Santa Visits, Breakfast, Photos and Fun in Lexington and Central KY

Where can you see Santa Claus in Lexington and Central KY? Here’s some great events in Central KY! Click the event for more information. There are places that offer breakfast, brunch, train rides, visits, photos, and more.

Fayette Mall

Thursday, November 15 through December 24, 2024

Santa’s Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 11am – 7pm
Friday – Saturday: 11am – 8pm
Sunday: 12pm – 6pm

Special Hours Information:

Thursday, November 13 is the special Wake Up Santa Event – Watch for more info!
Thursday, November 28: CLOSED

Santa Special Events:

Please visit our Connect page to learn more about these and other great events.

Santa’s Arrival & Wake Up Santa: November 13, 2024 5:30 pm– Santa’s visit will begin with our annual Wake Up Santa tradition in the middle wing of the mall on Wednesday, November 13 at 5:30pm! Santa has been sleeping to rest up for the holiday season, and Santa’s friends need your help to wake him up to hear all of the children’s holiday wishes! Join us for this fun and free event followed by photos with Santa, and visits with some of your favorite festive characters! Arrive early to get a great view.
Pet Photos
Embrace the holiday spirit and create cherished memories with your loved ones, including your adorable pets, by visiting Santa on Mondays during this festive season. Join us on November 18, 25, December 2, 9 and 16 to capture heartwarming moments in a special Santa photo session. Whether you’re a family or a pet owner, these magical Mondays are the perfect opportunity to share joy, laughter, and the spirit of togetherness. We welcome your furry friends on a leash or in a carrier, ensuring everyone can be part of the holiday magic. Make it a memorable Monday with Santa this year!

SANTA PHOTO WALK-IN HOURS:
Saturday, Nov. 23 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, Nov. 24 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Friday, Nov. 29 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Saturday, Nov. 30 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday, Nov. 31 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Make a reservation online (walk-ins welcome also)

Cabela’s

November 2 (Arrival event) – December 24, 2024
Starting Nov. 3rd experience the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Wonderland at your local Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s!

Hours vary – check online when you make your reservation

Families are invited to Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s for a festive parade to kick off the Christmas season on November 4th, featuring Santa as he returns to open Santa’s Wonderland! FREE 4 x 6 with your visit! Reserve your visit time starting October 27th, 2024

Families can also enjoy the amazing aquariums and wildlife displays found in every Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s store.

Hamburg Pavilion

November 30th – December 22nd, 2024
Saturdays 10 am – 2 pm
Sunday Noon – 4 pm

Free photographs with Santa Claus every weekend leading up to Christmas!

Hamburg Pavilion’s Event Space: 2304 Sir Barton Way #120 (previous Altar’d State space)

Saturday, November 30th & Sunday, December 1st
Saturday, December 7th & Sunday, December 8th
Saturday, December 14th & Sunday, December 15th
Saturday, December 21st & Sunday, December 22nd

Santa Claus will be there both Saturdays and Sundays.

Special Events
Free Face-Painting on Saturdays: 10 AM – 1 PM
Meet and greet with the Sugar Plum Fairy on Saturdays: 10 AM – 2 PM
Free Horse & Carriage Rides on Sundays: 1 PM – 3 PM
Pick up and drop off at our gazebo next to Ted’s Montana Grill.

Santa Photos at The Summit

November 21st – December 24th, 2024
Monday – Friday 11 am – 7 pm
Saturday 10 am – 8 pm
Sundays Noon – 6 pm (5 pm on December 24)
Closed Thanksgiving

Santa is back at The Summit, with Cherry Hill Photography, to spread holiday joy all season long, y’all! Visits and photos may be booked ahead of time below and walk-ins are more than welcome!

Location: 111 Summit at Fritz Farm, Lexington, KY 40517 (Building located on the Green by the firepit)
Photo background by: Ashley Brewster Designs

To make a photo reservation, click HERE. Reservations are not required, but recommended. Walk-ups are always welcome.

Perks for Booking Online:
1)Holiday Cards from Shutterfly: 10 free cards and 50% off your entire Shutterfly order.
2)Gift from Portable North Pole: A personalized digital message from Santa before your visit.
3)Beat the Rush: Lock in your date and time now.
4)Free Rescheduling: Up to 48 hours before your visit.
5)Hassle-Free Checkout: A quick and easy process when you visit.
Photo Pricing HERE

Special Events:
Pet Nights December 2, 9, and 16 4 – 7 pm
Sensory Friendly Santa December 8 9:30 am – 10:30 am

Illuminated Evenings at Shaker Village

Saturday, December 7, 14 & 21, 2024 | 4-8:00 p.m.
4 pm – 8 pm

Meet Santa & Mrs. Claus – Take a picture with Santa in the cozy Farm Deacon’s building. He’ll be available and ready to pose at no additional charge from 4-8:00 p.m. You can also catch his No. 1 helper, Mrs. Claus, strolling around the Village.

