Last Chance for Christmastime Fun

Three photos in a grid show a girl leaning out a car window pointing at a light display, a photo of a house decorated in Christmas lights, and a tall white Santa Claus statue located at the Santa Claus Museum & Village

If you want to know what Christmastime in and near Santa Claus, Indiana, is really like, this weekend is your last chance of the season to experience chestnuts roasting, dinner with Santa, and tons more events and activities! 

Christmastime Events Happening This Weekend 

December 16 through 18 marks the third and final weekend of the annual Santa Claus Christmas Celebration and other events happening throughout the area. You can start your weekend itinerary off on Friday by writing a letter to Santa at the town’s original post office. On Saturday, indulge in a feast of food truck favorites and roast chestnuts on an open fire. Then wrap up your visit on Sunday with a spectacular “land of lights” and a meet-and-greet with a real live reindeer!   

Here’s the weekend schedule of events (all times listed are Central): 

Friday, December 16

9:00 am – 4:00 pm  Write a Letter to Santa at the Santa Claus Museum & Village

5:00 – 9:00 pm  Santa Claus Land of Lights at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph ($)

5:00 – 9:00 pm  Christmas in Dale Light Show

6:00 – 8:30 pm  Christmas Dinner with Santa at Santa’s Lodge ($)

Saturday, December 17 

9:00 am – 4:00 pm  Write a Letter to Santa at the Santa Claus Museum & Village 

10:00 am – 3:00 pm Glitter Tattoos at Evergreen Boutique & Christmas Shop

10:30 am – 7:00 pm  Food Trucks throughout the town of Santa Claus ($)

People stand in line in front of the Auntie Anne's Pretzels truck during the Santa Claus Christmas Celebration

1:00 pm  Story of Santa Claus at the Santa Claus Museum & Village 

5:00 – 9:00 pm  Santa Claus Land of Lights at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph ($) 

5:00 – 9:00 pm  Christmas in Dale Light Show 

5:30 – 7:30 pm  Candlelight Evening at the Farm at Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial 

Costumed interpreters sit at a table inside the cabin at Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial during the Candlelight Evening at the Farm

6:00 – 7:00 pm  Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire at Santa’s Candy Castle 

6:00 – 8:30 pm  Christmas Dinner with Santa at Santa’s Lodge ($) 

Sunday, December 18 

9:00 am – 4:00 pm  Write a Letter to Santa at the Santa Claus Museum & Village 

Mom watches as her daughter writes a letter to Santa at the Santa Claus Museum & Village.

5:00 – 7:00 pm  Meet Clara the Reindeer & Santa at the Christmas in Dale Light Show

5:00 – 9:00 pm  Santa Claus Land of Lights at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph ($) 

5:00 – 9:00 pm  Christmas in Dale Light Show 

See our Events page for more details. 

Wrap Up the Season  

This coming weekend marks the official end of the Santa Claus Christmas Celebration, and things slow down around Santa Claus, Indiana, as we approach Christmas. 

You can wrap up your Christmas shopping with gifts from some of the area’s best stores. The Santa Claus Christmas Store and Santa’s Candy Castle will both close for the season on December 31. And others will adjust or reduce their hours after the new year for the winter season.  

Thanks for Celebrating the Season in Santa Claus, Indiana 

The holiday season is a special time of year for families. And we’re so appreciative of every visitor that chooses to celebrate in America’s Christmas Hometown! 

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