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Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari

452 E Christmas Blvd, Santa Claus, Indiana 47579, United States

Added on April 25, 2025

Operating season: May to October

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, located in Santa Claus, Indiana, is a uniquely themed amusement park that celebrates four holidays: Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Fourth of July. It combines award-winning wooden coasters with one of the top-rated water parks in the world, and is famous for its family-friendly atmosphere, free soft drinks, and exceptional value.

History & Background

Originally opened in 1946 as Santa Claus Land, Holiday World is one of the oldest family-run theme parks in the country. The park gradually expanded to include other holiday-themed sections, and in 1993, it added Splashin’ Safari, which now rivals the amusement park in popularity. Known for innovation, the park pioneered free unlimited soft drinks and offers one of the most highly praised water coaster collections anywhere.

Ticket Prices & Packages

1-Day Tickets: ~$49.99–$64.99 depending on date
2-Day Flex Tickets: ~$89.99
Season Passes: Available with perks like discounts and early entry
Children under 3: Free
All tickets include access to both Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari

Buy Tickets Here

Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit

Holiday World operates from early May through late October, with a focus on summer and fall weekends.

Typical hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Splashin’ Safari closes earlier, usually at 6:00 PM

Best times to visit:

Weekdays in June or August
September is for cooler weather and lighter crowds
October weekends for Happy Halloween Weekends

Top Rides & Attractions

The Voyage – One of the world’s most intense wooden coasters, over 6,000 feet long
The Raven – Classic terrain-hugging wooden coaster with a cult following
The Legend – Twisty woodie themed to The Headless Horseman
Thunderbird – B&M launched wing coaster with hang-time and speed
Liberty Launch – Double-shot tower ride
Hallowswings, Eagles Flight, and Gobbler Getaway – Themed flat rides
Holiday-themed areas: Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and 4th of July

Family & Kids Rides

Reindeer Games, Dancer’s Fish Pond, and Kitty’s Tea Party – Christmas-themed kiddie rides
Rudolph’s Round-Up – Gentle spinning ride
Comet’s Rockets and Holidog’s Treehouse – Mini thrill rides for little ones
Holidog’s FunTown – Huge playground and splash pad
Family rides like the Lewis & Clark Trail and the Star Spangled Carousel

Splashin’ Safari Water Park

Included with admission and often considered one of the best in the world, open late May through Labor Day:

Wildebeest – Longest water coaster in the world until 2020
Mammoth – Current record-holder for longest water coaster
Cheetah Chase – Launched water coaster with side-by-side racing
Zinga & ZOOMbabwe – Enclosed slides and bowl rides
Bahari Wave Pool & Bahari River – Central water features
Hyena Falls, Jungle Racer, and Safari Sam’s SplashLand – For kids and families
Free sunscreen and soft drinks are available in the water park as well!

Seasonal Events

Happy Halloween Weekends (Sept–Oct):
Trick-or-treating, corn mazes, hayrides, and family-friendly spooks
Summer daily shows, character meet-and-greets, and fireworks on select nights
2024: Good Gravy! – A family-friendly launched coaster themed to Thanksgiving gravy boats!

Dining Options

Plymouth Rock Café – Thanksgiving-style meals (turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes)
Goblin Burgers and Dasher’s Delights – Burgers, fries, and shakes
Kringle’s Café – Pizza, salads, and sweets
The Alamo and Safari Pizza – Tex-Mex and slices
Funnel cakes, slushies, and ICEEs are available throughout the park
Unlimited soft drinks are FREE with self-serve stations all over

Food allergies and vegetarian options are well-accommodated.

Hotels & Accommodation

No official resort, but plenty of lodging in and around Santa Claus, Dale, and Ferdinand:

Santa’s Lodge – Closest themed hotel, just minutes from the park
Baymont by Wyndham Dale – Budget-friendly with pool
Lincoln Pines Lakefront Resort – Cabins with a lake view
Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph – Cabins, RVs, and tent sites with a free shuttle to the park

Most hotels offer Holiday World packages in summer.

Getting There & Parking

Address: 452 E Christmas Blvd, Santa Claus, IN 47579
Located near U.S. 231, about 1 hour west of Louisville and 2.5 hours south of Indianapolis.

Parking is free
RV parking available
Drop-off zones and bus parking for groups

Tips for Visiting

Bring swimsuits — Splashin’ Safari is a full-day experience on its own
Ride Voyage early or late — it’s intense and a must-ride
Take advantage of free drinks and sunscreen — budget-savers
Use lockers near the water park entrance for towels and phones
The Halloween Weekends are fantastic for families and feature lighter crowds