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.
2018 Events
Lexington Green 2018
Fayette Mall
November 9, 2018 – Christmas Eve
Visit Santa in the Dillard’s Court
Santa’s Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 10am – 9pm
- Sunday: Noon – 6pm
- Christmas Eve: 10am – 6pm
Please note that Santa takes a break to feed the reindeer from 1pm to 2pm and 5pm to 6pm on Monday thru Saturday, and from 2:30pm to 3pm on Sunday.
Pet Photos with Santa
Bring your furry friends for photos with Santa during these special Monday evenings! Pets are welcome to have their pictures made with Santa on:
- Monday, December 3, 6pm to 9pm
- Monday, December 10, 6pm to 9pm
Please enter through the mall entrance next to Talbots. Pets must be on a leash or in a carrier, and pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Pets will not be allowed in any area of the mall other than the designated Santa photo area in the Dillard’s Court. We appreciate your understanding.
Santa Cares (Sensory Friendly Santa Visits)
Children within every spectrum of special needs and their families are invited to a private photo session, to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa Claus during dedicated hours in a calming environment on Sunday, December 2nd from 9am – 11am.
Please reserve your complimentary ticket on EventBrite – ONE TICKET per group/family, please.
Photo packages that capture holiday memories will be available for purchase during the event.
Please enter through the mall entrance between Talbots and Pie Five Pizza.
Sensory-Friendly Santa is held in partnership with Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. www.autismspeaks.org
Big Blue Santa
December 4th, 2018 6 pm
Santa Loves the Big Blue Nation and the Kentucky Wildcats!
Join us for Big Blue Santa, and have your picture made on this special evening with Santa in his Kentucky Blue suit along with the Kentucky Wildcat mascots.
For photo package information, visit ShopFayette-Mall.com
The Summit 2018
Santa will be at Louis’ Flower Power every weekend in December (behind Edley’s BBQ & The Children’s Play Area)! Louis’ will offer complimentary treats & drinks all season long as well as Christmas Trees & décor for sale
The Summit 2018 Holiday Agenda:
November 17, 2018: Lights Up | Join us for our 2nd Annual Lights Up: Santa’s Arrival! Santa will land by our Man O’ War Entrance/Louis’ Flower Power at 6:00 PM! He will make his way down Candy Cane Lane to our Vendor Village! Enjoy kid crafts, adult beverages, sElfie stations, carolers and more! Stay tuned as we announce more dreamy details!
5:00 – 6:00 PM: Holiday Carols by Lexington Children’s Theatre
7:00 – 8:00 PM: Holiday Music by Lexington Philharmonic Ensemble
8:00 – 9:00 PM: Holiday Songs by University of Kentucky Choirs: AcoUstiKats, Paws and Listen, & Blue Note Acapella Groups
Activities:
Bounce House
Ninja Warrior Course
Face Painter
Letters to Santa & complimentary samples at Edley’s Bar-B-Que.
November 30, 2018 Movie Night with Santa
Join us this holiday season for a movie-watching event unlike any other! From a hot cocoa bar (think the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup) and the world’s best cup of coffee to snowflake crafts and more; we’ll be ringing in the season with Elf! SANTA will also be in attendance to jingle & mingle! Don’t be a cotton-headed ninny-muggins & join us for Elf as we transform The Barn into Santa’s Workshop for this one-time event! Festive Film Festivities begin at 6 pm, Movie begins at 8 pm
Hamburg Pavilion 2018
Hamburg Pavilion will be hosting free photographs with Santa every Saturday and Sunday in December and Story-time with Mrs. Claus every Sunday. There will also be free Horse and Carriage Rides with Santa around the gazebo area on selective Sundays.
Photographs with Santa: Saturday, 10 AM – 3 PM Sunday, 12 PM – 5 PM
Cocoa with Mrs. Claus: Every Sunday in December 12 PM – 5 PM
Horse and Carriage Rides: Sunday 9th, 16th, and 23rd 1 PM – 4 PM
The Kentucky Castle
Join us for a magical Santa picture experience at The Kentucky Castle! Our professional photographer will take a picture of your loved ones with Santa! Includes cookies, a Kentucky Castle ornament and emailed retouched photograph to print as you desire.
