Visiting Holiday World in 2024: A Complete Guide

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Hidden in Southeastern Indiana, close to the Kentucky border, lies one of the most unique amusement parks in America — Holiday World. Located in Santa Clause, Indiana, the park is a regional gem and favorite among amusement park enthusiasts. While it doesn’t boast some of the bigger roller coasters found at other amusement parks, it holds its own with family-friendly attractions and many unique offerings.

Keep reading our complete guide to Holiday World to help you plan your next family adventure this summer.

What is Holiday World?

Holiday World is an amusement park located in Santa Claus, Indiana. The amusement park originally opened in 1946 as Santa Claus Land. The park’s name was later changed to Holiday World in 1984. A water park named Splashin’ Safari was later added in 1993.

 

 

Your Complete Guide to Visiting Holiday World in 2024

Holiday World might be smaller than other Midwestern amusement parks like Cedar Point and Kings Island. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t offer value, especially for families looking for affordable entertainment options.

Our Holiday World review below contains helpful information about visiting the amusement park, including ride information, dining, entertainment, shopping, tickets, and much more. We tried to fit in as much information as possible but probably missed a few details. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments, and we will try to answer them. Here is your complete guide to visiting Holiday World in 2024.

Holiday World Opening Day 2024

Holiday World is set to open to the public on May 11th, 2024. Splashin’ Safari Water Park opens on May 18th, 2024. Holiday World has special season passholder days on Saturday, May 4th, 2024 (Platinum passholders) and Sunday, May 5th, 2024 (Platinum, Season Pass, and Summer Fun Card passholders).  

Holiday World Rides

Holiday World is home to several thrill rides, including a handful of roller coasters and several family-friendly attractions. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or you prefer less aggressive rides, Holiday World has something for everyone. Here’s a look at some of Holiday World’s most popular rides.

Holiday World Roller Coasters

A new roller coaster is coming to Holiday World in 2024. Holiday World announced the addition of “Good Gravy!,” a family roller coaster to the park. It will debut at the exclusive season passholder days and will be open to the public on opening day. 

Here’s a look at Holiday World’s other roller coasters: 

• Thunderbird: One of the park’s most popular rides, Thunderbird is the only launched wing coaster in the country.
• Howler: A smaller, kid-friendly rollercoaster.
• The Legend: A wooden roller coaster based on The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
• The Raven: Another wood roller coaster, Raven takes riders along Lake Rudolph and features a 120-foot tunnel.
• The Voyage: This wooden roller coaster was voted the top wooden roller coaster in the country by Time magazine in 2013. It’s also one of the nation’s longest roller coasters at 1.2 miles long.

Other Notable Holiday World Rides

Besides roller coasters, Holiday World is home to several other rides worth checking out.

• Crow’s Nest
• Doggone Trail
• Eagles Flight
• Firecracker
• Frightful Falls
• Gobbler Getaway
• HallowSwings
• Holidog Express
• Kitty’s Tea Party
• Lewis & Clark Trail
• Liberty Launch
• Mayflower
• Raging Rapids
• Reindeer Games
• Revolution
• Rough Riders
• Scarecrow Scrambler
• Star Spangled Carousel
• Turkey Whirl

Splashin’ Safari rides

A visit to Holiday World isn’t complete without cooling off at Splashin’ Safari, the attached water park. Splashin’ Safari is home to several award-winning waterslides and other notable water attractions, including:

• Bahari River
• Bahari Wave Pool
• Bakuli
• Cheetah Chase Water Coaster
• Jungle Racer
• Kima Bay
• Mammoth Water Coaster
• Otorongo
• Safari Sam’s SplashLand
• Tembo Falls
• Tembo Tides
• The Wave
• Watubee
• Wildebeest Water Coaster
• Zinga
• ZOOMbabwe

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari’s Mammoth water coaster was recently named the Best Water Park Ride at the 2023 Golden Ticket Awards. 

Holiday World Ride Restrictions

Like most amusement parks, Holiday World has ride policies and restrictions in place to protect all of its guests, including height, weight, health, and other restrictions. Always familiarize yourself with park restrictions before visiting.

Accessibility at Holiday World

Holiday World offers several services for everyone who visits the park, including guests with disabilities. Refer to the park’s website for detailed information on park accessibility, including:

• A Calming Room
• Casts and braces
• First Aid
• Parking
• Restrooms
• Safety Restraints
• Service Animals
• Boarding Pass program
• Wheelchairs

Be sure to stop by guest relations at the front of the park upon arrival to get assistance, ask questions, and receive a guide to help you during your visit.

Dining at Holiday World

Holiday World also offers several dining options for park guests, including allergen-free and gluten-free options.

