Christmas Ornaments in July

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It might be the holiday season all year long in Santa Claus, Indiana, but Christmas in July has finally arrived at Holiday World and it’s the perfect time of year to begin a new family tradition.

This tradition is simple to start and one that will spread even more holiday cheer each year as you are putting up Christmas decorations. It’s a fun way to add to your display of Christmas ornaments, too!

HoliBlogger Tara and her kids celebrate Christmas in July at Holiday World

Christmas Ornaments in July

My family has been getting Christmas ornaments when we travel for many years now. We have ornaments from places all over the country and even some from across the pond. Basically whenever we go on vacation we find a new ornament for our tree. Then we create a holiday display to highlight and remember our travels throughout the year(s). Our ornaments are either placed on our main tree (with all of our other ornaments), or some years we even have all of the travel ornaments displayed together on a separate tree.

A travel tree!

How to Start a New Family Tradition at Holiday World

Holiday World actually makes it really easy to begin this family tradition so I think that it’s the best place to start collecting. After all, Holiday World is all about Christmas so naturally you will find a large variety of the best Christmas ornaments. I’m willing to bet you can find the perfect ornament for your tree at Holiday World!

When you arrive through the theme park gates you’ll find St. Nick’s Trading Company off to the right. This gift shop is divided up into 3 rooms of souvenirs. From hats and t-shirts with the Holiday World logo to holiday decor, it’s the right place to find some really great best sellers when it comes to holiday swag. You’ll also be able to spy a special gift or two so be sure to get some of your holiday shopping down early. Even perfect stocking stuffers and other great gift ideas that you won’t find anywhere else!

In the first room of the shop you’ll find so many holiday ornaments hanging on artificial Christmas trees. Holiday World has so many unique Christmas ornaments for family members to choose from. There are cute ornaments with woodland animals, ones with just a little sparkle, rustic look wooden ornaments, glass Christmas ornaments, baubles to match any color scheme and even throwbacks to Old World Christmas style.

We all picked out a new ornament for our tree to remember our time at Holiday World.

During your time at Holiday World make a point to find Christmas ornaments to commemorate the trip in your favorite style. Our family personally likes to have an assortment of different types of travel ornaments, making our tree unique and eclectic.

HoliBlogger Tips

Did you find the perfect Christmas tree ornaments right when you walk into Holiday World but not quite ready to leave the park? You can have your purchases left for you at Guest Services and simply pick up the items at the end of the day as you are heading home. Guest Services is at the front of the park and directly across from the St. Nick’s Trading Company. So it’s really quite convenient!

Didn’t get a Holiday World ornament while in the park? You can actually purchase the in shop ornaments online in the HoliShop.

Combine your vacation keepsake ornaments with other special occasions that you are celebrating. Be it an ornament to commemorate your new home, baby’s first Christmas or just something to get you into the holiday spirit in advance, you’ll find that special tree decoration at St. Nick’s.

Time to Decorate!

A tree filled with Holiday World Christmas ornaments. I envision displaying this tree each year with only our Holiday World collection on its branches. A beautiful reminder of our family’s season as HoliBloggers.

I absolutely love the vintage style of this ornament.

Merry Christmas in July!

Be sure to have the best time ringing in Christmas in July at Holiday World! I hope that this new family tradition helps to add a beautiful addition to your Christmas season each year!

Be sure to follow the adventures of all the HoliBloggers this summer. Each blog post will have a sweepstakes where you can enter to win two tickets to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.

Entries accepted through Sunday, July 31 at 8pm CDT.

This blog post was written by HoliBlogger Tara S.

Tara Smith has a degree in psychology with emphasis in community health, but has been a mom blogger for over a decade and lives in St. Louis, MO. You can find her blog at SeeingDandy.com. As a busy mom of 4, she likes to do fun activities with her family and travel. She also likes to sew, craft, make recipes and inspire others in motherhood. Tara and her blog have been featured on News 4 Great Day, Show Me St. Louis and in Country Sampler Farmhouse Style Magazine.

Designing Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari: Secrets Of A Theme Park Landscape

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Did you know Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari sprawls over 300 acres of land? That’s a lot of ground to cover!

Like many, you’ve simply soaked in the floral ambiance without truly noticing every natural detail. As one of the cleanest, well-designed family parks around, Holiday World subtly surrounds us with cool shady spots and pleasing pops of color along our path.

