This summer, the small town of Santa Claus, Indiana, which is home to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, is bringing fireworks into the modern age. Beginning June 21 through August 3, the park is debuting a nightly “Holidays in the Sky” drone and pyrotechnic show that combines dazzling light choreography from drones with thrilling firework effects.
Packed with both high-tech flair and nostalgic charm, the show features 500 LED-lit drones, some equipped to fly fireworks, offering two signature wow moments each evening!
Mixing Technology With Classic Americana
Set to begin with a DJ-driven dance party in their Thanksgiving-themed Party Plaza, the show merges upbeat music with a 15-minute spectacle of color and sound. Children and adults alike are sure to be excited by drones painting holiday-themed shapes in the sky (think Christmas trees, jack-o’-lanterns, and Independence Day stars) and ending each show with a traditional fireworks grand finale. The show features a number of exciting moments, including a dramatic “lightning strike” on a haunted house and a rocket-shaped drone formation that shoots fireworks into the night.
Unlike conventional fireworks displays, this drone show features sharper imagery, quieter cues, and fewer environmental effects, making it a crowd-pleaser that won’t overwhelm sensitive guests, especially younger children or veterans.
The drone show is hoping to be a new Holiday World tradition of creating memorable seasonal events for guests. For the past several years, the park has blended high-tech entertainment with community-friendly touches, such as audience voting on nightly formations and themed shows celebrating Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and July 4th.
A Great Family Outing
For families hitting the road this summer, this show delivers a fresh twist on classic attractions. It blends a high-energy evening out with drones illuminating the sky in sync with music, fireworks, and a sense of wonder that crosses generations.
Plus, it’s a compelling alternative to traditional fireworks evenings. In recent years, drones have become a popular alternative to fireworks, as the drone canopy offers quieter, visually intricate entertainment that doesn’t overwhelm, appealing both to younger kids and older guests who appreciate technology and storytelling in the sky.
Getting in the Holiday Spirit in Santa Claus, Indiana
While you’re in Santa Claus, extend your visit beyond Holiday World and take a detour to visit the Santa Claus Museum & Village, where families can learn the quirky history behind America’s most festive town name. You can get in the holiday spirit in the middle of the summer by exploring this festive little town by visiting the Santa Claus post office or taking some time to browse the Santa Claus Christmas Store.
Outside of the Santa-themed attractions, there are a ton of local restaurants to check out, wineries and breweries, outdoor spaces, and a lot more to do to round out your summer vacation trip to Indiana.
“Holidays in the Sky” adds a fresh, festive spark to the Midwestern summer scene, uniting drone innovation with nostalgic storytelling and fireworks flair. For tech-savvy families, nostalgia seekers, or anyone planning a road trip stop in Indiana, it’s a firework show reinvented!
What You Need to Know Before You Go
- Dates: June 21 – August 3, 2025 (weather permitting)
- Time: Shows begin at 9 p.m. (or dark) inside the Thanksgiving Party Plaza at Holiday World
- Admission: Parking and show access are included with your park ticket or season pass
- Extra Fun: Pre-show DJ sets, family dance party, and themed drones nightly
