These five Indiana towns know how to get into the holiday spirit, offering fun activities and events throughout the Christmas season. Add extra sparkle to your holiday memories by planning a road trip to one of these family-friendly Christmas towns in Indiana.
1. Santa Claus
Santa Claus, Indiana, is perhaps the most famous of all the Christmas towns in Indiana. Its claim to fame is Santa’s Post Office, the only post office in the world with the Santa Claus name. Santa Claus, Indiana, is also home to many other attractions, including Santa’s Toy Shop, Santa’s Candy Castle, Santa’s Stables, and more. The 2024 Christmas season is packed with family-friendly events happening throughout the Santa Claus, Indiana, area!
2. Carmel
Carmel, Indiana, has put itself on the map as one of the best Christmas towns, primarily because of Carmel Christkindlmarkt. The Carmel Christkindlmarkt is the premier holiday attraction in Carmel, Indiana, welcoming more than 400,000 visitors in 2021 alone. The sights, smells, and vendors transport visitors into the world of an authentic Christmas market in Germany. Enjoy authentic German treats, sip warm Glühwein or Glühbier, ice skate on a gorgeous outdoor rink, and more. The market is free to attend and open to all. There is a fee for ice skating and any food, drink.
3. Shipshewana
Magical – that’s the only word to describe wandering around Shipshewana during the holidays. Something about the clip-clop of horse hooves and millions of twinkle lights among blankets of Midwestern snow turns everyone into a kid again.
4. Madison
Experience a memorable season in Merry Madison… Christmas in the historic city of Madison, IN holds a unique charm. With fairy lights twinkling on the rooftops of Main Street and warmly-lit stores packed with gifts beneath, to a beautifully decorated holiday-themed fountain, and personal visits from Santa Claus, it is indeed a time of merriment and radiance. Everyone is warmly invited to soak in the festive atmosphere and engage with the spirited local community through a series of events aimed at ensuring a truly festive and joyous Christmas.
5. French Lick
French Lick Resort is the place for all things jolly this holiday season. The 50 Days of Lights begin with two grand tree lighting ceremonies and the holiday hoopla stretches all the way into the new year, with Thanksgiving feasts and Christmas cheer spread throughout. With family-friendly activities and a half-million lights brightening the resort, the holidays illuminate brightest at French Lick Resort.