It’s easy to rush past with your head stuck in the map looking for directions to the next exciting attraction. But, if you stop for a moment to take in the magical bits of scenery, you’ll truly enhance your park experience.

How does a theme park best plan the landscape in an aesthetically pleasing way for the benefit of park-goers? It all begins with a great team and a lot of ingenuity.

It Takes A Holi-Village

Cathy Greubel, Director of Park Services at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, oversees the design and maintenance of landscaping throughout the park. Greubel says one of the first considerations given to plants selected for landscaping is finding ones that are low maintenance, like Boston Ferns. Potted plants also help with decorating areas throughout the park and can be revitalized seasonally.

With over 1,500 plants in the Christmas section alone, there’s plenty to tend to! All plants throughout the 300+ acre park are maintained by a crew of four who work four hours a day prior to park opening.

Selecting plants that are not labor intensive is key to helping the crew get their daily tasks done quickly. This ensures guests to have a beautiful backdrop when they arrive.

Setting Nature’s Stage

Imagine walking in the gate of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari only to see a monochrome setting devoid of plant life. Lacking color and natural personality, the theme park would look different, indeed! It’s the bio-diverse shades and shapes of nature that fill our view with vibrant interest.

Planning landscape for the park involves a lot of creative vision. Each ride area, attraction, and walkway are its own intense project. Each are focused on a particular theme. There’s not only consideration for the concept but also the way the guests will interact with the landscape.

For example, Splashin’ Safari is designed to have a tropical feel. Plants are used to soften up the area to make it more inviting, but they are also used to help create shade for guests. In addition, foliage helps hide distracting areas like service roads to create a seamless, more pleasing view.

The planning doesn’t stop there, there’s plenty more to take into consideration such as varying the landscape colors to add interest. Landscapers also consider guest comfort by utilizing plants that don’t attract stinging bugs, yet still maintain balance in eco-environment.

Tending to the Native Biome

One only has to drive up to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari to realize it’s surrounded by nature and farmland. It’s part of what makes the theme park so charming and special!

When the natural environment is altered to give new life to a plot of land, such as a beloved holiday theme park, there’s an eco-balance that must be considered. The landscaping team has been very conscientious about using plants native to the area like Hydrangeas and Lagerstroemia indica (Crape Myrtle).

The team is also working on re-forestation, replanting trees to replace aging trees or trees that were pulled for safety reasons. Re-forestation helps wildlife thrive by providing shelter and supplying food sources.

HoliBlogger Barb | Landscape Blog | Taking a Photo with Kitty

If you take time to look at the landscape throughout your journey around park, you may just see a few bunnies taking advantage of the shade provided by the bushes. At night, the local deer love to munch on the SunBelievables and ornamental Sweet Potato Vines.

Landscaping Gems

All this hard work by the landscaping team truly makes Holiday World & Splashn’ Safari a lovely haven. Everyone is greeted immediately with the splash of Christmas colors which sets the festive tone.

A consistent fan favorite are the orange and purple SunPatiens that lead the way into Halloween. These hardy flowers tolerate all weather conditions, including heat, allowing guests to enjoy the blooms throughout the seasons.

If you look around Halloween you’ll find additional plots of orange and purple SunPatiens that have been added for fan enjoyment.

New beds of flowers have also been planted in Holidog’s Funtown. Additional potted plants decorate your journey along the walkways, and you’ll spot new trees by the Star Spangled Carousel.

Next time you’re at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, do take time to stop and smell the roses, per se. Admire all the beauty of the natural surroundings that enhance the landscape and brighten your day!

Want to learn how to utilize the secrets of a theme park landscape at home? Visit Rural Mom to get gardening tips from Director of Park Services Cathy Greubel!

 

Be sure to follow the adventures of our HoliBloggers all year long. Each blog post from them will have a sweepstakes where you can enter to win two tickets to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.

Entries accepted through Wednesday, July 27 at 6pm CDT.

 

HoliBlogger Barb WThis blog post was written by HoliBlogger Barb W.

Barb Webb is a sustainable living expert nesting just outside of Louisville, Kentucky. When she’s not chasing chickens around the farm or engaging in mock Jedi battles, she’s writing about country living, artisan culture, and exploring the roads less traveled.

