SantaClausIndiana

Hard to imagine a better place in the midwest to take a stroll with the family on a nice sunny day. Incredible place to take in the sights of Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago (which has a fantastic skyline). Plan your visit ahead of time as there are seasonal events/activities that you may wish to take in.

You can easily spend two full days with the family here. The exhibits are fun and interactive. Our kids absolutely loved the museum - but Mom and Dad had a great time too. Great to have a place that everyone enjoys - not just the kids.

If you are planning to go—I’d recommend getting the basic family membership. If you go for at least two days (which you really need to do to take in the entire museum), the membership is worth the cost (factoring in the free carousel rides and gift shop discount the membership gets you).

Wonderful Christmas-themed hotel located right across from Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari (arguably the best family-oriented theme park anywhere).

Lobby is decorated fabulously and includes a big Canadian sleigh that makes a super photo opp w/ the kids. Rooms are spacious and clean. St. Nick’s restaurant in the hotel has great food and friendly service—our kids loved going there.

Walk right across the hotel parking lot to Frosty’s Fun Center which has an arcade, mini-golf, awesome hand-dipped ice cream and very good food (burgers, pizza, etc).

Santa’s Candy Castle is a must-stop if you are in the Santa Claus, Indiana area. Built in 1935, the castle was the nation’s first themed attraction. After an extensive restoration in 2005/2006, the magic has returned and the castle once again operates as a free attraction.

The castle includes a small museum of the history and nostalgia of the town of Santa Claus, Ind. and of the castle itself. The castle’s candy shop has old-fashioned handmade confections like divinity, peanut brittle and fudge and the world’s biggest selection of gourmet candy canes. During the cold months, you can try over two dozen flavors of gourmet hot chocolate; and in the summer the castle offers “Frozen Hot Chocolate”.

A wide variety of seasonal events are offered—all of which are wholesome and family-oriented, and most of which are free. Storytime with Santa and Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire are two popular recent events. Santa’s Candy Castle is open year-round, but the hours vary by season. Call for seasonal hours/events right before your trip.