Christmas in July: Take a visit to Santa Claus (Indiana)

It’s FanSided’s Christmas in July celebration, so let’s take a visit to Santa Claus. Santa Claus, Indiana, that is.

This Midwest town with a population of only 2,500 is a year-round celebration of Christmas, from its shops to its post office and even its street names, including Kringle Place, Frosty Lane, Christmas Boulevard, North Pole Lane, and boulevards Comet, Cupid, Blitzen, and Rudolph.

Sure, you can count on a place named Santa Claus to deck the halls and fa la la la la come December, but there’s plenty of fun and holiday charm to enjoy in the summer, including one destination that is really at its holiday finest under the warm summer sun.

As you explore the town of Santa Claus, keep a sharp eye out for the more than 20 Santa Claus statues. A good place to start is Santa Claus Museum & Village,  where you can take in the eye-popping sight of the original 22-foot tall Santa statue, erected in 1935. Other attractions include the original Santa Claus post office, where you can write a letter to Santa and receive a Santa Claus-postmarked response in time for Christmas, and the 1880 Santa Claus Church.

Next stop is the Santa Claus Christmas Store,  where you can browse among the more than 8000 personalizable Christmas ornaments, holiday decor, and unique Christmas gifts for everyone on your list. (You brought your Christmas list, right?) Santa Claus is in residence throughout the summer, ready to hear what’s on your wish list and to pose for a keepsake photo with your family.

Don’t miss Santa’s Candy Castle,  the country’s first themed attraction, housed in a historic castle that was dedicated in 1935. Even the biggest Scrooge will find the magic among the hundreds of flavors of gourmet candy canes, popcorn, retro, and hard-to-find candy, and gourmet handmade confections. There’s an entire room dedicated to PEZ, and another dedicated solely to Jelly Belly. It’s a candy lover’s paradise. The signature frozen hot chocolate is a must-try treat for a summer visit.

Other holiday-themed shops in Santa Claus include Frosty’s Fun Center, Santa’s Toys, and Holly Tree Christmas Shop.

Once you have your holiday cheer topped up enough to sustain you until December, it’s time for some good old Midwestern summer fun. Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari is two thrilling parks in one: a holiday-themed amusement park and a huge water park. Ride The Voyage, one of the top wooden roller coasters in the country, or thrill to the loops, rolls, and flight through the woods on the breathtaking Thunderbird coaster. On the wet side, Splashin’ Safari boasts the two longest water coasters in the world, along with dozens of family water slides, two wave pools, and fun but less adventurous water activities for younger kids.

I’m not sure you could fill 12 Days of Christmas in Santa Claus, Indiana, but with so many holiday-themed shops, attractions, and lodging, there’s easily a three-day Christmas in July vacation to be had here.