An award-winning author, Barb is also the Owner/Editor of the popular blog RuralMom.com where she shares her love of all things green and empowers others to live country life to the fullest. Her newest books “GETTING BAKED” and “GETTING LAID” are cheeky guides offering a fun, in-depth journey into sustainable living topics including traditional and medicinal gardening.

Sweepstakes: National Water Coaster Day 2022

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National Water Coaster Day

Last year, Wildebeest, our first water coaster that started us on a journey toward becoming the Water Coaster Capital of the World, hit 1 MILLION cycles on July 22. We celebrated by declaring our own holiday: National Water Coaster Day. After all, we’re Holiday World, and it was about time we created our own holiday.  National Water Coaster Day

Our second-annual celebration of National Water Coaster Day is July 22, and we hope you’ll join us! 

In celebration, we’re giving away a Water Coaster Family Fun Package that includes: 

  • Six Tickets to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari for the 2022 Season, and
  • Six single-use Quick Access Passes valid for up to four Guests each so each member of the family can skip the line at their favorite water coaster (and bring a few people along)! These aren’t available for sale in the park, so you don’t want to miss entering! 

Sweepstakes ends at 7 pm on National Water Coaster Day, July 22, 2022.

But first, please read through these instructions and rules:

  • You must be at least 18 years old to enter and you must not have won tickets from Holiday World in the past 12 months.
  • Employees of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari and Koch Development Corporation and the immediate family members of employees are not eligible to enter.
  • By entering, you agree to be added to our e-newsletter list (you may unsubscribe at any time by following the directions in your email).
  • Use the widget, below, to enter daily. There are lots of options, including following us on different social media channels, and many more! 
  • All prizes are non-transferable and not for re-sale. Each winner is solely responsible for reporting and paying any and all applicable taxes related to the prize(s). Tickets to Holiday World must be picked up at Holiday World.
  • View full rules through the widget below. 

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Would you like to receive HoliBlog notices – along with news releases and sweepstakes – by email? Sign up here and you can choose whether to receive the emails weekly or the same day the blog posts are published

10 Instagram Worthy Spots at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari

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From photos with Holidog and Santa, to the Photo Spots, murals, and extraordinary backdrops, there are several spots around Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari to capture the perfect Instagram worthy photo.

It was hard to narrow down this list to only ten spots, especially between both of the parks. But, with the help of my teenage crew of savvy Instagramers, I’ve narrowed down our favorite spots (plus a few bonus locations!).

Remember, Instagram worthy photos don’t always have to be perfectly posed, scenic, and aesthetically-pleasing snaps. Fun, memorable, goofy, and interesting photos and locations are also worthy of an Instagram post.

1. The Raven

Located at the entrance of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.

The Raven is the first roller coaster to greet you as you walk into the entrance of Holiday World. It was the World’s #1 Wooden Roller Coaster from 2000 to 2003. Even up close, a person looks tiny under those big wooden trestles. 

2. Santa Statue

Located next to Christmas Cupboard.

Get ready to run to Santa! Actually, walk – don’t run. Okay, so maybe not everyone was as excited about this as I was. My teenagers may have been trailing behind me and rolling their eyes over my insistence for a photo with Santa. But, who can resist the friendly Holiday World Santa? It’s one of the most iconic photo spots in the park. You don’t want to miss this!

HoliBlogger Jamie W, 10 Instagram Worthy Photo Spots , Santa Statue

Bonus: A real Santa also hangs out in this area as well. There is a Photo Spot located inside St. Nick’s Toy Shop to snap a picture with Santa at specific times throughout the day.

3. Santa Claus Land Mural

Located on the side of the building next to Santa’s Storytime Theater.

If you are heading in the direction of Santa’s Merry Market, Santa’s Storytime Theater, or the 4th of July area, you don’t want to miss this snapshot. Take a photo with the “Greetings from Santa Claus Land” mural. It’s another Photo Spot in the park. 

4. Holidog Statue

Located in Holidog’s FunTown.

Holidog’s FunTown is a hop, skip, and jump through the 4th of July area. You’ll be quickly greeted by a larger-than-life statue of Holidog, Holiday World’s mascot. Strike a pose with Holidog while the Magic Waters splash pad springs to life in the background.

5. The Voyage lift hill

Located at the bottom of The Voyage’s lift hill.

