When I was a little kid, my father would sometimes dress up as Santa for Christmas parties at church or other local places. Of course, it didn’t take my four year old brother too long to figure out that that was his dad, not the authentic Kris Kringle. He looked at my mom in confusion, unsure what to do or what to think. Mom explained to him that, especially in December, Santa is really busy. He just can’t be everywhere at once every single day. I mean think of all those malls and parties, and back then even Wal-Mart had a Santa! Plus he’s got to be supervising all the daily activity on the North Pole… So Santa takes on some helpers. He enlists the best and brightest (well more like jolliest and bowl-full-of-jelly-est) to dress like him and then report back. So, a lot of the men in red you run into in the mall or other places might be a helper or might be the real guy.

I have a secret for you.

I think I found the real one.

I met him last year and I was pretty sure, then I had the chance to meet him again this year, and now I’m almost positive.

Now, this isn’t official information, it’s just a hunch, but I’m going to put it out there. I think you can go meet the real Santa at the Indiana State Museum.

If you’re looking for a place to get in the holiday spirit, you need to go visit Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum. Start on the third floor where kids of all ages can ride the Santa Claus Express, a small train that takes you through a winter wonderland complete with trees and animatronic reindeer. Then stop in the second floor where the Earl Goode Education Center has been transformed into Santa’s Playground, a STEM-based play area geared toward children in preschool through early elementary. In here you can find tons of building opportunities with large blocks and other fun hands-on opportunities. Also in here you can see the Christmas mural that has been part of the State Museum tradition for more than twenty years.

Outside of Santa’s Playground is a recreation of the L.S. Ayres window display. This is one of our favorite parts. Remember the scene at the beginning of A Christmas Story when the kids stop in front of the department store and look in the window at all the moving little dolls, designed to look like shoppers in front of the store? Remember the look of wonder on the kids faces? Well, that’s there. Like, exactly. Except you’re inside a museum instead of outside on the cold street. But they have recreated the window display from the downtown L.S. Ayres of years gone by. It still inspires wonder and excitement in all of us all these years later.

It’s almost time to head downstairs but first take a look at the 25 foot tree next to the stairs. This is the 92 County Tree, aptly named for its representation of every county in the state of Indiana. Artisans from each county have created unique ornaments to decorate the tree. You can pick up a map at the info desk that will tell you where to find each county, but I enjoy just staring at it and trying to find them all myself.

Now, it’s the big moment. Head down to the first floor where you will find Santa’s NEW HOUSE! And guess who will be in there! You guys, this house is amazing. This is not just a painted-on backdrop or anything. Santa has an actual house. Of course, you’ll probably be focused on the big guy himself and won’t have time to really look at all the details, but if you get a chance really take a look around you. This cozy, fully decorated house is complete with pictures of Santa as a child.

All of this is included in regular museum admission, so plan on spending the day and taking in all the great stuff the Indiana State Museum has to offer. You might even want to make reservations and take in a meal in the L.S. Ayres Tea Room.

Celebration Crossing is open now through December 31 during normal museum hours, Monday-Saturday 10:00 – 5:00, Sunday 11:00 – 5:00. Check out their site for any exceptions, special events, and to buy tickets.