- REQUIRED ticket: Visit with Santa (1st child) $25: Includes time with Santa for ONE CHILD and one professional photo
- ADD-ON ticket: Additional child – additional $15 each: Includes time with Santa for ONE ADDITIONAL CHILD and one photo (purchase this ticket for each additional child)
- ADD-ON ticket: Family Group Photo, additional $20 per family
EXAMPLES of what tickets to purchase:
1 CHILD photo: $25 total
Dates – Times vary by day
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Friday, December 7, 2018
Sunday, December 9, 2018
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Friday, December 21, 2018
Sunday, December 23, 2018
Hillenmeyer Christmas (Tates Creek Road in front of Lansdowne Shoppes)
November 23 – December 23, 2018 (Weekends Only)
$5 Donation Requested to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center if you take photos
Cabela’s
Santa’s Wonderland debuts at Cabela’s featuring FREE photos with Santa
Saturday, November 10, 2018 and continuing through Monday, December 24, 2018
FREE
Santa’s Wonderland is the ultimate free family Christmas event coming to Cabela’s for the first time. Lexington families are invited to enjoy this enchanting Christmas village offering FREE 4×6 studio-quality photos with Santa and free family holiday activities including fun crafts and games.
Features include rustic Christmas cabins, holiday characters and live elves set amongst a dazzling backdrop of snow-covered hills and illuminated Christmas trees. Kids can enjoy free crafts, coloring stations and write a letter to Santa.
Guests can reserve their free visit and photo with Santa using the free Bass Pass system. Visit the Bass Pass Ticket Depot located at the entrance of Santa’s Wonderland to pick up a time-stamped pass.
In addition, Cabela’s stores are designated toy drop-off stations for Toys for Tots. Families that bring a new toy to donate Saturday and Sunday, November 24-25, will receive a FREE premium photo package valued at $20.
For hours and details visit www.Cabelas.com/Santa
US: November 11 – December 1
| FREE Photo with Santa | FREE Crafts | FREE Games & Activities | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekdays | 5–8PM | 5–7PM | Open to close |
| Saturday | 10AM–8PM | NOON–5PM | Open to close |
| Sunday | NOON–5PM | NOON–5PM | Open to close |
December 2 – 23
| FREE Photo with Santa | FREE Crafts | FREE Games & Activities | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekdays | 10AM–8PM | 5–7PM | Open to close |
| Saturday | 10AM–8PM | NOON–5PM | Open to close |
| Sunday | 10AM–5PM | NOON–5PM | Open to close |
December 24
| FREE Photo with Santa | FREE Crafts | FREE Games & Activities | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, Dec. 24 | 10AM–5PM | 3–5PM | Open to close |
*While supplies last. Styles may vary. See store for details.
Santa in the Winter Wonderland Barn at Waveland
Saturday and Sundays – December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16- Pictures with Santa from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
This is a very busy time of the year for Santa, but he has set aside time to visit with good little boys and girls at Waveland. Santa will be ready to listen to holiday request and even have a special surprise for our little guests. This is a special photo opportunity with Santa in the Winter Wonderland Barn at Waveland.
Kentucky Horse Park Southern Lights 2018
November 16 – December 31, 2018
Head inside and visit Santa. We’ve taken photos ourselves before but their photos are usually available for purchase to support a local charity.
Visit with Santa in Berea
 |  |
Monday December 10th
Bluegrass Railroad Museum 2018
When snowflakes start to fly in Kentucky, Santa and Mrs. Claus bring Holiday Cheer to the Bluegrass Railroad Museum. For the 2017 Season, the Claus’ will arrive (with help from the Versailles Fire Dept.)
Saturday and Sunday Dec. 8th & 9th and Dec. 15th, 2018 at 2 p.m.
Saturday, Dec 8th and Dec 15th, 2018 11 am
Kentucky Railway Museum 2018
2018 Santa Express:
During the Santa Express, you will enjoy an approximate 1.5 hour train excursion. Santa walks through the train and visits with the children. Don’t forget your camera! We will serve cookies and hot chocolate. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas.
This event will take place December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21
Cost is $25.00 plus tax for Adults and $20.00 plus tax for children ages 2-12; under the age of 2 is free.
2018 North Pole Express:
On our journey to the North Pole you will enjoy an approximate 1.5 hour train excursion while listening to the sounds of the season. Upon arriving at the North Pole we will pick up Santa; Santa will then board the train and travel with us on our way back to New Haven. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas. Make sure and bring your camera. Upon arriving back at the station you will have the opportunity to come in to the depot and take your child’s photo with Santa. Don’t forget your camera!
This event will take place November 30, December 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21
Cost is $25.00 for Adults and $20.00 for children ages 2-12; under the age of 2 is free.
