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 16 through Sunday, December 24, 2023

Santa’s Hours:
  • Monday – Thursday: 11am – 7pm
  • Friday – Saturday: 11am – 8pm
  • Sunday: 12pm – 6pm

Special Hours Information:

  • Thursday, November 16 is the special Wake Up Santa Event – Watch for more info!
  • Thursday, November 23: 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 15, 2023 5:30 pm– Santa’s visit will begin with our annual Wake Up Santa tradition in the middle wing of the mall! Santa has been sleeping to rest up for the holiday season. Santa’s friends need your help to wake him up to make magical memories with our community and hear all of the children’s holiday wishes! Join us for this fun & free event. 
  • 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 11-20, 11-27, 12-4, 12-11, and 12-18 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 at Lexington Green

November 24, 2023 – December 24, 2023

Hours vary daily
Make a reservation online (walk-ins welcome also)


Cabela’s

November 4 – December 24, 2023
Starting Nov. 5th 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 29th, 2023

During your visit, families can mail their letter to Santa and receive free giveaways while supplies last. Families can also enjoy the amazing aquariums and wildlife displays found in every Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s store.


Hamburg Pavilion

November 25th – December 17th, 2023
Saturdays 10 am – 2 pm
Sunday Noon – 4 pm

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

Hamburg Pavilion Event Space: 2308 Sir Barton Way #190 (previous iLoveKickboxing location)

Face-Painting on Saturdays: 10 AM – 12 PM
Story-Time with Mrs. Claus on Sundays: 12 PM – 4 PM
Horse & Carriage Rides on Sundays: 1 PM – 3 PM
Pick up and drop off at our gazebo next to Ted’s Montana Grill.

Friendly reminder to bring your own camera/phone to capture magical moments


Black Santa at Julietta Market

Julietta Market 
Friday, November 24, 2023 5p-8p
Saturday, November 25, 2023 12p-4p
Friday, December 1, 2023 5 – 9 pm

Watch for additional times and dates


Santa Photos at The Summit

November 24th – December 24th, 2023
11 am – 4 pm

Santa is back at The Summit, with David Hagood 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! Santa is located inside Brewster’s Christmas Pop-Up Shop. Book your Santa photo reservation here.

Tuesday, November 21, 2023 6 pm – 8:30 pm
Santa arrives via Helicopter for the lighting of the Christmas Tree.  Fun activities begin at 6:00 PM and Santa arrives at 7:00. While you’re here, visit the animals at the petting zoo, enjoy a pony ride, get your face painted, or have a caricature drawing done! You can bring a can of food or give a $5 donation in exchange for a flashing foam candy cane stick light. Donation will go to a local food bank in Fayette County.

Friday Flurries with Santa, Elsa, and Buddy the Elf will be each Friday in December 6-8 PM (DEC 1, 8, 15, and 22)


Illuminated Evenings at Shaker Village

Saturdays, December 2, 9, 16, 2023
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 4-6:00 p.m. You can also catch his No. 1 helper, Mrs. Claus, strolling around the Village. Admission $8 for ages 3 and up. Annual passholders FREE.


Louis Flower Power Shops at Lansdowne Shoppes

Santa arrives Friday, November 24th, 2023 from 4 – 7 pm.
Additional visits are
Saturday, November 25, 2023 4 pm – 7 pm
Thursday, November 30, 2023 – Saturday, December 2, 2023 4 pm – 7 pm
Thursday, December 7 – 9, 2023 4 pm – 7 pm
Thursday, Deceber 14, 2023 4 pm – 7 pm

Pet Photos with Santa – Giving Tuesday, November 28, 2023 4 pm – 7 pm
Stop by and help the Lexington Humane Society

Bedtime Stories with Santa (Reserve your space online)
Bring the kids to grab a cup of cocoa and join Santa by the fire as he reads some of our favorite Christmas bedtime stories. Pajamas and a favorite stuffy encouraged! This event is free but registration is required as space is limited, please click the link for reservations. Parents do not need to register but must accompany their child/children during the event.
Sunday, November 26, 2023 6 pm, 7 pm
Sunday, December 3, 2023 6 pm, 7 pm

Cookies with the Clauses (Reserve your space online)
Louis’ Christmas Shop would like to invite your family to have cookies with Santa and Mrs. Claus! This event is free but space is limited so please only register the number of kids that will be present. Parents/guardians do not need to register themselves but must accompany their child/children during the event. Click the link for reservations.
Friday, December 15, 2023 5 – 6 pm, 6 – 7 pm
Saturday, December 16, 2023 5 – 6 pm, 6 – 7 pm


Kentucky Horse Park Southern Lights

November 24 – December 23, 2023 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).


