VISITORS GUIDE
VISITORS GUIDE
Area Maps
Area Maps
WHAT'S OPEN?
WHAT'S OPEN?
>> PLANNING GUIDES & MAPS
>> PLANNING GUIDES & MAPS

Your Ultimate Thanksgiving Weekend Itinerary

Posted on November 22, 2019



After the turkey’s been carved, the thanks given, and the family fed, it’s official: Christmastime is here!  

And here in Santa Claus, Indiana, we’re kicking off the holiday season in spectacular fashion.    

Your Ultimate Thanksgiving Weekend Itinerary:   

Thursday:      You’ll want to power through the effects of the tryptophan and head over to the Santa Claus Land of Lights inside Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort! The 1.2-mile drive through light show tells the shining story of Rudolph in brilliant LED lights.    Still feeling that food coma? Don’t worry! The Santa Claus Land of Lights is open nightly Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through December 8, 2019, and nightly December 13 – 29 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).   Friday:    Avoid the crush of Black Friday shoppers at the mall, and instead enjoy a fun and relaxing day!   Start with lunch at Frosty’s Fun Center. Their varied menu includes lunch specials, sandwiches, and pizza specialties, so there’s something for every appetite. Arcade games will provide entertainment for the youngest members of your party. And if you skipped dessert at Thanksgiving dinner, you have a second chance for a sugar fix—Frosty’s has delicious ice cream!   Don’t worry about all those extra calories. You can work them off with a brisk (or leisurely!) hike at Lincoln State Park or Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. You’ll be treated to gorgeous scenery as you walk the same grounds as the very president who declared Thanksgiving a national holiday.  You’ve earned a little break, so spend the rest of your day sipping local favorites at Pepper’s Ridge Winery and Monkey Hollow Winery and Distillery. Both wineries offer complimentary samples and indoor seating. Still hungry? Both locations are picnic-friendly, so you can bring your own snacks!     Saturday:    Since you skipped Black Friday shopping, today’s a good day to get a jump on your list (or finish it up if you’re an early shopper).   Every year, Small Business Saturday is celebrated the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It’s a chance to show your support for small business owners and demonstrate the impact of local shopping. Fortunately, this area offers plenty of opportunities to support small businesses.   Pop into Evergreen Boutique & Christmas Shop or Darlena’s Holiday and Gift Shoppe for gorgeous seasonal décor and gifts. Visit Santa’s TOYS to find treats for the little ones on your list—and see the Live Reindeer Exhibit Saturday and Sunday! Then take a break from shopping, and enjoy a meal at Brick Oven Pizza or St. Nick’s Restaurant.   See more places to “shop small” here.  When you’ve had your fill of shopping, bring the kiddos to the Santa Claus Museum & Village to take a photo with the historic Santa statue and write a letter to Santa. Every letter, received by December, 20, 2019, will be sent a reply! (Parents: Please make sure the return address you supply is legible!)  Wrap up the day by experiencing the centuries-old tradition of roasting chestnuts on an open fire at Santa’s Candy Castle. Be sure to grab a hot chocolate, too—they offer more than 30 flavors!   Sunday:    Santa’s about to be very busy, so get your Christmas wishes in early! Stop into the Santa Claus Christmas Store to let the kids visit with Santa—and get a photo, too. While you’re there, browse more than 8,000 ornaments, many available to be personalized with names and dates, free on site. 

That's a jam-packed weekend! And the fun is just beginning ...

The three-week Santa Claus Christmas Celebration kicks off December 6. Stay up to date on all the events and happeningsso you don’t miss a moment of merry!