If you time this photo perfectly, you can catch The Voyage roller coaster ascending the lift hill in the background. There is a Photo Spot located at the bottom of the hill (also a Holiday World Digital Photo Pass location). Brag about taking a ride down one of the steepest drops of any wooden roller coaster in the world.

Or just take the picture anyway to prove you were there – we won’t tell!

HoliBlogger Jamie W, 10 Instagram Worthy Photo Spots , In front of The Voyage

6. Thanksgiving Turkeys

Located on the front of the Gobbler Getaway building.

Gobble, gobble. I love taking cheesy photos with my family and there is an opportunity for a few of these at Holiday World. The Thanksgiving Turkeys mural is especially great for families and is another Photo Spot location.

7. Thunderbird and Crow’s Nest lane

Located on the path to the Thunderbird and Crow’s Nest.

The nation’s only launched wing coaster is worthy of its own path. I like to call this the “Thunderbird and Crow’s Nest lane” because they share the same walking path to and from the rest of the park. Along the lane, there are several perfect spots to capture both rides in the background. It’s especially delightful at dusk. 

8. Bahari Wave Adirondack chair

Located in Splashin’ Safari by the Bahari Wave pool. 

Climb into the giant Adirondack chair at the Bahari Wave pool. It’s great for a solo or group photo and captures the Wildebeest water coaster and Bahari Wave in the background. Look for the Digital Photo Pass Attraction sign.

HoliBlogger Jamie W, 10 Instagram Worthy Photo Spots , Adirondack Chair

9. Zinga Observation Deck

Located in Splashin’ Safari near Jungle Racer.

There is an observation deck at the end of the Zinga water-park ride, and it is perfect for capturing the expressions of friends and family enjoying the ride. The colorful, checkered Zinga funnel is ideal for Instagram. And who doesn’t want to brag about capturing themselves on the world’s first giant half-pipe water slide?

10. Cheetah Chase Champions booth

Located in Splashin’ Safari at the end of the Cheetah Chase water coaster.

Ride the world’s first launched water coaster and document your victory at the Cheetah Chase Champions booth. This is a fun photo opportunity we discovered after the ride, near the Digital Photo Pass Attraction area. And if you didn’t win the Cheetah Chase? Don’t worry, anyone who took the challenge of riding at “maximum curving speed and centrifugal force” is a champ.

Other notable photo locations around Holiday World:

  • The Christmas fountain near the entrance, in front of Santa’s Merry Marketplace.
  • The Christmas door mural Photo Spot on the building of Santa’s Merry Marketplace. 
  • Holidog nutcracker in front of Santa’s Merry Marketplace. 
  • The pilgrim photo booth, located next to the Mayflower.
  • The ghosts photo booth near Scarecrow Scrambler in the Halloween area.
  • Digital Photo Pass on-ride photo locations: The Voyage, Thunderbird, Frightful Falls, Gobbler Getaway, Cheetah Chase, and Wildebeest.

 

HoliBlogger Jamie W, 10 Instagram Worthy Photo Spots , Christmas Fountain

Use the hashtag #OurHoliday and tag @HolidayWorld in your photos!

Be sure to follow the adventures of our HoliBloggers this summer. Each blog post will have a sweepstakes where you can enter to win two tickets to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.

Entries accepted on this sweepstakes through Wednesday, July 20 until 11:59pm CDT.

This blog post was written by HoliBlogger Jamie W.

Jamie Ward is a travel writer and published author. She founded Cornfields & High Heels, a travel and lifestyle blog, over five years ago and travels throughout the Midwest sharing her travel stories and adventures. She wrote 100 Things To Do In Indiana Before You Die and co-authored Midwest Road Trip Adventures. Jamie resides in Central Indiana with her husband, Paul, and their four teenagers. She was born and raised in Indiana and enjoys road trips, coffee, thrifting, historic places, and spending time with her family.

Know before you go: The German American Bank Party Plaza!

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Holidays in the Sky is a drone and firework extravaganza, but it’s also a full interactive experience!

Take a look at the German American Bank Party Plaza by clicking and moving around in the video below. Find your favorite spot to enjoy Light Up the Night with DJ Illuminate and watch Holidays in the Sky Drone & Fireworks Spectacular! Light Up the Night & Holidays in the Sky is both included in your park admission! 

Working from left to right through the video, you’ll see things in the plaza such as a Pepsi Oasis,
locations to buy food, restrooms, and more!

