop than at New Boston Tavern.
They have breakfast/lunch/dinner options and the food was really good for the price. Very affordable!
And they're super kid friendly.
Christmas Lake Golf Course
7200 East County Road 1450 North Santa Claus, IN
Photo credit: Christmas Lake Golf Course
Hit the links at Christmas Lake Golf Club for a championship-level experience among some of southern Indiana’s most gorgeous scenery.
Christmas Lake Golf Club has earned an excellent reputation among golfers all over the world. Known for its rolling hills, valleys, and sparkling lakes, this well-manicured course is peaceful as well as beautiful. This full-service, par 72, championship golf course is open to the public and includes a practice putting green, full driving range, a Golf Shop, and onsite restaurant for all your food and beverage needs. Find all golf rates here.
After our golf game we headed back to the house to pack up in preparation for leaving the next morning.
We'd had a wonderful trip to Santa Claus for Christmas in July. Wonderful enough that we returned to Santa Clause to scope it out in the winter during the actual Christmas season.
While there's not as much to do in Santa Claus during the winter months it's still a beautiful place to spend the holidays.
The town and surrounding area sponsors various Christmas events throughout the month of December that will keep you entertained.
Christmas in Dale Light Show
301 N Main St, Dale, IN
Thursday, November 26, 2026 - Saturday, January 2, 2027
Sunday - Thursday 5:00 - 9:00 pm CT
Friday - Saturday 5:00 - 11:00 pm CT
Christmas Eve 5:00 - 11:00 pm CT
"Noshi the Naughty Reindeer" Storytime
December 13, 2026
If you have little ones, local author Melissa Weales will read her book, Noshi the Naughty Reindeer, in the 1880 Historic Santa Claus Church on Sunday, December 13, 2026.. Readings will take place at 11:00 am and 11:30 am CT.
Admission is FREE.
Santa Claus Land of Lights
Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph - 78 North Holiday Boulevard Santa Claus, IN
Experience the shining story of Rudolph told in brilliant LED lights! The Santa Claus Land of Lights is a 1.2-mile drive-through family Christmas light adventure located inside Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph. A coupon to the Santa Claus Christmas Store is included with each vehicle admission. This event is part of the three-weekend Santa Claus Christmas Celebration, a town-wide celebration full of festive events for the entire family.
Open 5:00 - 9:00 pm CT
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday, November 27 – December 6
Nightly, December 11 – December 23
Chestnut Roasting
Santa's Candy Castle - 15499 North State Route 245 Santa Claus, IN
Gather around the fire as Santa's Candy Castle recreates the experience of chestnut roasting as it was done centuries ago by American pioneers. Hear the fascinating story of why chestnut roasting is America's oldest Christmas tradition, why the tradition has nearly been lost, and the efforts to preserve the tradition for future generations. Watch a demonstration of how American pioneers prepared chestnuts and roasted them over an open fire. And taste a freshly roasted chestnut and share our thoughts on the unique taste.
Saturday, November 28, 2026 - Saturday, December 19, 2026
Saturdays only — November 28 and December 5, 12, and 19, 2026 at 6:00 pm CT
Story of Santa Claus
Santa Claus Museum & Village - 69 State Road 245 Santa Claus, IN
Storyteller Susan Fowler will delight audiences with a fantastic interactive presentation of the story of Santa Claus. The event will be held in the historic Santa Claus Church on November 28, and December 19, 2026.
Admission is free; donations are accepted.
December 19 ONLY - 2:00 pm CT
Christmas At the Barn
Stir-n-Up Hope - 17336 N State Road 162F Ferdinand, IN
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Stir-n-Up Hope is celebrating Christmas in the Barn! Bring the family to have a professional photo taken with Santa and one of Stir-n-Up Hope's horses.
Light refreshments will be served. Parking is at Jim Yellig Park; transportation will be provided between the park and the barn.
Donations accepted.
Stir-n-Up Hope is a non-profit organization offering equine-assisted activities and learning through lessons and facilitation services.
Friday, December 4, 2026 @ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Christmas Dinner With Santa
Santa's Lodge - 91 W Christmas Blvd Santa Claus, IN
Enjoy Christmas dinner with Santa in the Celebration Room at Santa’s Lodge the first three weekends of December on Friday and Saturday nights. Dinner service starts at 6:00 pm CT. Pictures with Santa begin at 6:30 pm CT and continue after Storytime with Santa, which starts at 7:00 pm CT. Milk and cookies will follow storytime.
Cost is $22.95 + tax for adults (11 and up), $15.95 + tax for children (4-10), and free for children 3 and under.
This event is part of the Santa Claus Christmas Celebration, a town-wide celebration spanning the first three weekends of December.
Friday, December 4, 2026 - Saturday, December 19, 2026
Fridays and Saturdays only: 6:00 - 8:00 pm CT
Chrisney Winterfest
Experience small town Christmas fun during the Chrisney Winter Fest at the Spencer County Youth and Community Center on Saturday, December 5, 2026! The festive schedule includes all kinds of family fun; details TBA.
Saturday, December 5, 2026. Time TBA.