Holiday World Restaurants

Amusement parks aren’t necessarily known for their food quality. That said, Holiday World offers plenty of options to fit almost everyone’s wants and needs:

• Alamo
• Ben’s Soft Pretzels
• Candy Cane Confectionary
• Christmas Cupboard
• Dippin’ Dots
• Dippin’ Dots Sundae Shop
• Freedom Funnel Cakes
• George’s Gluten-Free Pizza
• Goblin Burgers
• Hot Diggity Dogs
• ICEE Mix It Up
• Lemon Shake-Up
• Plymouth Rock Café
• Polar Expresso
• Santa’s Merry Marketplace
• Sugarplum Scoop Shoppe
• Sweet Spells
• The Cider Shack
• The SnackHouse
• Udderly BOO Ice Cream

Can You Bring Food Into Holiday World?

Holiday World doesn’t allow most outside food into the park. Exceptions to the rule include:

• Baby food, formula, and small snacks
• Sealed non-alcoholic beverages in plastic containers (no glass bottles or aluminum cans)
• Medically required foods for special dietary needs
• Soft-sided coolers (no larger than 8.5” wide x 6” high x 6” deep)

Bags, backpacks, and other items are inspected at a security checkpoint before entering the park. There are picnic pavilions located around the parking areas for guests to use.

Entertainment at Holiday World

Holiday World offers several unique entertainment options, including live shows and Santa’s Pool Party. One of the most popular offerings is the Holidays in the Sky Drone & Fireworks Spectacular. There’s also a diving show and live singing and dancing with Holidog & Friends. Check the park site for times and dates for all shows.

Holiday World Events

Holiday World hosts several special events during the season. Here’s a look at what’s on tap for the 2024 season.

• Holiday in the Sky Drone & Fireworks Spectacular: June 22-August 4
• HoliWood Nights: May 31 – June 1
• Kids World: Select days in August and September
• Happy Halloween Weekends: Saturdays and Sundays, September 21-October 27

Shopping at Holiday World

There are a few shops located around the park where guests can purchase various souvenirs. You’ll find plenty of trinkets and apparel to celebrate your visit to Holiday World. You can also purchase park-related merchandise and Holicash gift cards online in Holiday World’s HoliShop.

Holiday World Park Hours

Holiday World hours vary throughout the season. The amusement park typically opens at  10 AM and closes anywhere from 6 PM to 9 PM, depending on the day. Splashin’ Safari opens daily at 11 AM and closes anywhere from 5 PM to 7 PM, depending on the day. 

How to Buy Holiday World Tickets in 2024

You can buy 2024 Holiday World tickets directly from the park online or in person.

The park offers a few different ticket options for individuals and families. Below is the online pricing for Holiday World ticket options available in 2024. Prices do not include taxes and fees.

• 2024 Any Day Ticket: $54.99
• Pick Your Date One Day Tickets: TBD
• Two-Day Flex Ticket: TBD
• Three-Day Flex Ticket: $99.99
• Military Two-Day Flex Ticket: $74.99
• Military Three-Day Flex Ticket: $89.99
• First Responder Two-Day Flex Ticket: $79.99
• First Responder Three-Day Flex Ticket: $94.99 
• Nurse Two-Day Flex Ticket: $79.99
• Nurse Three-Day Flex Ticket: $94.99

Holiday World Pre-K Pass

Holiday World offers free Pre-K season passes for four and five-year-old children visiting the amusement park. Parents and guardians must provide documentation to confirm birthdates for the pass. Children ages three and younger get in free at Holiday World. Pre-K season passes are good for the entire season and during Kids World and Happy Halloween Weekends. Passes are only available online, not in person. Holiday World will process age confirmation documents on your first visit to the park.

2024 Pre-K Season Passes will be available until September 2, 2024. 

Holiday World Season Passes 2024

Another way to save money, especially if you plan on visiting Holiday World multiple times during the season, is to purchase season passes.  Here is the current pricing for Holiday World season passes. 

• 2024 Summer Fun Card: $135
• 2024 Season Pass: $170 
• 2024 Platinum Season Pass: $205 

Holiday World Add-On Passes

You can also upgrade your tickets by purchasing one of Holiday World’s extra add-ons.

• 2024 All Day Photo Pass: $24.99 
• 2024 All Season Photo Pass: $34.99  
• 2024 Games Playbook: $20 – Included $25 in Game Bucks, game coupons, and a one-time single-use Quick Access pass. 

Holiday World Cashless System

Several amusement parks have begun employing a cashless system, and now you can add Holiday World to the mix. Guests can no longer use cash within the park to pay for purchases. When visiting the park, you can use the following payment methods: 

• Discover
• Master Card
• Visa
• HoliCash
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay

If you prefer to use cash, you can use one of the cash-to-card kiosks located around the park to load money onto a ReadyCARD, which is a prepaid card that can be used anywhere within the park and outside the park wherever credit cards are accepted. Guests can load up to $500 per kiosk transaction. There’s no fee to create or use the prepaid card, but after 92 days of inactivity, readyCARD charges a $3.95 monthly inactivity fee.