Concession & Pepsi Oasis
Hungry after a full day of play? Our team has you covered from a light snack to a full meal!
At the concession stand near the Pepsi Oasis, there is popcorn, kettle corn, Cheese pizza, Pepperoni pizza,
Icee cotton candy buckets, and Dippin’ Dot packs.

Elevated Experience
If you’re looking for a VIP experience look no further! In the Elevated Experience area, Guests get premium seating for the DJ Dance Party and Holidays in the Sky drone and firework show. Finger-food style snacks like fruit & veggie trays, tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole, and popcorn! We’ll only sell 20 of these spots a day, so get your reservation in early by calling (812)937-4401, extension 2642. Click here to learn more about the Elevated Experience, when you call be sure to ask about our Elevated Experience + Tour, which comes with all of the above, plus four hours of escorted front-of-the-line privileges to all Holiday World Attractions plus three water coasters, and more!

DJ Illuminate
Starting at 8:05 pm on 8 pm closing and 8:25 on 9 pm closing nights, DJ Illuminate and the Illuminators are warming up the dance floor with an interactive dance party titled Light Up the Night! Guests can expect Conga lines, popular line dance songs like the Cupid Shuffle and the Macarena, and to dance their hearts out!

Light Up Souvenirs
Once you’re in the German American Party Plaza you’ll definitely pick up on a theme: LIGHTS!
Light-up souvenirs and bubble wand toys are available for purchase at a stand just north of the DJ booth.

Holidays in the Sky Show location
For Guests preferring to spectate, they’re welcome to grab a snack and take a seat on one of our light-up benches or grab your seat for Holidays in the Sky.

Restrooms and Family Restrooms
These restrooms are perfect to visit before the show begins or before your car ride home! Our Family restrooms are perfect for groups that don’t want to get separated or need more space for changing.

Lillypad with Light Up Stones
Just northeast of the concessions area, Guests will find Light Up Stones that can be jumped on!
When you step on the stones, they light up in different colors!

When should you arrive?
The drone and firework show starts between 8:30 and 8:40 pm on days when Holiday World closes at 8:00 and the show begins at 9:00 pm on nights when Holiday World closes at 9:00 pm, but you’ll want to arrive before then! The German American Bank Party Plaza is the perfect place to play and interact or relax and grab a quick snack before the show begins!

Light Up the Night & Holidays in the Sky is both included in your park admission!
If you want to read more about Holidays in the Sky, check out these other great blog posts:
The Story of Holiday World’s New Drone Show
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Holidays in the Sky
Roadtrip to See Holidays In the Sky at Holiday World

 

The Holiday World Foodie Guide

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Spending the day at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari isn’t complete until you enjoy some delicious park meals. With plenty of food options available throughout all sections of the park, there is something for everyone.

From main entrees to desserts to snacks, the tasty bites do not disappoint.

As a foodie family, we put together our top 10 favorites so far this season.

Entrees

Family Pizza Meal Deal available at Santa’s Merry Marketplace & Safari Pizza – This is a great lunch or dinner option for the family. The meal includes one 16″ pepperoni, sausage, or cheese pizza, 8 breadsticks, and 4 dipping sauces. During or after a long day at Splashin’ Safari, it is an easy tasty option. The kids said it was one of the best pizzas they have ever had, and that speaks volumes coming from preteen boys. Plus, this year the park added a dedicated line for the Family Pizza Meal Deal at Santa’s Merry Marketplace, making it extremely convenient & quicker to snag the deal.

Nashville Hot Chicken Tacos available at Sam’s BBQ – New this year, these soft tacos are filled with slaw, Nashville Hot Chicken, ranch, and a pickle on top. They pack just the right amount of heat with the perfect balance of ranch drizzle.

Turkey Leg Meal available at Plymouth Rock Café – A large turkey leg always comes to mind when I think about theme park foods, so I was excited to see them at Holiday World. You can upgrade a meal with the delicious juicy turkey leg (the meal also includes two sides and a roll or cornbread). A full Thanksgiving meal in the summer? Yes, please!

Snacks

ThunderBIRD Bowl available at The Snackhouse – This snack is new this year and includes fried chicken tenders and fries topped with nacho cheese, bacon, ranch, and chives. A must-try item for the whole family.

