25 Things to Do in 2025

Posted on December 20, 2024

With a brand-new year comes a brand-new wish list of things to do in the Santa Claus, Indiana, area!

Soar high on the award-winning coasters at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. Spend a day enjoying outdoor fun of all kinds at Lincoln State Park. Have your very own meet-and-greet with real reindeer at Santa’s Reindeer Ranch.

Never experienced the magic of the Santa Claus, Indiana, area? Then 2025 is the year to make it happen!

25 Things to Do in the Santa Claus, Indiana, Area

1. It’s Christmas all the time in Santa Claus, Indiana, and that means you can write a letter to Santa any time at the Santa Claus Museum & Village.

2. It’s coaster time when Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari opens for the season on May 10. And on June 21, the fan favorite Holidays in the Sky Drone Show returns for a fourth year and runs nightly through August 3.

3. Want to meet a reindeer? You can get up close and personal with the real thing at Santa’s Reindeer Ranch!

4. The best way to cool down during your summer visit is with ice cream, and you’ll find yummy options at Annie’s Ice Cream & Coffee, Fat Daddy’s Grill & Chill, Fat Santa’s Pizza & More, Scoops Ice Cream, Sweet P’s Frostbite, and Sycamore Street Coffee House.

5. No matter what time of year you visit, a cottage or cabin is the perfect home away from home for making family memories.
   

6. Discover something new (and maybe off the beaten path) when you seek out the area’s hidden gems.

7. Get a glimpse back in time when you explore the museum and 13 Lincoln-Era cabins at Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum.

8. Try the famous frozen hot chocolate (plus, flavored popcorn, PEZ, chocolates, and more) at Santa’s Candy Castle.

9. Escape the busy-ness of everyday life with a visit to the peaceful Saint Meinrad Archabbey.

10. Lincoln Amphitheatre will announce its 2025 performance schedule on February 4, and it’s guaranteed to be packed with fantastic acts! Watch the event calendar for announcements.
    

11. Hit the links for 18 holes at Christmas Lake Golf Club, or if you’re short on time, play nine holes at The Rustic Golf Course or Chrisney Golf Course.

12. If you’re looking for all things Christmassy, head to the Santa Claus Christmas Store to shop thousands of ornaments, collectibles, and more.

13. Discover fun ways to beat the summer heat, like water slides, pools, indoor fun, and more.

14. The best part of vacation is the memories you make—and you can make some great ones when you start a new family travel tradition.

15. If fresh produce and meats are on your summer vacation menu, you’ll find them at Lakeview Orchards, Pumpkins & More Farm Market, and Steckler Grassfed Farms.
    

16. Get a taste of the greatest outdoors at Lincoln State Park when you hike the trails, hit the beach, fish the lake, and more.

17. Head to Holiday Drive-In for a movie night under the stars with the whole family (well-behaved pets included!).

18. Feeling creative? Good Life Designs offers paint-your-own ceramics and hosts pottery, painting, and other classes.

19. “Wine” down at Monkey Hollow Winery and Distillery and Pepper’s Ridge Winery, and enjoy gorgeous scenery with your complimentary tastings.

20. Shop ’til you drop for toys, clothing, souvenirs, and so much more at great stores throughout the area.
    

21. Learn all about Abraham Lincoln’s Indiana life as you explore Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. 

22. Plan a pet-friendly visit to ensure the four-legged members of your family can have fun, too!

23. Play, picnic, and pass the time at any of the area’s beautiful community parks.

24. Find all of the 20+ Santa statues located around town. If you need help, download the “Searching for Santa Statues” map.

25. Stop in the Spencer County Visitor Center to pick up helpful information, snap a pic with the photo op, and more.
    

Plan Your 2025 Visit to the Santa Claus, Indiana, Area

The 25 things to do listed above are just the start of your fun-filled family visit to the Santa Claus, Indiana, area. Need help putting it all together? Use our convenient trip planner to put together your itinerary, find a place to stay, and map your visit.