Kentucky Branded

Stop in every Saturday in November and December from 2 pm – 7 pm to see Santa! Reservations available but not required. $15

Louis Flower Power Shops at Lansdowne Shoppes

Watch for 2024 Info

Kentucky Horse Park Southern Lights

November 29 – December 24, 2024 from 5:30-10:00 pm.

At the end of the route, visitors have the option to park and explore the Holiday Village (included in admission). The Holiday Village includes a visit with Santa, Santa’s North Pole Mailbox (where children can drop off their Christmas List), Animal Land, Mini Train ride, Bluegrass Miniature Train Display, and the Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop. Food options will be available (see menu).

Black Santa at Julietta Market

Watch for 2024 Info

Bluegrass Railroad Museum

Saturdays, November 30th, December 7th & 14th, 2024 Rides at 11 am & 2 pm
Sundays, December 8th & 15th, 2024 Rides at 2 pm

Once the train pulls out of the station for a 90 minute train ride, Santa visits with every child. Our Conductors and Car Hosts will help you pass the time while waiting for your turn with the jolly old elf.

Enjoy singing carols, watching the winter countryside or just relaxing with your family. At the end of the ride, there are candy canes for everyone before Santa gives his final farewell. Then he heads back to the North Pole to await his Big Night.

Kentucky Railway Museum

North Pole Express
December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, & 22, 2024
Rides at 5:30 pm

Join us for a nostalgic Christmas adventure aboard a historic train ride to pick up Santa! On our journey to the North Pole, enjoy a train excursion while listening to the sounds of the season. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa boards the train and travels with us on our way back to New Haven. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ultimate experience. Upon arriving back at the station, you have the opportunity to visit with Santa and take your child’s photo with him in the depot!

The entire family can enjoy a cookie and hot chocolate when they visit Claus’s Kitchen Caboose before the train excursion. (No food or drink other than bottled water is able to be taken on the train. Some of our coaches have been reupholstered, prompting this change.) We do recommend that you arrive an hour prior to the train departure time to enjoy your cookie and hot chocolate and the small activities we have available for the kids!

Santa Express
December 1, 7, 8,14, 15, 21 & 22, 2024
Rides at 11:30 am & 2:30 pm

All aboard the Santa Express! Bring the children on a nostalgic journey to meet Santa while listening to the sounds of the season. Visit with the man in the red suit while traveling through the Rolling Fork River Valley and enjoying a historic train excursion. For even more fun, the whole family is welcome to wear their pajamas!

The entire family can enjoy a cookie and hot chocolate when they visit Claus’s Kitchen before the train excursion! (No food or drink other than bottled water is able to be taken on the train. Some of our coaches have been reupholstered, prompting this change). We do recommend that you arrive an hour prior to the train departure time to enjoy your cookie and hot chocolate and the small activities we have available for the kids!

Brunch with Santa
December 8, 15, 22, 2024
9:45 am

This event begins at 9:45 a.m. with a 30 minute train ride departing from our depot in New Haven. When you arrive at Gethsemane, you will be shuttled to The Legacy at Log Still where you will enjoy activities, meet and greet with Santa and brunch from 10:30 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. The return train departs at noon to arrive back in New Haven at 12:30 p.m.

Menu includes:
Fresh Fruit, Assortment of Breakfast Breads, Scrambled Eggs, Crispy Bacon, Sausage Patties, Hashbrown Casserole, Biscuits and Gravy, Waffles, Cookies, Brownies, Hot Chocolate, Milk, Orange Juice. Adult Beverages available for purchase. (Menu subject to change based on availability) Reservations required.

Hillenmeyer Christmas (Ashland Henry Clay Estate)

Watch for 2024 Info
They will have sweet manger animals visiting on the weekends as well as hot cider and candy canes for all guests. You can also take photos in Santa’s sleigh.

Cincinnati Museum Center Holiday Junction

Open November 9, 2024 to January 6, 2025

Santa schedule varies
Daily hours vary

Of course, no holiday is complete without a visit to Santa. Santa makes his grand arrival by helicopter courtesy of UC Health on Friday, November 29. You can visit the jolly elf by his fireplace in the Ruthven Gallery.

Special Events

Cookies, Cocoa and Story Time with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Holly Day Market at Alltech Arena
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Sunday, November 24, 2024
1 pm – 3 pm
FREE with admission to the Market ($15 adults, 10 and under FREE)
Sponsored by: Pediatric Dentistry of Hamburg
Location: Performance Space/Mezzanine
Santa and Mrs. Claus are taking the day off from Christmas preparations to come see you at the Holly Day Market! Come listen to a story and share your list before it’s too late!

