Indiana has the town named Santa Claus, located in Spencer County.
The community was originally known as Santa Fe, but residents needed a different name when seeking a post office because another Indiana town already used Santa Fe. According to local historical accounts, the name Santa Claus was selected in 1856 after a meeting in which the unusual choice gained support.
The town later embraced its Christmas identity through attractions, themed businesses, holiday mail, and public signs. Its post office receives large quantities of seasonal correspondence, and volunteers have traditionally answered letters sent by children to Santa.
Santa Claus, Indiana, should not be confused with the broader figure of Santa Claus or with Santa Claus, Arizona, another place that used the name. The Indiana town is a legally incorporated community and is the best-known American place whose official name directly invokes the Christmas figure.