Holiday World Guided Tours

For a unique park experience, consider one of Holiday World’s Guided Tours. These guided tours come with your own park expert to escort you around the park, accessing exclusive perks along the way. Holiday World has three guided tours available: 

EarlyBird Tour ($199 per person)

Get into the park early with this exclusive tour. Benefits include: 

• Escorted tour to the top of  The Voyage’s lift hill
• Escorted tour behind the scenes at The Voyage
• Behind-the-scenes tour of Thunderbird maintenance areas
• Meet & greet with a coaster technician
• Ride the first public launch on Thunderbird
• Three Quick Access Passes
• $15 HoliCash
• Souvenir lanyard
• All-Day Digital Photo Pass

Guide To Ride Tour ($249 per person)

Holiday World’s Guide To Ride Tour gives you four hours of escorted fun around the park with front-of-the-line privileges and the three water coasters in Splashin’ Safari. Other benefits include $15 HoliCash, a souvenir lanyard, and All-Day Digital Photo Pass.

Holidays in the Sky Elevated Experience + Tour (TBD)

This guided tour is the same as the Guide To Ride Tour, but with the addition of premium seating for the DJ Dance Party and Holidays in the Sky Drone & Fireworks Spectacular.

Note: Park Admission is not included with the purchase of a Guided Tour.

Splashin’ Safari Cabana Rentals 

Cabana rentals are avialable in Splashin’ Safari to upgrade your park visit. Cabanas offer a private space for up to 8 guests and come with a locking cabinet and mini fridge with 8 bottles of water. There are cabanas located throughout the water park. Premium meals are available for an added cost. In 2023, Cabana rental costs ranged from $199-$399 based on the date. 2024 pricing is not avialable yet. 

Another option is to rent Cheetah Chaise Loungers. 2023 costs ranged from $79-$99. Each Cheetah Chaise Lounger includes two shaded chaise lounges, a small locking safe, and a small table. They are located on Bahari’s River Island. 

Note: Splashin’ Safari cabana and chaise loungers reservations will open up closer to the start of the 2024 season. 

Locker Rentals at Holiday World

Lockers are available to rent within Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari. The majority of the lockers, including all large-size lockers, are found in Splashin’ Safari.

Other Rentals at Holiday World

You can also rent strollers, wagons, wheelchairs, and scooters at Holiday World. Rentals are avialable on a first-come, first-serve basis at St. Nick’s Rentals, inside the park’s front gate. Here is pricing for all-day rentals in 2024: 

• Double strollers: $18
• Wagons: $10
• Wheelchairs: $15
• Electric scooters: $44.99

How to Get to Holiday World

Holiday World is located at 452 E. Christmas Blvd., Santa Claus, Indiana 47579.

Parking at Holiday World

There’s no charge to park at Holiday World, unlike most amusement parks. Parking is free at Holiday World every day.

Where to Stay At Holiday World

Holiday World doesn’t offer any lodging, but several options are available with Santa Claus and the surrounding area.

One of the best options available in Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort. Not only is it located next to the park, but there’s also a free shuttle to the amusement park for campers. Other lodging options include:

• Baymont by Wyndham Dale
• Big Splash Adventure
• Comfort Inn Jasper
• Comfort Inn Ferdinand
• Hampton Inn Jasper
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jasper
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tell City
• Lincoln Pines Lakefront Resort
• Motel 6 Dale
• Quality Inn & Suites Ferdinand
• Quality Inn & Suites Rockport
• Ramada Limited Tell City
• Santa’s Lakeside Cottages
• Santa’s Lodge
• Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph
• Super 8 by Wyndham Jasper

Free Items at Holiday World

Free isn’t something you would expect at an amusement park, but it’s a core component of Holiday World’s philosophy. Among the items you can find available at the park for free are:

• Free soft drinks (including Gatorade, lemonade, iced tea, coffee, and water)
• Free sunscreen
• Free parking
• Free package pickup
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Holiday World Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Holiday World offer rainchecks?

Holiday World offers a Worry-Free Weather guarantee for qualifying guests who experience inclement weather. If a storm forces the park to close attractions for a total of 90 minutes or longer, you can use your park ticket to return to the park another day during the season. Simply take the ticket to guest relations when you return to the park.

Can I bring food into Holiday World?

Select food items for babies and individuals with special dietary needs are allowed in the park. Sealed non-alcoholic beverages in plastic containers are also allowed.

Does Holiday World have special pricing for non-riders?

There is no discount for non-riders at Holiday World.

Does Holiday World offer discounts for military members?

Yes, Holiday World offers special discounted tickets available for members of the U.S. military. The park also offers discounted tickets for first responders and nurses.

What age gets in free at Holiday World?

Children three and under are free at Holiday World.

Does Holiday World have height restrictions?

There are some height and other restrictions for certain rides at Holiday World. Check the park’s website before visiting for specific guidelines.

Can I rent a locker at Holiday World?

Lockers are available to rent (for a small fee) in various areas of the park and water park to store your belongings safely. Large-sized lockers are only available inside Splashin’ Safari.

Can I rent a wheelchair at Holiday World?

Wheelchairs and scooters are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis at St. Nick’s Rentals, located just inside the front gate.

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What is your favorite part Holiday World ride? Do you have any tips on visiting Holiday World? Let us know in the comments below.