HGTV to film special in southern Indiana town of Santa Claus

SANTA CLAUS, Ind. (AP) - A southwestern Indiana tourism official is hoping an upcoming television special brings more visitors to a small town known for its Christmas theme once the coronavirus pandemic ends.

HGTV producers will soon travel to the Spencer County town of Santa Claus to film 'œSurprising Santa Claus,'ť a TV special hosted by Lara Spencer of 'œGood Morning America'ť and 'œFlea Market Flip,'ť The Herald reported.

As part of that special, two households will be surprised with home renovations in the town that's known for its Santa Claus Post Office, which receives hundreds of thousands of pieces of mail late each year seeking out its Christmas-themed postmark.

More than 100 families vied for a chance for those renovations and the producers chose four finalists - two of whom will be surprised with the home renovations, said Melissa Arnold, executive director of the Spencer County Visitors Bureau.

'œI can say that I'm excited about what's coming - about their gift to the town. I think it will be a great asset that many people will get to enjoy,'ť Arnold said.

Although things are up in the air with the COVID-19 pandemic, Arnold said she's hopeful the HGTV program, set to air on Christmas, will bring more visitors to Santa Claus as soon as next summer.

The community, located about 35 miles (56 kilometers) east of Evansville, features other attractions, including a statue of Santa Claus, a variety of holiday-themed stores and an amusement park, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, that's a popular warm weather attraction.