2021 Christmas Celebration Memories

Posted on December 21, 2021

This year’s Christmas celebrations in Santa Claus, Indiana, and throughout Lincoln’s Indiana Boyhood Home were packed with fun. From parades to visits with Santa to roasting chestnuts over an open fire, the Christmas spirit came to the area in a big way!
Were you able to join in the festivities? If not, we’re giving you a look at some of the highlights… and hopefully inspiring you to join us for next year’s celebration!

Highlights of the 2021 Christmas Celebration

Though most of the area’s events take place during the first three weekends of December, Thanksgiving weekend has become known as the “unofficial” beginning of the season. And the Live Reindeer Exhibit at Santa’s TOYS has been a popular way to kick off the festivities for several years! Close up of a reindeer with red collar stands behind a metal gate while a crowd of adults and children watch in the background

Close up of a reindeer with red collar stands behind a metal gate while a crowd of adults and children watch in the background

Another sign that the Christmas season is kicking off is when the giant LED Christmas tree is lit up for the first time. It’s a great way to get in a festive mood!
LED tree is lit up red against a night sky

LED tree is lit up red against a night sky

The Breakfast with Santa event at the Historic Santa Claus Campground served up a delicious feast... plus, a visit with the jolly elf himself!
Young boy in gray t-shirt and red Santa hat looks at the camera as he sits at a table in front of a plat of breakfast food

Young boy in gray t-shirt and red Santa hat looks at the camera as he sits at a table in front of a plat of breakfast food

Visitors looking for an old-fashioned Christmas found it during the Treemendous Christmas in the Village at Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum! Woman is dressed in black pioneer dress with white apron and stands in front of a stone fireplace next to a Christmas tree in a cabin decorated for the season

Woman is dressed in black pioneer dress with white apron and stands in front of a stone fireplace next to a Christmas tree in a cabin decorated for the season

And if you love nostalgia at Christmastime, then you probably checked out the Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire event at Santa’s Candy Castle this year. The popular event always draws a crowd! Two men sit beside a stone firepit with a fire burning and prepare to roast chestnuts as children and adults watch from behind

Two men sit beside a stone firepit with a fire burning and prepare to roast chestnuts as children and adults watch from behind

Parades are always a popular part of any Christmas celebration. And this year saw the return of both the Santa Claus Christmas Parade and the Rockport Christmas Parade! Side-by-side photos show a black train covered in plush animals driving down the street in the Santa Claus Christmas Parade; photos on right shows young child in gray shirt from the back as he watches an old-fashioned fire truck in the Rockport Christmas Parade

Side-by-side photos show a black train covered in plush animals driving down the street in the Santa Claus Christmas Parade; photos on right shows young child in gray shirt from the back as he watches an old-fashioned fire truck in the Rockport Christmas Parade

Kids of all ages headed to the Santa Claus Museum & Village to put their wishes down on paper and send them off to Santa. (If your letter was received by December 18, you’ll get a response by Christmas!) Close up of little girl from neck down wearing a Christmas outfit and writing a letter at an old-fashioned desk

Close up of little girl from neck down wearing a Christmas outfit and writing a letter at an old-fashioned desk

Food trucks came to Kringle Place Shopping Center the first three Saturdays of December... and served up delicious “Santa-approved” treats!
Santa Claus stands at the window of a silver food truck and looks back at the camera

Santa Claus stands at the window of a silver food truck and looks back at the camera

The Santa Claus Arts & Crafts Show returned with an amazing selection of handmade crafts. The talent on display was amazing! Tables set up at the Santa Claus Arts & Craft Show display Christmas-themed crafts

Tables set up at the Santa Claus Arts & Craft Show display Christmas-themed crafts

The Santa Claus Land of Lights welcomed visitors to an amazing light show that tells the story of Rudolph. (You can still visit nightly through December 27; closed Christmas Eve and Day.)
A lighted display that reads "Town of Santa Claus" hangs above the entrance to more lighted displays at the Santa Claus Land of Lights

A lighted display that reads "Town of Santa Claus" hangs above the entrance to more lighted displays at the Santa Claus Land of Lights

The Santa Claus Flyer Train Ride took guests on a Christmassy adventure to deliver Santa’s nice list to the elves at his workshop. (Train rides wrap up on December 23, so book your ticket now!)
Passengers sit in seats facing forward and backwards inside a train decorated for Christmas as the conductor stands in the aisle

Passengers sit in seats facing forward and backwards inside a train decorated for Christmas as the conductor stands in the aisle

Of course, the best part of the Christmas festivities in and around the Santa Claus, Indiana, area is seeing the smiling faces of families making merry memories that will last a lifetime! A family of four hold hands and pose in front of a white stone Santa statue at the Santa Claus Museum & Village

A family of four hold hands and pose in front of a white stone Santa statue at the Santa Claus Museum & Village

Plan Your Own Memorable Visit

Whether you choose to visit during the summer, fall, or winter months, you’re sure to have a memorable time. And we have plenty of resources—from maps to travel tips—to help plan your trip!

Things to Do Near Holiday World

15 Hidden Gems to Uncover

Places to Eat Near Holiday World

Good Eats

Places to Stay Near Holiday World

Just Like Home

Trip Planning Made Easy

Reasons to Start Planning Your 2026 Summer Vacation

2026 Lincoln Amphitheatre Schedule

2021 Christmas Celebration Memories

Highlights of the 2021 Christmas Celebration

Plan Your Own Memorable Visit