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 7 through December 24, 2025

Santa’s Hours:

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

Special Hours Information:

Thursday, November 6 is the special Wake Up Santa Event – Watch for more info!
Thursday, November 27: 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 6, 2025
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 10, 17, and 24 and December 1, 8, and 15 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!
Black Santa Photos – Special dates for Black Santa photos
December 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15, 2025

Santa at Lexington Green

Watch for 2025 Dates

Make a reservation online (walk-ins welcome also)

Cabela’s

November 1 (Arrival event) – December 24, 2025
Starting Nov. 2nd, 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 can also enjoy the amazing aquariums and wildlife displays found in every Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s store.

Hamburg Pavilion

November 29 – December 21, 2025
Saturdays 10 am – 2 pm
Sunday Noon – 4 pm

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Celebrate the magic of the season with Hamburg Pavilion’s “A Kentucky Christmas!”

Photographs with Santa Claus on Saturday and Sunday – FREE

Face-Painting on Saturdays from 10 AM – 1 PM

Horse & Carriage Rides on Saturday and Sunday dates:
Saturday, November 29th, 10 AM – 1 PM
Sunday, December 7th, 1 PM – 4 PM
Saturday, December 13th, 10 AM – 1 PM
Sunday, December 21st, 1 PM – 4 PM
Pick up and drop off at our gazebo next to Ted’s Montana Grill.

The events will be held in the previous iLoveKickboxing space (2308 Sir Barton Way #190). The space is facing Regal’s parking lot. It is next to Victoria’s Secret and behind My Salon Suite and Dollar Tree. These free, community events are sponsored by Hamburg Pavilion.

Santa Photos at The Summit

Watch for 2025 Info

Illuminated Evenings at Shaker Village

Saturday, December 6, 13 & 20, 2025
4 pm – 8 pm
Ages 3 and up $8

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

Watch for 2025 Info

Louis Flower Power Shops at Lansdowne Shoppes

Watch for 2025 Info

Kentucky Horse Park Southern Lights

November 28 – December 24, 2025 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 2025 Info

Bluegrass Railroad Museum

Saturdays, November 29th, December 6th & 13th, 2025 Rides at 11 am & 2 pm
Sundays, December 7th & 14th, 2025 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
Watch for 2025 dates
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
Watch for 2025 Dates
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
Watch for 2025 Dates
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 2025 Info (NO shop in 2024)

Cincinnati Museum Center Holiday Junction

Watch for 2025 Info

Santa schedule varies
Daily hours vary

Special Events *Watch for 2025 updates

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

Holly Day Market at Alltech Arena
Watch for 2025 Info
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 29, 2025
10 am – 3 pm
Get ready for a magical day in Midway on Saturday, November 29 as Santa Arrives By Train!
The northern side of E. Main Street will be closed off with a variety of activities beginning at 10am
Coffee and Hot Chocolate*
Breakfast Foods*
Face Painting*
Santa letter writing station (Free)
*additional charge/pay individual vendors
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 11-1 outside under a tent!
Midway Museum will open at 11am for public restrooms and to showcase the amazing history of Midway! (Porta potties also available)
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)

Watch for 2025 Info

A Kentucky Christmas at Ashland

A Kentucky Christmas at Ashland
Watch for 2025 Info

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!

Breakfast with Santa at Bronte Bistro in Joseph Beth

Watch for 2025 Info
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

Watch for 2025 Info
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

Breakfast with Santa at Palmers Fresh Grill

Watch for 2025 Info
8 am – 10 am
Come have breakfast with Santa! Select menu items available. Make your reservations online at OpenTable or call today! 859-273-0103

Tea with Mrs. Claus at Waveland

Watch for 2025 Info
10 am.
Tickets are $20 per person, and are by reservation only, please call 859-272-3611 to book.

Pancakes with Santa

Watch for 2025 info
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.

Breakfast with Santa (4-H)

Saturday, December 13, 2025
9 am – Noon
Join us at the Fayette County Extension Office for Santa Breakfast! Enjoy a pancake breakfast, local craft vendors, live holiday music from local student performers, gingerbread houses, 4-H animals, and SANTA!