If you want something Christmas-y to do, but don't want to drive all the way up to the North Pole, you can visit Santa Claus in southern Indiana in the little town that bears his name.

Named one of the "10 best places to spend Christmas 2013" by CNN (in 2013, of course), the town where it's Christmas all year round is hosting the Santa Claus Christmas Celebration during the first three weekends in December.

Santa Claus Museum Historic Statue The Santa Claus Museum historic statueNamed one of the “10 best places to spend Christmas 2013” by CNN last year, Santa Claus, Indiana, will host the 2014 Santa Claus Christmas Celebration the first three weekends of December. The celebration will be held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from December 5 to December 21.

Some of the events you and your family can participate in include:

  • International Fruitcake Eating Championship at the Santa Claus American Legion
  • The Story of Santa Claus at the Santa Claus Museum & Village
  • Run Run Rudolph 5K through Lake Rudolph’s Santa Claus Land of Lights
  • Santa Claus Arts & Crafts Shows
  • Face Painting and Christmas Woodcarving Demonstrations at Holly Tree Christmas Shop
  • Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire at Santa’s Candy Castle
  • Gingerbread House Decorating at the Santa Claus Christmas Store
  • Christmas Dinner with Santa at Santa’s Lodge
  • Lincoln Amphitheatre presents “Scrooge’s Christmas” at Heritage Hills High School
  • Christmas Lake Village Festival of Lights

Santa Claus Land of Lights The Santa Claus Land of Lights

The Santa Claus Christmas Celebration has become a tradition for many families, and Melissa Brockman, executive director of the Spencer County Visitors Bureau says there are several lodging packages and events each weekend so families can get a head start on the Christmas fun.

Santa's Lodge Santa's Lodge

There are lodging specials are available at Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort, Santa’s Cottages, Santa’s Lodge (where I stayed during a visit to Santa Claus a few years ago), Motel 6, and Rockport Comfort Inn & Suites.

For more information about the Santa Claus Christmas Celebration, lodging specials, and a schedule of events, call (888) 444-9252 or visit the Santa Claus, Indiana website.

All photos courtesy of Spencer County Visitors Bureau.