It’s been going on since Christmas of 1983 and has become one of the most popular traditions in Santa Claus, Indiana. What is it, you might ask? It’s the annual Santa Claus Postmark, of course!
Here’s what you need to know about the Santa Claus Postmark:
- This special picture postmark is different each year. As part of an art class at nearby Heritage Hills High School, upperclassmen are encouraged to submit a design for the Santa Claus Postmark during the spring semester. Finalists are selected and narrowed down to the top design which becomes the featured picture postmark to cancel postage stamps on holiday mail out of the Santa Claus, Indiana, Post Office. The design is revealed in early November. This year’s artist is Aubrey Harpe.
- The super special postmark is only offered in December. For 2024, the only post office in the world with Santa’s name will begin offering the postmark on December 2 and it will be available on working days until December 24.
- It’s free! That’s right; there is no charge for postmarking. However, don’t forget to apply regular postage to your holiday mail before getting the postmark.
- You’ve got options – of course, you can go to the famous, small-town post office to hand cancel your own mail, but you can also mail your Christmas cards to the post office and request the Santa Claus Postmark. Just put your cards in a package (sturdy envelope or box), with postage stamps already on them, and mail to: Postmaster, P.O. Box 9998, Santa Claus, IN 47579-9998. Include a note requesting the postmark and you will be set.
- To ensure a good postmark imprint there are a couple of things you can do… allow a space in the stamp area of about 2” by 4” (this goes on top of the regular postage/stamp) and do not enclose large or bulky items inside your mail, like reindeer food or snowflakes.
We can’t wait to get this year’s Santa Claus Postmark on our holiday mail coming from the Visitors Bureau. It’s such a special touch and has even become a collectors’ item for many.
In addition to the Santa Claus Postmark, there’s a ton of family fun going on in December. Check out the upcoming Christmas events happening during the three-weekend Santa Claus Christmas Celebration.
