Santa Claus, ghost town in Mohave County, Arizona, United States
Santa Claus is an abandoned town in the desert landscape of Mohave County, Arizona, founded in 1937 as a holiday-themed resort by Nina Talbot. Its highlights included the Santa Claus Inn and a Swiss chalet-style attraction called Cinderella's Doll House, both landmarks featuring distinctive painted structures.
The town was founded in 1937 by California realtor Nina Talbot to create a unique holiday-themed destination with festive decorations and family-friendly attractions. It flourished in the 1940s and 1950s as a Route 66 stopover before gradually declining in the 1970s due to decreased traffic on the famous highway, eventually becoming abandoned.
The name Santa Claus came from Nina Talbot's vision to create a holiday-themed destination in the desert, showing the creativity of the founders. The brightly painted buildings with candy cane colors and festive atmosphere reflected this unusual idea that drew travelers and brought a sense of celebration year-round.
The best time to visit is during daylight hours when the sun is out, since the area has no lighting or facilities and information is limited. Visitors should bring plenty of water, prepare for hot desert heat, and wear sturdy shoes because the site features rough terrain and weathered building structures.
The post office was a popular attraction where visitors could mail letters to Santa Claus postmarked from this location, making the experience unforgettable for children. Duncan Hines, a famous food critic, recommended the Santa Claus Inn and praised its signature rum pie called Kris Kringle's Pie.
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