When you think of hidden gems, you usually think of places like a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant.  Recently, a whole town was named Indiana's Best Hidden Gem.

What is a Hidden Gem?

To me, a hidden gem is a place that's worth way more hype than it gets.  Usually, a hidden gem is off the beaten path.  It's a place that has something unique about it that makes it worth a visit.  Just a few places in Indiana that I consider hidden gems are places like Shades State Park, the Lincoln Pioneer Village, and the Sculpture Trail.

READ MORE: Take a Trip to Southern Indiana's Most Charming Small Towns

Indiana is a state that is often underrated and listed as a "flyover state," but that couldn't be further from the truth.  The slogan for Indiana may be "The Crossroads of America," but there's much more to this state than just a place to drive through. Recently, Cheapism named the Best Hidden Gem in each state, and in Indiana, that title didn't go to one place, it went to an entire town! 

Indiana's Best Hidden Gem is Santa Claus

If you aren't from Indiana, the statement above may be a little bit confusing because, isn't Santa Claus a person?   Well, in this case, we are talking about Santa Claus, Indiana, a small town of about 2,600 people where it's Christmas all year long.

Cheapism says that Santa Claus, Indiana, is the best hidden gem in the state. Here is what they had to say about this charming little town:

Oh, this? Just a town where it's Christmas 365 days a year. Spirited, delightful, and endlessly weird, this small town in southwestern Indiana is stuffed with a Santa's bag of Christmas-themed attractions, from museums and water parks to a candy castle and a post office with a giant Santa out front.

READ MORE: The State Park That is Indiana's Best Kept Secret

Not only is Santa Claus home to all of the things Cheapism mentioned above, it's also home to Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, which is anything BUT a hidden gem!  I mean, it is definitely off the beaten path, but it's well-known for being one of the best theme parks in the region.

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Santa Claus, Indiana, Just Might Be the Real North Pole

Overall, I think the town of Santa Claus often gets overshadowed, and it's nice to see it recognized on this scale!  Cheapism has the full list of best hidden gems from each state here.  And if you think Santa Claus sounds like a fun destination all year long, it is! But during December, Santa Claus really shines as it brings Christmas magic to life.

Each year, elves volunteer to help Santa write letters back to all of the good children who send letters to the post office. The local campground, Lake Rudolph, gets decked out in Christmas lights, and Santa's Candy Castle roasts chestnuts on an open fire each week.  While Santa Claus is definitely a unique and eclectic little town, it really comes to life and becomes something magical each Christmas season.