Christmas On the Rock
The City of Rockport - Rockport, IN
Christmas cheer fills the air as festivities take over the city of Rockport on Saturday, December 5, 2026! Enjoy a full schedule of merry events and activities, including a craft show, pancake breakfast, parade, star lighting, and more.
Saturday, December 5, 2026 Schedule TBA.
Tremendous Christmas In the Village
Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum - 928 Fairground Drive Rockport, IN
Stroll through 13 Lincoln-era replica cabins decorated for the holiday season inside Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum. The festive atmosphere will include carolers, music, refreshments, and more. This holiday event is part of the City of Rockport’s Christmas festivities.
All proceeds go toward the Friends of the Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum designated toward continued restoration projects.
Saturday, December 5, 2026 @ 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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The festive Christmas book, Little Red Sleigh, will be brought to life by Kara Greenwood in the 1880 Historic Santa Claus Church on Saturday, December 5, 2026.. Readings will take place at 11:00 am and 11:30 am CT. Children in attendance will receive a free gingerbread craft.
Admission is free; donations are accepted.
"The Polar Express" Storytime
A favorite Christmas tale comes to life as Tricia Vaal tells the story of The Polar Express in the 1880 Historic Santa Claus Church. Readings will take place at 11:00 am and 11:30 am CT. Children in attendance will receive a small treat and prize.
Admission is free; donations are accepted.
Sunday, December 6, 2026 @ 11:00 AM
Decorate Your Own Christmas Ornament
Santa Claus Christmas Store - 33 North Kringle Place Santa Claus, IN
Get creative at the Santa Claus Christmas Store! Each guest will receive a nativity ornament, plus a cup of hot chocolate. Decorating supplies will be supplied to customize your own very special ornament.
$5 per person. While supplies last.
Breakfast With Santa
Historic Santa Claus Campground - 16670 North 625 East Santa Claus, IN
Your little ones will love having breakfast with Santa at the Historic Santa Claus Campground! Get a photo with Santa, and enjoy an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast.
Freewill donations accepted; proceeds benefit the North Spencer County Community Action Center.
No reservations required; first come, first served.
This event is part of the Santa Claus Christmas Celebration, a town-wide celebration spanning the first three weekends of December.
Saturday, December 12, 2026 @ 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Santa Claus Christmas Parade
December 12, 2026 - Town of Santa Claus
It was your typical small town parade but fun nonetheless.
The annual Santa Claus Christmas Parade strolls through town on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 1:00 pm CT and will last about one hour.
The parade starts at Holiday World’s Legend Parking Lot, travels up Hwy. 245 past Lake Rudolph and then St. Nicholas Church, turns left at the Santa Claus Fire Department onto Patricia Koch Drive, continues to Hwy. 162 past Circle S, and ends at the Legend Lot.
Christmas Activities in the Historic Santa Claus Church
Santa Claus Museum & Village - 69 State Road 245 Santa Claus, IN
Quilt Raffle: Quilt will be on display; drawing at 2:00 pm CT
Saturday, December 12 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm CT
Balloon Twisting Demonstration: One free twisted balloon per child.
Saturday, December 12 - 2:00 - 4:00 pm CT
Who Else Besides Santa Wears a Beard?: Elf Becca will show off her bearded dragons (and some of Santa's other friendsssss!).
Saturday, December 19 - 11:00 am - 12:00 pm CT
Scavenger Hunt: Complete to win a small prize.
Admission is free; donations are accepted.
Christmas Lake Village Festival of Lights
Christmas Lake Village - 193 S. Louis J. Koch Blvd.S Santa Claus, IN
December 12-19, 2026
The gated community of Christmas Lake Village invites you to drive through nine miles of festive light displays! Awards will be given for Judges' Favorite, Kids' Favorite, Reason for the Season, and Best Lights.
Admission is FREE. There were some displays that were jaw dropping. Great relaxing way to end your evening.
The Santa Claus Singers
Santa Claus Museum & Village - 69 State Road 245 Santa Claus, IN
The Santa Claus Singers will perform a variety of festive tunes in the 1880 Historic Santa Claus Church on Sunday, December 20, 2026 from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM.
Admission is FREE.
Meet A Reindeer & Santa
301 North Main Street Dale, IN
The Christmas in Dale Light Show welcomes two special visitors on Sunday, December 20, 2026—Santa himself and a real, live reindeer! Enjoy a digital light show set to synchronized music as you meet these two classic symbols of Christmas.
Donations are accepted; proceeds will benefit a local organization. Spectators are welcome to stand outside their vehicles to watch the show.
Santa’s Candy Castle 90th Anniversary Celebration
Santa’s Candy Castle - 15499 State Route 245 Santa Claus, IN
Celebrate the 91st anniversary of the dedication of Santa’s Candy Castle—America's First Themed Attraction! Guest will enjoy 91¢ specials and free giveaways throughout the day, including the chance to win a $91 shoping spree (no purchase necessary).
Tuesday, December 22, 2026 @ 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
As you can see there's plenty to see and do in any season in Santa Claus.