Funnel Cake Fries available at The Snackhouse – We paired the ThunderBIRD Bowl with an order of Funnel Cake Fries which is a fun snack/dessert. Enjoy both snacks while watching the Thunderbird roller coaster launch riders out of the barn.

Desserts

Strawberry Sunrise Float available at Sweet Stuff – A trip to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari should always include some dole whip. This sweet new dessert includes strawberry dole whip, orange juice, Sierra Mist, and a peach ring (or three). This is going in my top 3 and I will be getting it each visit.

Red, White, and Blue Funnel Cake available at Funnel Cake Factory – Another new 2022 item. This funnel cake has a patriotic theme and is topped with powdered sugar, strawberry and blueberry topping, sprinkles, and whipped cream. The toppings pair together harmoniously.

Red/Blue Twist Ice Cream in a Waffle Cone available at Udderly Blue Ice Cream – What better way to cool off on a hot summer day than with some cold ice cream? The red and blue ice cream from Udderly Blue is a fan favorite and a must-try if you haven’t had it yet.

Beverages

ICEE Bubble Yard available at ICEE Mix It Up – You can purchase an ICEE Souvenir Bubble Yard for $9.99, then only pay $1.99 each time you want to refill it. Anytime any of our three kids see an ICEE sign, they request a cup, so purchasing three drink cup souvenirs was a no-brainer. Now each time we visit, they can refill their Bubble Yard with the flavor of their choice at a discounted price.

Frozen Hot Cocoa available at the Polar Expresso – This refreshing icy chocolate drink is another fan favorite. If you enjoy chocolate drinks, this is a must on a hot summer day.

We also truly appreciate all the free soft drink locations throughout the park.

An honorable mention is Ben’s Soft Pretzels available in Splashin’ Safari Plaza and the pretzel carts that are located in the Thanksgiving section and on the beach of The Wave. These pretzels are a highly-rated park snack that is almost always mentioned when park-goers are sourcing favorite food options in the Holiday World Fans Facebook Group.

View all the food options & locations here, which includes an allergen-friendly menu, gluten-free guide, and a menu of healthier options.

What is your favorite Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari food or drink?

HoliBlogger Samantha KThis blog post was written by HoliBlogger Samantha K.

Samantha is a self-proclaimed chaos coordinator from St. Louis, MO and runs NiftyMom.com. In her family of five, she is outnumbered by all boys (plus two male huskies).  She and her family love finding new places to explore, adventuring outdoors, and taking road trips throughout the Midwest. Fun fact: Year-round Samantha watches Christmas movies and sports her Christmas pajamas with no shame. 

Sweepstakes: #HOWOGLOW Getaway

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Holidays in the Sky is in full swing, and we’ve loved seeing your photos and videos. And we want to see more!

We’re giving away a #HOWOGLOW Family Getaway which includes:

  • Four Tickets to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari for the 2022 Season,
  • Four Tickets to our Elevated Experience, where you can enjoy premium seating and snacks during Holidays in the Sky
  • AND two overnights in a Holiday Cottage at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph, (valid through August 4, 2022 ONLY). There are a few ways to gain entries, but the best one is to post a photo using #HOWOGLOW on Instagram and share the link in the widget below. 

Sweepstakes is open until 7 pm Central Time on Monday, July 18, 2022.

But first, please read through these instructions and rules:

  • HAVE FUN! Your photo or video submission gains you extra entries, but this is not a contest. We just want to see you share the fun you had!  
  • You must be at least 18 years old to enter and you must not have won tickets from Holiday World in the past 12 months.
  • Employees of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Koch Development Corporation, Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph, and the immediate family members of employees are not eligible to enter.
  • By entering, you agree to be added to our e-newsletter list (you may unsubscribe at any time by following the directions in your email).
  • Use the widget, below, to enter daily. There are lots of options, but the best way to enter is to share a photo daily using the hashtag #HOWOGLOW (don’t forget to submit that photo through the widget, or else it won’t count)! You can even claim bonus entries every day, or refer a friend via Facebook or Twitter. False or “dummy” submissions will be disqualified. 
  • All prizes are non-transferable and not for re-sale. Each winner is solely responsible for reporting and paying any and all applicable taxes related to the prize(s). Tickets to Holiday World must be picked up at Holiday World.
  • If you win our #HOWOGLOW Getaway Sweepstakes, please note you must be at least 21 to phone in your two-night Holiday Cottage reservation at Lake Rudolph. *The cottage will be available through August 4, 2022 ONLY. 
  • Please make sure you check your email on July 18, as you don’t want to miss precious planning hours before Holidays in the Sky ends on July 31! 
  • View full rules through the widget below. 

