By Don Steen
Santa’s Candy Castle reached a major milestone this Christmas season, celebrating its 90th birthday. This unique building, the first “themed attraction” in the Town of Santa Claus (and quite possibly the United States), was dedicated on December 22, 1935. Thousands attended the dedication that day despite the cold and snow, and many more experienced the event by live radio broadcast from WGBF of Evansville. The red-brick castle was founded by Vincennes lawyer Milton Harris, who sought to capitalize on the nation’s growing fascination with the little community in Indiana bearing the name of Father Christmas. This endeavor was sponsored by Curtiss Candy Company, famed for their Baby Ruth and Butterfinger candy bars as well as their advertising campaigns.
The business expanded in 1936 to include Santa’s Workshop and Toy Village, where kids could watch Santa make toys in a fully functional wood shop. The Toy Village featured an array of buildings sponsored by the nation’s major toy manufacturers. Iconic brands such as Daisy (known for their air rifles) and Strombecker (famed for doll furniture) were among the toys children could see and have fun with on their visits. No admission was charged to enter that fairy-tale land, making the Candy Castle a place where even those struggling through the Great Depression could experience some Christmas joy.
The Town of Santa Claus had already achieved widespread recognition by the Candy Castle welcomed its first visitors. Indeed, the Santa Claus Post Office and Postmaster James Martin’s burgeoning tradition of helping Santa answer children’s letters was featured in a 1930 edition of Robert Ripley’s nationally syndicated “Believe it or Not” cartoon.
Harris was not the only man hoping to turn the Town of Santa Claus into a major tourist destination. Just down the road, where the Santa Claus Museum & Village now sits, entrepreneur Carl Barrett had plans to build a theme park of his own. The centerpiece of his project was the 22-foot-tall Santa Claus statue, that still stands to day. It too, celebrated its 90th birthday this year. The statue was unveiled on Christmas Day of 1935, only a few days after the Candy Castle opened.
Global events put paid to Barrett’s park before it ever truly launched, and circumstances also took a toll on Santa’s Candy Castle. With the onset of World War II, tires and gasoline were rationed, all but halting tourism. Toy companies shifted production to war materiel, leaving little room for sponsoring a small-town attraction in Indiana.
Harris passed away in 1950, and the Candy Castle never quite recovered even during the post-war economic boom. Another entrepreneur, Louis J. Koch, opened Santa Claus Land in 1946. That theme park would go on to become the global destination now known as Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. Harris’ fairy tale land fell into disrepair and closed during the 1970’s.
All was not lost, however. Santa’s Candy Castle re-opened its doors in 2006 and has drawn large crowds with each holiday season. Plans are still in place to eventually restore and re-open Santa’s Workshop and the Toy Village as well.
Holiday visitors to the Town of Santa Claus now have plenty to do every year. Barrett’s old attempted park now hosts a museum detailing the rich history of the town and its Christmas customs, as well as the 90-year-old Santa Statue. Then, just across the road, one can shop through a dizzying display of specialty candies and treats.
December 22, 2025 saw the old red brick castle alive with visitors eager to fill stockings. The 90th anniversary didn’t quite match the thousand in attendance in 1935, but space was at a premium when the doors opened.
Kevin Klosowski (pronounced Claus-owski) of Santa’s Candy Castle was happy to share the history of the building with customers, as well as hand out giveaways to lucky guests throughout the day.
“We’re just basking in the glow of America’s First Themed Attraction,” he said.
Featured Image: A crowd lined up outside Santa’s Candy Castle on December 22 as county’s (and possibly nation’s) first themed attraction prepared to open for its 90th anniversary.
Pictured beginning from left: The castle as it appeared during its launch nearly a century ago. Kevin Klosowski of Santa’s Candy Castle speaks with the first family to receive a prize giveaway during last week’s 90th anniversary celebration. He was happy to relate the long history of the unique attraction, as well as hand out books and other special goodies ahead of the Christmas holiday. The castle was abuzz with activity as shoppers filed in for stocking stuffers and other treats to make the holidays special.
