Posted on May 2, 2023
Summer fun kicks off in May in a big way! From opening day at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari to fun events, the month is jam-packed with things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana, and all throughout the area.
Check out the schedule of events and find out when your favorite attractions will open for the season. And then start planning your May visit!
May marks opening day for many of the Santa Claus, Indiana, area’s top attractions.
Santa Claus Christmas Store – The Santa Claus Christmas Store gets back in the festive swing of things on May 1. You’ll find lots of great new items to check out… plus, don’t forget to grab your first giant cookie or fudge of the season!
Holiday Drive-In – Warmer weather means the return of outdoor fun. And one of the most unique ways to have fun outside is to enjoy a double feature under the stars at Holiday Drive-In! The movie theater reopens for the season on May 5.
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari – If you’ve been wishing all winter for roller coaster rides and water slides, your wait is almost over. Holiday World opens for the season on May 13. Then just one week later, Splashin’ Safari opens on May 20.
Dale Park Splash Pad – Splish splash! The brand-new splash pad at Dale Park opens to the public on May 24!
Santa’s Candy Castle – Sweet tooths of all ages can get their sugar fix when Santa’s Candy Castle opens for the season on May 27.
Lincoln State Park Beach – Dreaming of days at the beach? Grab your sunscreen and water wings because Lake Lincoln beach inside Lincoln State Park opens for the season Memorial Day weekend!
Kodi-Yak Kayak – Get ready to see the area by kayak when Kodi-Yak Kayak hits the water again Memorial Day weekend! Choose from a guided tour or rent a kayak to explore on your own.
May 6 – Race (or stroll!) your way through Lincoln State Park during Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood 5K Run/Walk.
May 6 (plus more dates to be announced) – Enjoy local wines and spirits and live music at Monkey Hollow Winery and Distillery.
May 7 – Lincoln Amphitheatre kicks off its 2023 Amp Unplugged series with Blues & BBQ. The Bosco France Band and Black Cat & the Bones will provide the music, while local food trucks from S&S BBQ and Oink, Inc., serve up delicious grub.
May 7, 14, 21, 28 – Saint Meinrad Archabbey invites guests to make a pilgrimage to the beautiful Monte Cassino Shrine every Sunday in May.
May 13 – Step back in time during Spring Heritage Day at Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum. Learn from costumed interpreters, see candle dipping, sheep shearing, and other demonstrations, visit with Abe, and more.
May 14 - Head to the Living Historical Farm at Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial for a Sheep Shearing Demonstration.
May 20 – Johnny Folsom 4, a Johnny Cash tribute band, kicks off the 2023 Lincoln Amphitheatre performance season with faithful renditions of some of Cash’s most famous songs.
May 21 – Visitors to Peppermint Day at Santa Claus Museum & Village will receive a peppermint plant to start their own patch!
May 21, 27 – Relax with a great glass of wine and some local live music at Pepper’s Ridge Winery.
May 27 – Enjoy downhome fun on the farm, including dancing, a bonfire, and more, during the Good Time Gala at Beloved Farms.
May 27 – Walk in the footsteps of a young Abraham Lincoln and visit with his “neighbors” during the Ghost Walk at Lincoln State Park.
That’s just the beginning of all there is to do in the Santa Claus, Indiana, area!
Shop ’til you drop at favorites like Evergreen Boutique & Christmas Shop, Santa’s TOYS, Pumpkins & More Farm Market, and Beverly J. Ellen.
Hit the trails (and check out the Visitor Center) at Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. Or hit the links and play a round or two at Christmas Lake Golf Club and The Rustic Golf Course.
And don't forget to try the best eats in the area. Grab a pizza from Frosty’s Fun Center and a frozen treat from Annie’s Ice Cream (inside S&S BBQ & Pizzeria). Or try locally famous menu items like New Boston Tavern’s pork chops and the breadsticks at Angelo’s Pizza!