Discover Holiday World: 3 itineraries for your perfect getaway
Welcome to Santa Claus, Indiana, a place where every day feels like Christmas! There is so. Much. To. Explore in Santa Claus, but we can’t start this great getaways list without first highlighting its main (and also our favorite!) attraction, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. This amusement+water park promises a day - okay, maybe two! - of endless fun and excitement for the whole family. But how do you make the most out of your visit? It's simple, snag one of these pre-built itineraries, pack a bag, and go!
But first, what is Holiday World?
Located in Santa Claus, Indiana, Holiday World is a beloved theme park and water park that has been operating since 1946. The park is divided into four sections celebrating different holidays: Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the Fourth of July. Each division features rides, live entertainment, and games that capture the spirit of the respective holiday.
With thrilling roller coasters, family rides, the Splashin' Safari Water Park, free soft drinks at multiple park Oasis locations (thank you Pepsi!), free parking, and state-of-the-art facilities, Holiday World is a must-visit destination with fun and excitement for the whole family.
Whether you’re there for the love of all things Christmas, retreating to the outdoors, or to shop til’ you drop, we’ve crafted the perfect Holiday World itineraries, highlighting where to stay and what to eat, for a flawless getaway.
Itinerary #1: Sleigh and Stay at Santa's Lodge
Santa's Lodge will enchant you and your crew with its festive atmosphere. As you enter, the sight of twinkling lights and ornaments sprinkled throughout the cozy lodge sets the stage for an unforgettable vacation filled with Christmas charm. Here's a jolly itinerary complete with dining experiences for your merry getaway!
Day 1: Settle in at the Lodge
Check in and explore the lodge's amenities, including the swimming pool and hot tub. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, visit the onsite restaurant, St. Nick's, for dinner. Feast on a scrumptious buffet or order specialties from the menu.
Day 2: Visit Holiday World & Splashin' Safari
It’s time to embark on an exciting adventure to Holiday World & Splashin' Safari! Upon arrival, you'll enter the "Christmas" land, one of the four holiday-focused parks at Holiday World. Here, little visitors can enjoy a delightful ride on Prancer's Merry-Go-Round and Dancer’s Seahorses.
For the food enthusiasts, a visit to the massive Candy Cane Confectionary is a must for indulging in mouth-watering treats. Before leaving, don't forget to stop by the impressive Greetings From Santa Claus Land mural, where you can capture the perfect photo to commemorate your visit.
Day 3: Santa Claus Town Attractions and Evening Banquet
Explore town attractions like the Santa Claus Museum & Village and send a postcard from the Santa Claus Post Office. In the evening, attend a themed banquet event at Santa's Lodge, like roasting marshmallows around a fire pit, for a lively family experience.
Making the most your perfect Holiday World getaway is even easier with ticket packages!
Itinerary #2: Retreat at Lincoln Pines Lakefront Resort
Lincoln Pines Lakefront Resort boasts fully furnished family cabins that promise a comfortable getaway. With a picturesque lake and plenty of amenities, the options for retreat are abundant. Check out this itinerary’s highlights from a historic hike to sailing on the Mayflower!
Day 1: Check-in and Chill
After settling in, take a stroll around the resort grounds before relaxing in the lakeside lounge area. Then, make use of the outdoor barbecue grills with steaks, chicken, or portobello mushrooms.
Day 2: Adventure at Holiday World and Evening Delights
Kick things up a notch and spend the day exploring Holiday World & Splashin' Safari. The Thanksgiving-esque park is the talk of the town for its terrific coasters, The Voyage and Thunderbird, and rocking ship-style fun on The Mayflower. It will also be home to Good Gravy - a new coaster coming in 2024.
An absolute must? Lunch at Plymouth Rock Cafe, complete with all the Thanksgiving eats you can handle from turkey and gravy to pumpkin pie (you’re welcome!).
Speaking of food, after the busy day, bond over board games in the cabin and consider ordering takeout from nearby restaurants, like Hoosier Land Pizza & Wings or Santa Claus Brewing Co., to dine in the comfort of your cabin. The sunset from the on-property water is an absolute yes. (But if you venture back to Holiday World for the Holidays in the Sky drone show, we understand that too!)
Day 3: Exploring Lincoln State Park
Before heading home, visit nearby Lincoln State Park, where you can hike scenic trails or visit the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial to learn about President Abraham Lincoln's early life in Indiana. This stop is a must for history-buffs and nature lovers alike!
When is the best time of year to visit Holiday World?
That’s easy! Happy Halloween Weekends.
During Happy Halloween Weekends at Holiday World, the park transforms into a spooky destination. The four holiday-themed areas—yes, even Christmas—are decorated with festive Halloween decor, creating an enchanting and eerie atmosphere for all.
Enjoy Halloween-themed shows and entertainment, including magic shows and musicals throughout the park. In addition to the rides and attractions for all ages, you’ll find trick-or-treating, hayrides, corn maze fun, and pumpkin painting. Staying on a Saturday? Don’t miss the Halloween In The Sky drone show.
Visit the Holiday World website for more information on dates and activities available.
Itinerary #3: Shop and Play the Weekend Away
Brace yourself for a unique shopping spree at Holiday World! While the thrill-seekers in your party hit the rides, you’ll find farm markets, specialty stores, exclusive memorabilia, and more - this itinerary has it all!
Day 1: But First, Let’s Shop
As you make your way into town, kick off your shop til’ you drop get away with a visit to the iconic Pumpkins and More Farm Market. Find everything from handcrafted goods and gifts to farm fresh food and snacks. Then unpack and relax at one of the area’s top-rated AirBnB’s.
Day 2: Shopping is My Cardio (And so is Holiday World)
If you’re just not sure what kind of coaster you like, Holiday World is also home to lots of cardio…I mean…shopping opps, like the Liberty Bell Shoppe in the Fourth of July-themed section.
Outfit your whole fam with their tie-dye options, snag a sweatshirt for cooler nights, or pick up a backpack to carry the wares you collect throughout the park. (Other great shopping stops: Spooky’s Hat Shop in Halloween and Safari Outpost in Splashin’ Safari.) If that’s not enough cardio, hop on The Raven in Halloween to really get your heart pumping.
Day 3: Don’t Miss These
You’ve shopped the Farm and the (Holiday) Park, so don’t miss these unique boutiques! Wander the famed “Kringle Pl.” through Santa Claus to discover treasures like toys for the little ones and one-of-a-kind gifts or keepsakes. Plan your route with the official shop guide.
Ready to Create Your Own Holiday Magic?
We’ve planned the trip - but we’re not done yet - use our code CITYMOMS for $5 off tickets when you book your perfect Holiday World getaway!