Departure times are 7:00 P.M. EST for November 30, December 7, 14, 21
Lighting of the Trace 2018
Buffalo Trace Distillery
November 29, 2018
Embrace the holiday season in all its magnificence as we illuminate the colorful, festive displays at the Distillery. Featuring the Kentucky State University Choir and a visit from Santa. Candlelight Tour at 5:30 p.m., Carols and Holiday Stories at 6:00 p.m., and Santa arrives at 6:30 p.m. All activities are complimentary. No pets allowed, aside from service animals.
Visit Santa at the Trace 2018
Have your children get their wish list ready for Santa as you celebrate the season with Jolly old Saint Nick on December 6th, 7th and 8th in the Visitor Center from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Complimentary.
Children’s Tea Time with Mrs. Claus at Shaker Village 2018
Saturday, December 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd, 2018 (1st is SOLD OUT)
Dress your little ones in their holiday finery for an afternoon with Mrs. Claus. Enjoy spiced cider, cookies and sandwiches made for little fingers. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Danville Pictures with Santa 2018
Join the Heart of Danville and the Boyle County Public Library for Pictures with Santa on Saturday, December 1, 2018 from 2-4 at the Boyle County Public Library. As always this event is free and is a great opportunity to avoid the mall traffic.
In addition, library patrons that check out an item or attend a program the week of November 26 will be given a 10% off coupon good for participating businesses.
Breakfast with Santa at Joseph Beth – SOLD OUT
Saturday, December 1st and 8th, 2018 8:30 am
Get your wish lists in order and meet the man himself at our annual Breakfast with Santa! Join us for a morning of holiday fun and crafts, including a delicious breakfast (pancakes, bacon/sausage/fruit) from Brontë Bistro and a special reading of “The Night Before Christmas”! Parents, don’t forget your cameras! You can call to reserve your ticket at 859-273-2911 or purchase in the store. Only 64 tickets are available.
Toddler Time with Santa at Sky Zone
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Doors open at 9:45 – Jump time is 10 am – 11 am
Sky Zone Lexington will be hosting a very special Toddler Time on Saturday Dec 8th with Santa joining in the fun! Toddler Time is open to jumpers 5 years and younger. Doors open at 9:45am with the jump time from 10am-11am. The price is $11 for one hour (10am-11am) + SkySocks($2). We will have cookies & milk for everyone to enjoy! There is no charge for parents to come watch the kiddos jump ($2 for SkySocks if parents want to go on padded areas that surround the trampolines)
Santa will be joining us until 12pm if older kids want a chance to say hello! Regular jump time will begin at 11am for all ages!
December 8, 15 & 22, 9 am – 1 pm
Santa will visit his Louisville Workshop at the Galt House Hotel every Saturday morning to enjoy a breakfast buffet with his elves. You and your family are invited, too. Along with a yummy buffet, kids can attend Elf School to make holiday crafts, ride the Peppermint Express, our kiddie train, through a winter wonderland, watch circus-style performances by the elves, and get a photo with Santa himself, at no extra charge, as our gift to you. Add a night’s stay in one of our Deluxe rooms, starting at $109, or a Suite, starting at $129 (Rooms will be booked separately. After purchasing your tickets, you will receive a link to a special rate through Eventbrite. Based on availability). Adult: $30 • Child: $15 • Tickets are non-refundable • Get tickets for December 8, December 15, or December 22 UPDATE: THE GALT HOUSE HOTEL HAS NO ROOMS AVAILABLE ON THE EVENING OF DECEMBER 8TH.
Cincinnati Museum Center Holiday Junction – November 17, 2018 – January 2, 2019
One of Cincinnati’s most loved holiday traditions isn’t complete without a visit from Santa! CMC Santa will settle into Cincinnati Museum Center to take holiday wishes from November 23 through December 24.
Join us Friday November 23 for his arrival:
🎼 Festivities kick off at 11 a.m. with music from Chris Comer Trio
🚁Santa arrives by helicopter (weather permitting) at 11:50 a.m.
🎅Santa welcome celebration in Rotunda at noon
#HolidayJunction is open November 17, 2018, through January 27, 2019, and is free for Members. Share your holiday photos with us using #HolidayJunction, and get on Santa’s nice list by following him on social media:
Twitter: @CMC_Santa
Facebook: CMC Santa
Join us throughout the holiday season for an extra dose of wintertime cheer. We’ll be celebrating winter solstice traditions from around the world December 22, from noon–3 p.m.
Plus, ring in the New Year in the restored Rotunda! We’ll explore unique New Year customs, games and music at International New Year’s Eve, December 31, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The 2018 Holiday Events Guide is HERE!
Find Santa, Music, Train Rides, Trees and more!!
