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Side Trips
Ho, ho, ho
A PLACE CALLED SANTA CLAUS
By JANET K. KEELER
Published December 25, 2005
Christmas comes but once a year unless you live in a town that reminds you of silver bells every day.
And there are plenty such places in the United States and around the world. Imagine the pressure of living in Noel, Mo., What Cheer, Iowa, or North Pole, Ark. You'd certainly feel like you'd have to be nice all year long.
Some towns, like Santa Claus, Ind., embrace the spirit of the season with many holiday activities. Others, like Florida's Christmas, just east of Orlando, are merely a wide spot in the road that offers postal cancellations for folks who want to add a special touch to their cards. Save this Web site for next year: www.hwcn.org/link/cpc/cancels.html It lists post offices that offer seasonal postmarks such as Chestnut, Ill., and Mistletoe, Ky.
Florida isn't the only state with a town called Christmas. There's one in Michigan, too. Australia has Christmas Island, and England has Christmas Pie and Cold Christmas. Christmas Valley is in Oregon, and Indiana's Christmas Lake Village certainly sounds festive.
Bethlehem, Pa., is well-known for its association with Christmas, but how about Blessing, Texas; Faith, N.C.; or Virgin, Utah? (Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, New York and New Hampshire also claim a Bethlehem.)
How much more fun it would be to be in North Pole, N.Y., than in the shopping malls during the hectic days leading to Christmas. If you've sworn "never again" this year, maybe you'll want to trek to these spots for Christmas 2006.
- JANET K. KEELER, Times staff writer
SANTA CLAUS, IND.
This southern Indiana town turns on the charm in early December with pageants, music and a festive light show. You can park the RV at Lake Rudolph Campground and duff your stuff at Christmas Lake Golf Course. Or rent a movie at Ho Ho Ho Video. No kidding. This place breathes, eats and sleeps Christmas. For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 812 937-2848 or go to www.legendaryplaces.org
NORTH POLE, N.Y.
Santa's Workshop claims to be America's oldest theme park in the country, tucked in the woods of way, way upstate New York, north of Lake Placid. Plenty of retro fun, but the highlight might just be the talking Christmas tree. "This place is for believers," say the owners. For information, call toll-free 1-800-806-0215 or go to www.northpoleny.com
BETHLEHEM, PA.
A German-styled holiday market, called Christkindlmarkt, featuring fine crafts, children's activities, food, music and, of course, the primary event: a visit from Kriss Kringle. Horse-drawn carriage rides lend a Currier & Ives feeling to the town, also well-known for its steel production. Early in December, there are tours of the city's historic homes. For more information, call 610 332-1300 or go to www.christkindlmarkt.org
It's Christmas all year in . . .
Advent, W.Va.
Joy, Ill.
Rudolph, Ohio and Wis.
Snowflake, Ariz.
Wiseman, Ark.
Pax, W.Va.
Nazareth, Ky., Mich., Pa. and Texas
Garland, Maine, N.C., Neb., Pa., Texas and Utah.
Surprise, Ariz. and Neb.
[Last modified December 23, 2005, 09:58:03]
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