Fall Rides Again! Family Fun, Ghosts and Pumpkins at the Santa Claus Museum & Village

Posted on September 17, 2015

 “The dominant spirit, however, that haunts this enchanted region… is the apparition of a figure on horseback, without a head. It is said by some to be the ghost of a Hessian trooper… His haunts are not confined to the valley, but extend at times to the adjacent roads, and especially to the vicinity of a church at no great distance… and the spectre is known at all the country firesides, by the name of the Headless Horseman” -Washington Irving, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Full disclosure: Autumn in Santa Claus, Indiana, is my favorite season. I love Christmas, too, with all the bustle and joy that inhabits our little town during the holiday season, but there is something about the fall that calls to me and enchants the senses. The feel of crisp days, the beauty of vibrant leaves that bedeck the trees, the spicy taste of warm apple cider, the smooth feel of the round orange pumpkins that dot the fields of southern Indiana. As the weather cools and we glide into fall, I can’t help but feel excited about what these autumnal days will bring. At the Santa Claus Museum & Village, the coming of fall brings fun, family- friendly events with just a bit of Halloween chill to match the brisk night air. We will be hosting our annual All Hallows’ Eve event on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 7:00 pm CT in the historic Santa Claus Church. Our favorite storyteller, the talented Susan Fowler, will return to give us her rendition of Washington Irving’s classic ghost story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Those who have seen Susan perform know that her enthusiasm is as spontaneous as goosebumps. Everyone helps bring the story to life with parents and children alike cast as Ichabod Crane, Katrina Van Tassel, and even Gunpowder, Ichabod’s sway-back horse. Of course, you must beware the Headless Horseman too. He is sure to make an appearance outside the church at the end of Susan’s story, astride his fierce, black steed (also known as Dancer the Wonder Horse from Santa’s Stables). And the best part? This event is free! However, the church has limited seating and reservations will be taken on a first-come basis. Call 812-544-2434 or email [email protected] to reserve your seat. https://youtu.be/4J40b3i1lTA We are also hosting the second annual Santa’s Haunted Church on October 16 and 17, 2015, in partnership with Team H-A-P-P-Y of Relay for Life. Guides will lead you on a haunted tour of the Santa Claus Museum & Village. You’ll wander through a ghostly cemetery near the giant Santa Claus Statue and creep through the eerie historic church decorated with ghosts, witches, and giant spiders. Apple tarts, pumpkin muffins and other delicious fall treats will be available for purchase in the Original Santa Claus Post Office. All proceeds from this event benefit Relay for Life and the Santa Claus Museum & Village. Tickets are on sale for $5.00 each or six for $25.00 The site will be decked out with a fall-tastic array of pumpkins and more (kindly donated by neighbors around the corner at…you guessed it, Pumpkins and More). So keep an eye out for the legendary ghost that haunts the countryside since you never know where the Headless Horseman may turn up—well, actually, you can see him Saturday night on October 17! Who needs jingle bells when you can have the fiery flash of ghostly hooves? I love fall. Come share it with me. More information about all our events and hours of operation can be found on our website at www.santaclausmuseum.org.   A guest post by Santa Claus Museum & Village Executive Director Emily Thompson.