Where to Find Santa in Central Ky
Santa is making several stops in Central Kentucky before Christmas Eve. Plan your photo op with Santa or Mrs. Claus at any of these local events happening in November or December:
Cabela’s
Santa’s Wonderland is open for free photos with Santa, holiday crafts and games daily through Dec. 24. Photos with Santa are available Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. Hours on Dec. 24 are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: https://www.cabelas.com/category/Santas-Wonderland/2160692280.uts?WT.tsrc=CRD&WT.mc_id=santa.
Southern Lights Holiday Festival
Nov. 29-Dec. 31. Indoor attractions will be closed Dec. 24-31. Hours: 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Tickets: Monday-Thursday, $20/car; 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Sunday, $25/car. Info: 255-5727, or visit
www.southernlightsky.com.
Fayette Mall
Visit Santa in the Dillard’s Court through Christmas Eve. Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday: noon-6 p.m. Please note that Santa takes a break to feed the reindeer from 1 p.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-6 p.m. Monday- Saturday, and from 2:30 p.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday. Info: 272-3493 or http://www.shopfayette-mall.com/content/holiday.
Santa at Lexington Green
Visit Santa at The Mall at Lexington Green through Dec. 24. Schedule your appointment online at www.travisclarkphotos.com/booking. For hours, visit www.travisclarkphotos.com/hours.
Hillenmeyer Christmas Shop
Bring your camera and snap your own photos with Santa at no charge. $5 donation is requested to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center. No appointment needed. Noon-6 p.m. on Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14 & 15. 3389 Tates Creek Rd. Info: 266-6889 or www.hillenmeyerchristmas.com.
Lexington Humane Society
Pet Pictures with Santa. Saturday, Dec. 7 & 14 and Sunday, Dec.8 & 15 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at both Feeders Supply locations, 306 Southland Drive and 3080 Richmond Road. Info: 233-0044 or www.lexingtonhumanesociety.org.
Waveland Museum
Take a photo with Santa in the Winter Wonderland Barn at Waveland on Dec. 7- 8, 14-15 & 21 from 3-5 p.m. 225 Waveland Museum Lane. Info: 272-3611, or visit https://parks.ky.gov/calendar/details/santa-in-winter-wonderland-barn-at-waveland/81464/.
Downtown Christmas Parade
Santa returns to downtown on Saturday, Dec. 7 for the annual Christmas parade. The parade starts at 11 a.m. on Main Street. Enjoy marching bands, performers and parade floats as everyone waits for Santa’s trip through downtown Lexington.
Santa at the Louisville Zoo
Santa is making a special stop at the Louisville Zoo during the Louisville Zoo Santa Safari, Dec. 7-8 and 14-15 at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Take a photo with Santa, plus meet Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman and special guests. (Online reservation required). Tickets $8.50-$20.95. Tickets available at www.louisvillezoo.org.
Christmas Trains at the Kentucky Railway Museum
On the Santa Express, enjoy a train excursion while Santa visits with the children. Rides at 2 and 5 p.m. on Dec. 1, 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22. $27 adults, $22 children ages 2-12. Under age 2 is free.
The North Pole Express journeys to the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus and bring him back to New Haven. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Children are encouraged to wear pajamas. 7 p.m. on December 6, 13, and 19-21. $27 adults, $22 children ages 2-12. Info: (800) 272-0152 or www.kyrail.org
Santa Claus Train Ride with the Bluegrass Railroad Museum
Santa and Mrs. Claus bring holiday cheer to Kentucky with Santa train rides. 2 p.m. on Dec. 7-8 & 14-15; and 11 a.m. on Dec. 7 & 14. Reservations recommended. Tickets $12-$17. Info: (859) 873-2476 or www.bluegrassrailroad.com.
The Summit at Fritz Farm
Santa’s Workshop will be set up at The Summit every weekend from November 16 at 7 p.m.-December 23 at 7 p.m. Workshop hours and information available at https://thesummitatfritzfarm.com/event/santas-workshop-see-santa-at-the-summit/. Schedule a time to visit the workshop at https://www.holidayroadportraits.com/.
The Kentucky Castle
Celebrate the season at The Kentucky Castle with a Christmas Brunch in the Grand Ballroom. Delight in the Christmas decor and enjoy a chef’s table brunch, followed with a visit and story time with Santa on December 1, 8, and 15. Guests are welcome to take photos with Santa after brunch. RSVP required. For info, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-kentucky-castle-16871105803.
Tea Time with Mrs. Claus at Shaker Village
Dress your little ones in their holiday finery for an afternoon tea and story time with Mrs. Claus. December 7, 14, and 21 at 1 and 4 p.m. Online registration required. $19 per person. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, 3501 Lexington Rd, Harrodsburg. Info: https://shakervillageky.org/events/childrens-tea-time-with-mrs-claus-120719/.