Win a Santa’s Candy Castle Shopping Spree to Celebrate Their 90th Anniversary

Santa Claus, Indiana - A Beloved Holiday Destination

You would be hard-pressed to find anyone in Southern Indiana who has not heard of the town of Santa Claus. With a museum dedicated to Santa, a post office staffed by elves who write back to children who send letters to Santa, and a world-class theme park that brings rides and entertainment through the summer and fall, Santa Claus, Indiana, is part of what makes our corner of the world extra special.

The History of Santa's Candy Castle

Many people do not know that Santa Claus, Indiana, is also home to the nation's first themed attraction, Santa's Candy Castle. According to the history page on Santa's Candy Castle's website, Postmaster James Martin, who was credited with rounding up Santa's elves to write back to children, wanted to provide a magical experience for families who visited the town. He partnered with Vincennes attorney Milton Harris to create Santa Claus Town, a place where guests could enjoy the magic of waking up on Christmas morning year-round with free Christmas-themed attractions throughout the town.

The First Attraction in Santa Claus Town

The first attraction was Santa's Candy Castle. As the name suggests, the building was a miniature castle sponsored by The Curtiss Candy Company, creators of the Baby Ruth and Butterfinger candy bars, known for their larger-than-life advertising campaigns.

Three days before Christmas on December 22, 1935, Santa's Candy Castle held its formal dedication celebration, which was broadcast live by radio station WGBF of Evansville. It was a bright moment during a dark time, as the Great Depression weighed on the hearts and minds of people throughout the heartland.

A Precursor to American Theme Parks

Long before Knotts Berry Farm or Disney opened their theme park attractions, national business leaders, politicians, and thousands of locals flocked to Santa Claus to welcome Santa's Candy Castle. The grand affair marked the opening of Santa Claus, Indiana’s first tourist attraction and the first themed attraction in the United States. In 1936, Milton Harris opened Santa's Workshop and a Toy Village of eight miniature buildings.

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Challenges During and After World War II

Children and adults loved the treats and experiences at Santa's Candy Castle for several years, but everything changed in 1941. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, tourism slowed to a crawl. The toy and candy manufacturers that once sponsored the castle and other attractions in the town had to shift production to support the war effort. Even after the war ended, the attractions never regained their earlier momentum or national sponsorship. The castle fell into disrepair and eventually closed in the 1970s.

Restoration and Revival of Santa's Candy Castle

In 2005, the castle was bought by self-confessed Christmas fanatic Kevin Klosowski, who left a corporate job to restore the abandoned building and reopened it to the public in 2006. In an article on Roadside America, Kevin said, "From the moment I laid eyes on it, it was just calling me. Who hasn't at one point fantasized about being the prince or the princess of the castle?" The restoration was not easy. The building had sat vacant for years, and repairs were extensive. He admitted to falling through the roof and floors many times during the process.

Santa's Candy Castle Today

Twenty years later, Kevin still owns and operates the castle. They offer frozen hot chocolate, a variety of popcorn flavors, and rooms filled with specialty candy. They've even been featured on national TV when Casey Webb attempted the Fire & Ice Challenge on Man V. Food.

It is truly a magical place and one that deserves a spot on both your winter and summer bucket lists. They are currently offering Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire events. Read more about that event here. 

90th Anniversary Celebration

To commemorate its 90th anniversary, Santa's Candy Castle will host a celebration on December 22 from noon until 7 pm. Guests can enjoy 90¢ specials throughout the castle.

Since our sister station WGBF was at the inaugural ceremony, Kevin has given us a $90 shopping spree to award to one lucky listener. Entering is easy. Just fill out the form below.