Santa’s Merry Marketplace Opens at Holiday World

Santa’s Merry Marketplace is a hit at Holiday World!

The former Kringles Kafe at Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana was expanded and renovated to create Santa’s Merry Marketplace, a fresh, new food service venue.

Located in Christmas Plaza and opened on May 4, 2019, the design of Santa’s Merry Marketplace is inspired by the traditional half-timbered architecture of Germany. The 55’ tall tower with balcony plays a special role; each day Santa Claus and his Helper come out on the balcony to greet park guests with an enthusiastic wave and a hearty Ho-Ho-Ho! The new 21,500 S.F. facility is 50% bigger than the previous food service venue and offers expanded dining options, restrooms, and private party rooms.

Project Highlights and Challenges

• Built in a short, six-month construction period
• Inside seating for more than 500 guests with additional outside seating available.
• Worked within the constraints and challenges of a 1946 vintage building
• Managed the budget and implemented cost-saving alternatives of up-purposing existing elements
• Installed high-performance new kitchen equipment cook lines
• Implemented a complete re-fit of the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing systems
• Added 50% more interior space + exterior space

Special Touches at Santa’s Merry Marketplace

Like so many charming and festive touches at Holiday World, Santa’s Merry Marketplace is a reflection of the park’s 70+ year history. Santa Claus Land (now Holiday World) was created by Louis J Koch as the world’s first theme park to celebrate his love for children, holidays, and celebrations.

Santa greets guests each morning, continuing a long-held and much-loved park tradition. Now there’s a new twist on the tradition – today Santa and his Helper wave from the new Santa’s Merry Marketplace tower balcony.

As with everything in Christmas Plaza, Santa’s Merry Marketplace is decorated festively for Christmas every day of the year. Santa Claus Murals grace the walls and 23 festively adorned chandeliers light the space.

Rustic touches add a sense of hominess and familiarity. Sliding barn doors are used to separate the party room from the main dining area and provide a private dining experience for groups of up to 49 guests. The main dining room focal point is the stone fireplace adorned with Christmas stockings and decorations in anticipation of Santa’s visit.

Expanded Capabilities at Santa’s Merry Marketplace

• Larger Space – The new 21,500 S.F. facility is 50% bigger than the previous food service venue.
• Expanded Services – Santa’s Merry Marketplace offers expanded dining options, restrooms, and a private party room.
• Additional Dining Options – The new facility has 5 serving stations with more food options, including Asian Specialties, Pizza & Pasta, American Grill, Deli Sandwiches, Kids Favorites, and Desserts.
• Open Dining Room – The new open dining room offers expanded seating capacity at friendly, shared Octoberfest-style tables and benches.
• Family Restrooms – New family restrooms simplify rest stops for adults with their young children. In addition, the number of standard restrooms has been doubled.
• Party Rooms – Santa’s Merry Marketplace offers parties for up to 49 people in new party rooms. Sliding barn doors stand wide open when the room is not in use and can be closed for privacy when the room is in use.

Visit Santa’s Merry Marketplace at Holiday World

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is a great family park with exciting rides & slides, entertaining shows & events, restaurants, and souvenir shopping.  The park is very guest-friendly, with free soft drinks, parking, sunscreen, and Wi-Fi. Holiday World celebrates the holidays with special themed lands highlighting Christmas, Halloween, 4^th of July, and Thanksgiving. See a park map here.

Happy Halloween Weekends run from September 21 through October 27, 2019. Purchase your Season Passes and Daily Tickets here.