Bluegrass Railroad Museum

Saturdays, November 25th, December 2nd & 9th, 2023 Rides at 11 am & 2 pm
Sundays, December 3rd & 10th, 2023 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 2,3 9,10, 16, 17, 2023

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 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 2023
Rides at 11 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 3, 10, 17, 2023
9:45 am

Enjoy a 30 minute ride to the Legacy at Dant Crossing. Families will enjoy holiday crafts, pictures with Santa, a hot chocolate bar and brunch! Adult beverages will be available.

Menu includes: Fresh Fruit Display, Assortment of Breakfast Breads, Scrambled Eggs, Crispy Bacon,Sausage Patties, Hash Brown Potatoes with Peppers and Onions, Biscuits and Country Gravy, Belgian Waffles, Herb Roasted Chicken, Garden Vegetables, Carved Honey Ham, Chef’s Dessert Display, (Menu subject to change based on availability)  Reservations required. 


Hillenmeyer Christmas (New location for 2023 – Ashland Henry Clay Estate)

NO Santa for 2023
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

November 10, 2023 through January 8, 2024
Santa schedule varies
Daily hours vary

Santa makes his grand arrival by helicopter courtesy of UC Health on Friday, November 24. You can visit the jolly elf by his fireplace on the Mezzanine in the Ruthven Gallery.


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

Holly Day Market
Saturday, November 11, 2023 1 pm – 3 pm
Sunday, November 12, 2023
1 pm – 3 pm
Hosted by Pediatric Dentistry of Hamburg – https://kidsteethofky.com/
Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming to the Holly Day Market for story time, cookies & cocoa!
Enjoy complimentary, pre-decorated cookies & a hot cocoa bar with our favorite featured guests, all the way from the North Pole, Santa & Mrs. Claus.
Children can enjoy a Christmas story (donated by Lexington Public Library) read by Mrs. Claus from 1:00 – 1:30 PM on both Saturday, November 11th and Sunday, November 12th. Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus will be available until 3:00 PM and can be taken with your own phone and/or camera. Tickets to the Holly Day Market can be purchased at the door. Children under 10 are free!


Santa Arrives by Train in Midway

Saturday, November 25, 2023
10 am

Santa will arrive to downtown Midway on an RJ Corman train at approximately 11:00am. Children will be able to visit with Santa. 


Visit Santa at Buffalo Trace Distillery

November 30, 2023 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Visit Santa during the Lighting of the Trace Event
Please join us as we kick off the holiday season at Buffalo Trace Distillery! Family friendly activities begin at 5:30pm, followed by the lighting of the Distillery and a visit from Santa at 6:30pm.
5:30pm – Gift Shop, Holiday Stories, Carols + More
6:30pm – Program, Lighting of the Trace, Visit from Santa
7:00pm – Pictures and Cookies with Sant
This event is complimentary to attend and open to the public.


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

December 2, 2023
10:30 am – Noon
Oh, the Grinch is back in town, and he’s ready to brunch! Join us for a scrumptious feast, photo ops with the Grinch, and even a book reading. You don’t want to miss out on this amazing opportunity to start your weekend off right! Get your tickets now and make sure to bring your appetite and your camera. And don’t forget to wear your festive green, we don’t want the Grinch to feel out of place!


A Kentucky Christmas at Ashland (Santa Selfies)

Saturday, December 2, 2023
Noon – 7 p

Christmas Market 12 noon – 5:30 pm; Santa Selfies 3 pm – 5:00 pm
Kentuckians Chorus 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Ashland Illumination 5:30 pm (ish)


Breakfast with Santa at Palmer’s Fresh Grill

Saturday, December 2, 2023
Sunday, December 3, 2023
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Sunday, December 10, 2023
9 am – 10 am

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

Saturday, December 9, 2023
3 pm – 5 pm

Ditch the lines and head to BlueSprig in Georgetown for a free event! Sensory friendly pictures with Santa! We will have sensory friendly activities, crafts, treats and free pictures with Santa!