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Would you like to receive HoliBlog notices – along with news releases and sweepstakes – by email? Sign up here and you can choose whether to receive the emails weekly or the same day the blog posts are published

Roadtrip to See Holidays In the Sky at Holiday World

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One thing we love most about Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is that there’s something new and exciting to look forward to every year.

This year, it’s the “Holidays in the Sky” Drone and Fireworks Show.

From now through July 31st, you can top off your Holiday World experience by heading to the German American Bank Party Plaza at dusk for a dance party followed by a spectacular light show powered by 300 illuminated drones. It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before, and it’s already getting a lot of buzz across the region. 

Our Time at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph

Since we were traveling to Holiday World from Nashville to see the show, we decided to turn the experience into a mini-vacation and book two nights in a Holiday Cottage at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph, a sprawling and very active campground right beside the park offering cabins, cottages, and RVs for rent, as well as full hook-up RV sites and tent sites. 

HoliBlogger Lindsay's Roadtrip to See Holidays in the Sky - Lodging at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph

After driving straight to Holiday World from Nashville and spending most of the day in Splashin’ Safari, we loved being able to head straight to our cottage for showers and a chance to kick back and relax on our screened-in porch.

Our cottage was very clean, comfortable, and had everything we could possibly need. Most of the cottages and RV sites were occupied during our stay and most vacationers had rented (and decorated!) golf carts to get around the resort. The resort has tons of family-friendly amenities, including a bustling swimming pool, splash pad, and water park, mini golf, paddleboats and kayaks, playgrounds, and tons of planned activities for kids and families throughout the day and evening.

HoliBlogger Lindsay's Roadtrip to See Holidays in the Sky - Playground and Pool at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph

Seeing Holidays in the Sky

At the end of our second action-packed day experiencing the rides and slides at Holiday World, we decided to make the Drone Show extra special by booking an Elevated Experience for our family. We got to enjoy special seating beside the DJ during the dance party and for the drone show itself, as well as bottled water and snacks.

You will have a great time at the Drone Show with or without the Elevated Experience, but I would recommend it if you’re celebrating a special occasion or perhaps if you have older people in your party who’d appreciate comfortable seating for the show. 

HoliBlogger Lindsay's Roadtrip to See Holidays in the Sky - Elevated Experience Seating

We especially loved the dance party before the drone show started. The DJ and his dance crew were high energy and used props, lights, and more to get the crowd excited. Since the crowd consisted mainly of kids, that wasn’t hard to do!

HoliBlogger Lindsay's Roadtrip to See Holidays in the Sky - Dance Party for Holidays in the Sky

By the time the drones took to the sky, we were all danced out and ready to settle down and enjoy the show. Although I did my best to capture what we saw with my camera, this is an experience you really have to see in person. 

HoliBlogger Lindsay's Roadtrip to See Holidays in the Sky - Drone Show Photo

I knew the drones would create magnificent images in the sky, but I didn’t realize they’d be able to animate them in a 3D effect, so that, for example, the snowman took off his hat and the Christmas tree actually rotated over the horizon. The 15-minute show was capped off by fireworks and I truly felt like I had seen the cutting edge future of family light shows.   

We went back to our cottage tired and happy and slept like babies before heading home to Nashville the next day. Another fabulous Holiday World vacation was in the books!

Have you seen Holidays in the Sky? What did you think?

You can share your pictures with other Holiday World fans on social media with the hashtag #HoWoGlow.

Follow the hashtag throughout July to see what everyone’s sharing!

HoliBlogger Lindsay FThis blog post was written by HoliBlogger Lindsay F.

Lindsay Ferrier is a travel writer who lives with her husband and two teenagers in Nashville, TN. Before starting her popular lifestyle blog, Suburban Turmoil, she was an Emmy Award-winning TV news anchor and reporter in Nashville and Columbia, S.C. She’s been coming to Holiday World for 20 years and consider herself to be Nashville’s number one Holiday World fan!

