2026 Santa Claus Postmark Reveal

Posted on November 2, 2026

The Santa Claus, Indiana, Post Office selected the special 2026 picture postmark, designed by Caraline Arning, for the upcoming holiday season. Starting Tuesday, December 1, the post office will offer the picture postmark to cancel the postage stamps on holiday mail again this year.

A Holiday Tradition Since 1983

This famous small-town post office is the only one in the world with the Santa Claus name and welcomes patrons with a larger-than-life Santa Claus statue at the entrance. This special picture postmark has been offered every Christmas season since 1983. Each year, the holiday postmark is designed by a local high school art student as part of an annual contest at Heritage Hills High School.

Meet the 2026 Artist

This year’s design is by Caraline Arning of Dale, Indiana. Caraline, who is the daughter of Melissa Arning, graduated from Heritage Hills High School and now attends DePauw University to study psychology. Her design features Santa’s face, Christmas lights and trees, and the famous town name.

How to Get the Postmark on Your Holiday Mail

“Each year, patrons from all over the world request the celebrated Santa Claus holiday postmark,” says Postmaster Joshua Graham, noting that many drive into town to personally hand cancel their holiday mailings, while others simply request the special postmark by mail.

“The endearing Santa Claus postmark is a long-standing tradition for our town, and it contributes to the charm of the spirit each season,” Graham says. “It is exciting and fun to see the unique artwork each year, and it is an honor for this office not only to select an artist’s contribution, but also to provide this service for the public.”

For anyone hoping to add a little extra Christmas magic to their holiday mail, Graham offers these tips:

• Allow at least a 2” x 4” space in the top right corner for the picture postmark;
• Apply postage before bringing or mailing items to the post office;
• If you wish to mail Christmas cards to the post office, package them—with postage stamps already applied—in a sturdy envelope or box, and mail to:
  Postmaster, P.O. Box 9998, Santa Claus, IN 47579-9998;
• The holiday postmark is available on working days between December 1 and 24;
• The picture postmark must be requested;
• To ensure a good postmark imprint, do not enclose large or bulky items in your holiday mail (reindeer food, snowflakes, glitter, stickers, etc.);
• There is no charge for postmarking; limit of 50 picture postmarks (hand cancellations) per person per day.

Christmas in Santa Claus… Indiana!

The town of Santa Claus will host a celebration of family fun during the first three weekends of December. Special events and activities include Chestnut Roasting Experience, Writing a Letter to Santa, the Santa Claus Christmas Parade, and more. See the 2026 Christmas Event Guide at SantaClausInd.org/Christmas-Event-Guide.

Find information about Christmas weekend deals and packages at SantaClausInd.org/Packages.