Tea with Mrs. Claus at Waveland

Saturday, December 9. 2023 and Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 10 am
Take time this holiday season to visit Waveland to meet Santa’s wife, Mrs. Claus. Children will enjoy a fruit tea and Christmas cookies. They will hear holiday stories, play games, dance the “Snowy Pokey” and sing songs. Children will also make a bag of magic reindeer food to take home for Rudolph’s Christmas Eve visit. This event is recommended for children ages 2 and up with at least one accompanying adult. Mrs. Claus will be available for pictures and will accept letters to pass on to Santa! Cost is $20.00 per person. Reserve your child’s spot by calling 859-272-3611.


Holiday Brunch with Santa at The Mansion at Griffin Gate

Saturday, December 9, 2023 9 am – 2 pm
Sunday, December 10. 2023 9 am – 2 pm
Saturday, December 16, 2023 9 am – 2 pm
Sunday, December 17, 2023 9 am – 2 pm

Holiday Brunch with Santa at The Mansion returns! 🎅  Enjoy this festive brunch with Santa, who flew in from the North Pole just for these two weekends to celebrate the holiday season at The Mansion! Make your reservation online.
Reservation Pricing:
Adults: $65 / person
Kids 6-13: $28 / person
Kids 5 & Under: Free
Plus, each booked reservation is entered in a chance to win a free night stay at Griffin Gate! (Blackout dates apply).


Winter Celebration with Princesses and Santa

Sunday, December 10, 2023 11:30 am – 1 pm
Winter Refreshments, Grand Entrance- Watch your child’s face light up as our Storybook Princess enters the room in her stunning new holiday gown!
LIVE Vocal Show- Our Storybook Princess will lead all the kiddos in a LIVE vocal performance. Don’t be surprised if your child steals the stage and starts singing along! Surprise Guest- Father Christmas himself will join us with his grand entrance.
Character Dining- Enjoy your refreshments as our princess greets you as you arrive!
Holiday Presents- Every adult and child will receive a goodie bag! Children will receive theirs from Santa Claus and adults can get theirs at check-in!
Craft Time & Extended Meet and Greet- Join us for a royal photo-op! Each child will have the opportunity to take photos with Santa and our Storybook Princess! While you wait, craft with our friends from A Charming Travel Company and create a wonderful holiday ornament to display your photo with our winter friends!
Picture Perfect- Each child will receive their very own Polaroid of them with our winter friends to show off!
Santa Send-Off- Wave farewell to our favorite Santa Clause as he heads back to the North Pole! Reserve your tickets now!


Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, December 16, 2023 9 am – 11 am
Breakfast with Santa at the Fayette County Extension office on December 16th from 9am-11am. Enjoy a yummy pancake breakfast, craft, and of course a picture with the big guy. We are charging $10 PER FAMILY. Please reach out with any questions amanda.clark@uky.edu


Breakfast with Santa at Main Event

Sunday, December 17, 2023 11 am – 2 pm
Ho ho ho! Get ready for a jolly time at our Main Event with Santa! your little ones and capture the magic of the holiday season with a special photo session and breakfast alongside the one and only Santa Claus himself. Our event offers a unique opportunity for your children to share their Christmas wishes, pose for a memorable photo, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Santa will be all smiles, ready to listen to their dreams and spread the holiday cheer.

While waiting for your turn, enjoy the enchanting atmosphere with an amazing pancake breakfast, festive decorations, joyful music, craft area and many more delightful surprises. Our friendly staff will guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. Remember to dress your little ones in their favorite holiday outfits, and don’t forget to bring your camera or smartphone to capture additional candid moments during this merry occasion. We will have a photographer as well.

Don’t miss out on this magical opportunity to meet Santa Claus and create treasured memories. Mark your calendars for Main Event Lexington: Breakfast and Photos with Santa event and join us for an unforgettable afternoon of holiday joy! Tickets available on line $18 – $35


Breakfast with the Grinch

Saturday, December 23, 2023 10 am – 11 am
Sponsored by NewVista. Register early for this FREE event at The Living Arts and Science Center.


The Holiday Events Guide is HERE!
Find Santa, Music, Train Rides, Trees and more!!

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