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Holidays in the Sky

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There’s only one show in the US that fills the skies with holiday joy. Family favorite “Holidays in the Sky” is a shimmering celebration exclusively enjoyed at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana.

An epic feat of tech you won’t soon forget, this drone and fireworks show illuminates the night with clever animations and spectacular bursts of light.

Audiences experience a seamless, magical display but there’s a lot that goes on behind-the-scenes to bring this artistic storytelling to life.

The Holiday World Flight Crew prepares the drones for Holidays in the Sky.

Wizards of the Sky

Drones are a relatively new technology in the world of sky shows. Lasers and fireworks shapes are amazing to view, but drones take light show capabilities to a whole new level. Drones are quiet, environmentally friendly, safe, and fully customizable.

Due to their ability to fly pre-choreographed flight patterns, groups of drones can be used to create nearly any image in the sky. The mesmerizing images take shape for the viewers enjoyment via the drone’s built-in LED lights.

Each drone weighs around 2 pounds. The light weight adds to their agility to create intricate patterns and shapes. It also allows them to stay in flight longer than heavier drones.

Computer software programs are used to pre-pattern the flight of each drone. This allows animators to choreograph 3-D effects and stunts during a show, viewable from multi-directions. It also allows for a single pilot to conduct the elaborate flight.

Animating the Holidays

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari teamed up with Firefly Drone Shows to produce this year’s Holidays in the Sky extravaganza. Four months of design and testing went into creating the full concept that dazzles holiday park visitors this June and July.

The park is the perfect place for a drone show. As drones, like all machines capable of flight, are governed by the rules of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) they have limitations including restricted flight near airfields and clear terrain.

Pilots interested in flying drones for a show like Holidays in the Sky must also obtain FAA-certification.

300 drones take flight each night to share the story of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. The drones fly up to 15 miles an hour and up 400 feet high to create their complex patterns which constantly push the envelope of night-time light shows.

The show is only limited by the flight time of the drones. Each drone can fly up to 22 minutes, making 15 minutes the magic number for Holidays in the Sky.

On a fun fact note – there’s plenty of fifteens that factor into the drone show. The drones also fly no closer than 15-feet to each other. After watching this enchanting show, you may consider claiming fifteen as your lucky number!

Synchronizing Holidays in the Sky

Holidays in the Sky is more than just a drone show. The event begins with lively dance party with the music continuing to enhance the entire light show.

There are also fireworks synced to amplify the fun factor. All of this occurs simultaneously to produce a breath-taking experience.

This all takes place with the aid of a team of 8-10 people, computer software, the park’s speaker system, electric wires, and three communication towers. Set-up each night takes 2-3 hours.

The synchronization takes into consideration weather, terrain, and park visitor safety, too. While storms may challenge the show, high winds do not. Drones can handle adjusting their flight to winds from any direction.

90-degree temps may have park-goers spending a lot of time in Splashin’ Safari, but the drones are not affected by the temperature at all. They are highly heat resistant.

Drones are also able to adjust to uneven ground easily as they don’t terrain follow. As long as the height of the ground is under their anticipated flight height, they can fly within inches from hills or trees. 

At the start of the show, viewers are captivated by the Holidays in the Sky logo the drones form. This logo in the sky formation is 700-feet wide, 200-feet deep, and 400-feet high (from top of design to the ground).  

Safety is always a key issue and the drones and the drone pilot have that covered, too. Pre-flight checks are part of the set-up each night.

The flight of the drones is also constrained by a Geo-Fence which keeps the drones within its defined grid. If a drone strays from its path, the perimeter and pilot can help it land safely.

The main objective of all the behind-the-scenes synchronicity is to deliver an unforgettable awesome moment for all. A feat that everyone agrees Holidays in the Sky certainly achieves!

HoliBlogger Barb WThis blog post was written by HoliBlogger Barb W.

Barb Webb is a sustainable living expert nesting just outside of Louisville, Kentucky. When she’s not chasing chickens around the farm or engaging in mock Jedi battles, she’s writing about country living, artisan culture, and exploring the roads less traveled.

An award-winning author, Barb is also the Owner/Editor of the popular blog RuralMom.com where she shares her love of all things green and empowers others to live country life to the fullest. Her newest books “GETTING BAKED” and “GETTING LAID” are cheeky guides offering a fun, in-depth journey into sustainable living topics including traditional and medicinal gardening.