You know, 2020 has been kind of a crazy year, and as the old saying goes, “If you can’t beat them, join them.” So, instead of trying to wait this crazy year out, why not try doing something a little crazy yourself this year? Don’t worry. We’re not talking about breaking any laws. We mean something like instead of waiting for Santa Claus to come to town, why not visit a town named Santa Claus?
Santa Claus, Indiana, was originally called Sante Fe but when it came time for the town to have a post office, officials told them that there was already a town Sante Fe registered in Indiana. Now, there are a couple of versions on how the name Santa Claus came about from there. One is from Wikipedia and the other is from Roadside America. Since we at Stuckey’s hold ourselves to high journalistic standards, we will choose the version that we think is the most honest and best represents the truth.
Roadside America says that the “new-name debate took place on Christmas Eve, and that it was interrupted when a door blew open and sleigh bells could be heard on the wind. ‘It’s Santa Claus!’ cried a child, and the town decided that indeed it was.”
On June 25, 1895, name was changed to the one word Santaclaus as part of a national place name standardization. It stayed that way, the town going virtually unnoticed until one fateful day in 1928. On February 17 of that year, local officials decided that they had had enough of this one word foolishness and changed the name back to the two word Santa Claus. The federal post office wasn’t having it and basically told the town that they would no longer have a post office because a name like Santa Claus would just cause all kinds of problems for them around the holiday season. After all, the huge amount of mail that was already pouring in had caught the attention of Robert Ripley’s Believe It or Not causing even more mail to pour into the town and they simply didn’t have the resources to handle it.
“Change the name back or the United States will no longer have a post office in the city of Santa Claus!” the Post Office General threatened.
Well, even good, wholesome Americans from a town with as good and as wholesome a name as Santa Claus tend to not like the government telling them what they can call their town, so they protested. Soon, many Americans joined in on the protest and, seeing that they were outnumber, the United States Postal Service gave in.
Each year the Santa Claus post office postmarks around 500, 000million holiday cards and even answers about 20,000 letters a year from kids. If you’d like your kids to get a letter from Santa, have them send a letter to 45 North Kringle Place, Santa Claus, IN 47579.
However, for a town with a name as good and wholesome as Santa Claus, you would think that it would be a pretty peaceful town as well. However, after the whole name change thing it seemed another storm was a-brewing in the town of Santa Claus, Indiana.
You see, there were two rivals living in the town in 1935, and both wanted to exploit the name of the town and make as much money as they could off of Santa Claus (the town, not the man). So, one man set up an attraction called Santa Claus Town while the other set up an attraction called Santa Claus Park. However, both men were so busy trying to out-do each other that they neglected what the people of Santa Claus wanted and both places ended up closed. Now there’s a Christmas story with a moral for you. Somebody call Rankin-Bass because that’s definitely a holiday special right there! Oh, and as an added bonus to the whole Christmas karma story – in 1946 a new attraction opened named Santa Claus Land. Now called Holiday World, it’s the oldest theme park in the world.
If you’re in the area this holiday season and stop by the town for a visit make sure you don’t miss these Santa Claus, IN attractions:
(Note: Local health policies may affect hours and access. Check the web to verify hours.)
Santa Claus Museum and Village
69 North State Road 245, Santa Claus, IN
The Santa Claus Museum features historical documents, photos and artifacts illustrating the progression from the tiny settlement of Santa Fee (pop. 65) to the present day town of Santa Claus. Exhibits feature the story behind the town’s famous name, the history of tourism, and artifacts highlighting the town’s unique history. Page through decades of children’s letters to Santa Claus, and listen to the voice of Santa Jim Yellig. Explore the joy behind Christmases of yesteryear with antique toy displays and a large collection of Santas of every shape, size and interpretation.
15499 N. State Rd 245, Santa Claus, IN
The historic castle was dedicated in 1935, blending old-world charm with modern-day fun. Visit Santa’s Candy Castle for a magical experience for believers of all ages.
Find a large selection of old-fashioned & hard-to-find candy, decadent hand-made confections, more than 30 flavors of cocoa, Frozen Hot Chocolate & more. Log onto the “North Pole Network” to chat with one of Santa’s elves. If it goes well, you can earn an official Good List Certificate.
Special events are held throughout the year. This attraction is open seasonally — May through December — and hours may vary.
69 N. State Road, Hwy 245, Santa Claus, IN
Restored in 2011, the once creepy statue now does jolly old Saint Nick some justice.
Frosty’s Fun Center, 15 South Cedar Lane, Santa Claus, IN
So, whether you wait for Santa Claus to come to town or you go to visit the town of Santa Claus in Indiana – either way, Christmas is only days away. Have you got your holiday shopping done yet? If not, why not stop your nearest Stuckey’s location and had one of our delicious and oh so good Stuckey’s Pecan Log Rolls? Why not plan a quick trip soon to pick up a few just in time for the holidays? While you’re there, grab all you need to fill up your candy dishes like our savory flavored pecans or Stuckey’s Toffee assortment. Be the life of the office party by setting out plates of our deliciously mouthwatering Pecan Divinity Bars, Pecan Pralines, or Milk Chocolate Turtles.
We got a secret for all of you Secret Santas out there, too! In addition to our pecan log rolls and other fine pecan candies, other Stuckey’s merchandise like our branded Stuckey’s t-shirts, caps and mugs always make the perfect gift no matter whose name you draw this year. Stop by your local Stuckey’s today or visit us at our website, stuckeys.com, for more information on how you can have Stuckey’s delivered right to your front door before Drippy has even had a chance to melt.
And don’t forget, if you order from stuckeys.com today, December 13th, 2020, we’ll give you 15% off of your order and throw a Stuckey’s ornament in for free! Seems Santa isn’t the only one giving things away this Christmas!
Stuckey’s – We’re Making Road Trips (and Holidays) Fun Again!
Whether your next road trip is by car or by rail, it’s not really a road trip without taking Stuckey’s along. From our world famous Stuckey’s Pecan Log Rolls to our mouthwatering Hunkey Dorey, Stuckey’s has all the road trips snacks you’ll need to get you where you’re going.
For all of the pecany good treats and cool merch you’ll need for your next big road adventure, browse our online store now!
Stuckey’s – We’re Making Road Trips Fun Again!