Kentucky Christian University's Young Library The 12 Towns of Christmas Virtual Vacation

Santa Claus, Indiana is the perfect town for any fan of Christmas. It's got amusement parks, themed lodging, shops dedicated solely to the holiday, lights, celebrations, the whole shebang!

You can find everything I mention here on the official Santa Claus, Indiana website, but here are the highlights, and some fun videos for your entertainment.

Holiday World and Splashin' Safari:

To take advantage of this theme park, you'll need to come back and visit during warmer weather. But should you be looking for Christmas in July, they've got your back. From water rides and roller coasters, to firework shows and jungle gyms for the kids, Holiday World has it all. Despite being closed during the colder months, many of the park's rides, merch, and dining are festive, combining the best parts of Summer and Winter into one fun family adventure.

Explore the park by watching the video below:

Now, let's check out some Christmas-themed shops!

Evergreen Boutique & Christmas Shop:

A description from the Santa Claus, IN website:

"This boutique features an assortment of classy and sophisticated clothing. Shoppers can browse accessories such as scarves, handbags, and jewelry. The Christmas shop includes holiday items and home décor. Stop in during your visit to discover one-of-a-kind finds.

The boutique and shop is open seven days a week. It’s a fantastic stop to find your Santa Claus, Indiana, souvenirs. Established in 2008 by owner Tammy Heckel, the store prides itself on offering exclusive items and providing an relaxing shopping experience."

Santa's Candy Castle:

From the website:

"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."

Santa's Toys:

Let's wrap up our shopping at Santa's Toys. Here is a description from their page on the aforementioned website:

"Browse through over 2,800 specialty toys at Santa’s Toys. Guests of all ages are encouraged to find their inner child and play while browsing. The selection includes STEM products that encourage learning through play."

Fun and Games:

Are you in the mood for a fun game as you tour this virtual vacation? Keep track of how many Santas you encounter in the static images. I'll post how many there are in the last day. Be sure to count the ones from earlier days in this tour! This idea was inspired by the following video:

Now, for the highlight of the trip - touring through the annual Festival of Lights!

French Toast

Your family has just finished unwrapping presents, and you're all hungry. Can you imagine a better way to end Christmas morning than with a hot plate of homemade French toast? I can't either, so here is a great recipe from Food Network to make your own French toast and celebrate Christmas morning just like they do in Indiana.

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 slices challah, brioche, or white bread (I recommend Texas toast!)
• maple syrup

Directions:

• In a small bowl, combine cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar and set aside briefly.
• In a 10-inch or 12-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk together cinnamon mixture, eggs, milk, and vanilla and pour into a shallow container such as a pie plate. Dip bread in egg mixture. Fry slices until golden brown, then flip to cook the other side. Serve with syrup.

Don't stay too long in Santa Claus, or Scut Farkus may come after you. Let's escape Indiana and drive Westward to Joy, Illinois.