Santa Arrives by Train in Midway

Saturday, November 30, 2024
10 am – 3 pm
Get ready for a magical day in Midway on Saturday, November 30!

The northern side of E. Main Street will be closed off with a variety of activities as you await Santa’s arrival beginning at 10am….
Hot Chocolate and Coffee (for sale)
Santa letter writing station
More activities to be announced!
Santa arrives at approximately 11am via RJ Corman Train. So arrive early to see his grand entrance into the city of Midway!
Children can visit with Santa for FREE from 11-3 outside under a tent!
Refreshments can also be purchased at Midway Makers Market and Black Type Coffee Company.
Midway Museum will open at 11am for public restrooms and to showcase the amazing history of Midway!
Find gifts, decor and more at our amazing local shops and boutiques.
Enjoy a delicious meal at one of our fabulous restaurants.
Event Parking (Free)
On following streets: N. Winter, E. Bruen, S. Gratz and E. Main Street.
Parking lots; Midway Museum, Kentucky Cannabis Company and Midway Baptist Church.
No Parking on or next to the Railroad tracks in non designated spaces.

Brunch with the Grinch at the Ed Davis Center (Georgetown)

Satuday, December 7, 2024
11 am – 12:30 pm
Ho, ho, ho, Georgetown! 🎉 Get ready to jingle all the way to the Ed Davis Learning Center for a festive feast at our sensational “Brunch with the Grinch” on December 7, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM! This is the perfect opportunity for families and friends to come together and embrace the holiday spirit with a scrumptious brunch, sponsored by our fabulous friends at Kroger. 🍽️✨ But wait, there’s more! Snap a selfie with everyone’s favorite green grouch and join in on a whimsical book reading that will leave your hearts glowing brighter than Rudolph’s nose. 🎄📚 Tickets are just $20.00 + tax (Children under 1 are free), but hurry—registration opens on November 1 and wraps up on December 6. Don’t miss out on this delightful experience; spots are limited, and you won’t want to be left out in the cold! ❄️ So, gather your crew and secure your tickets today! Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable together—because the more, the merrier! Join us for a morning of laughter, joy, and a sprinkle of Grinchy magic!

A Kentucky Christmas at Ashland

A Kentucky Christmas at Ashland
Saturday, December 7, 2024 Dusk (Illumination at sunset around 5:30 pm)

Step into the magic of a 19th-century winter! Our 9th Annual Kentucky Christmas at Ashland transports you to a time of elegance and tradition. Explore the beautifully decorated mansion adorned in classic holiday splendor, featuring white gowns, shimmering frosts, and timeless festive décor. Enjoy the warmth of the season while experiencing the historic charm of Ashland during this special event. Join us for an unforgettable holiday celebration filled with beauty, history, and cheer!

Ticket information to come.

Holiday Market: December 7, 12-5pm
Candlelight Tours: December 7, 12, & 14, 5:30pm

Breakfast with Santa at Palmer’s Fresh Grill

Watch for 2024 Info
Make your reservation for Breakfast with Santa this weekend. Enjoy our Brunch Menu, let the kiddos visit with Santa and take all the photos you want. Prices vary per item. Call for reservations 859-273-0103.

Sensory Friendly Photos with Santa

Watch for a 2024 Event

Breakfast with Santa at Bronte Bistro in Joseph Beth

Saturday, December 7 & 14, 2024
9 am
Meet Santa while enjoying a fantastic feast of pancakes, sausage, fruit, and your choice of coffee, tea, milk, or orange juice. This is a ticketed event, please purchase tickets online. $20/person

Breakfast with the Grinch at Bronte Bistro in Joseph Beth

Sunday, December 8, 2024
9 am
Meet the Grinch while enjoying a fantastic feast of pancakes, sausage, fruit, and your choice of coffee, tea, milk, or orange juice. Purchase tickets online. $20/person

Tea with Mrs. Claus at Waveland

Saturday, December 14, 2024
10 am.
Tickets are $20 per person, and are by reservation only, please call 859-272-3611 to book.

Holiday Brunch with Santa at The Mansion at Griffin Gate

Watch for 2024 Info

Winter Celebration with Princesses and Santa

Watch for 2024 Info

Pancakes with Santa

Saturday, December 14, 2024
9 am – 11 am
Hamburg Banking Center/Forcht Bank
FREE
You’re invited to join Forcht Bank to celebrate 10 YEARS of Pancakes With Santa! We’ll be serving free breakfast including pancakes, sausage, fruit, and other goodies. We’ll have reindeer games and crafts and, of course, Santa will be in attendance. Plus, you can get your picture taken with him too! At the event, donations will be accepted for the Visually Impaired Preschool Services.