For nearly 80 years, the Koch family has been spreading holiday cheer from the heart of southern Indiana. In 1946, Louis J. Koch opened Santa Claus Land — a modest roadside attraction featuring a toy shop, soda fountain, and train ride. It quickly became something special.

Each generation added to the magic. The second helped develop the town of Santa Claus. The third transformed the park into a true summer destination, introducing iconic wooden roller coasters and Splashin’ Safari — now recognized as one of the top water parks in the country.

Today, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari are owned and operated by the fourth generation of the Koch family — and the first women-led generation. Sisters Lauren Crosby and Leah Koch-Blumhardt continue to honor the parks’ traditions, offering guests family fun and incredible value with free parking, free sunscreen, and free unlimited soft drinks.

This generation’s leadership style includes creative storytelling, which shines in the park’s newest ride, Good Gravy! — a Thanksgiving-themed family coaster with a whimsical backstory and immersive design that sends guests on a heartwarming journey through the past.

While the park has grown into a world-class seasonal destination, its goal remains the same: to become your family’s home for the holidays.