The Indiana Town Where Santa’s Elves Still Write Back to Kids

Christmas Is Coming Fast

Christmas is right around the corner. I’ve already got a jump-start on my holiday shopping, and I plan on scaling back big time this year. Less stress! Haha, I say that every single year, and nothing ever changes. But it’s a nice thought!

Decorating Early for the Holidays

We pulled out our Christmas decorations last weekend. I loved my Halloween and fall decor, but putting up Christmas decorations is such a big job, it seems silly to only enjoy them for a month. So, I’ve gotten into the habit of putting them out in mid-November to squeeze a little more magic out of the holiday season.

A Sweet Surprise from the Past

When I unpacked the tree and ornaments, I noticed a folded piece of paper at the bottom of the box. I opened it up, and a flood of nostalgia came rushing in. It was a letter from Santa’s elves to my daughter. She’s a teenager now, so she no longer writes letters or whispers her wishes in his ear, but we had so many fun years making memories.

Family Traditions in Santa Claus, Indiana

We had a tradition of spending the day in Santa Claus, Indiana, visiting Santa’s Toys for their free reindeer meet and greet, then stopping by the Santa Claus Museum and Post Office to craft a letter to Santa. Every year, she’d get one back. It was such a special memory.

Read More: Meet a Reindeer for FREE in Santa Claus, Indiana

Things to Do in Santa Claus, Indiana

If you’ve never been to the town of Santa Claus, Indiana, it’s a real treat. It’s small, but there’s a lot to see and do. And of course, they really get into the Christmas spirit with chestnuts roasting on an open fire at Santa’s Candy Castle, the live reindeer event at Santa’s Toys, meeting the two new reindeer at Santa’s Reindeer Ranch, and a visit with Santa at the Christmas Store or Museum.

The History of the Santa Claus Post Office

The post office, though, is something truly special. The first Santa Claus Post Office opened in 1856. Because the town’s name is Santa Claus, naturally, lots of children would write in and tell the big guy all their hopes and dreams. They went unanswered until 1914, when the town’s 14th postmaster, James Martin, took it upon himself to reply to every letter.

They also started a special postmark tradition that continues today. Each year, a local person designs the postmark, and people travel to Santa Claus just to have it stamped on their holiday cards.This year’s design is by Christopher Scherer of Mariah Hill, Indiana.

How to Send a Letter to Santa in Santa Claus, Indiana

James Martin kept answering letters until Santa’s Elves Inc. and the Santa Claus Museum were formed to organize volunteers to help. In 2019 and 2020, nearly 200 elves answered about 51,000 letters from children all over the world.

If your child would like to write to Santa, you can stop by the post office or mail a letter to:

Santa Claus
P.O. Box 1
Santa Claus, IN 47579

Letters must be received (not just postmarked) by December 17 to get a reply from Santa or his elves before Christmas.

Looking for a printable letter? Click the one below for a printable PDF.