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Where to see Santa in Lexington, 2026: photos, a train and free visits

As of : Santa is at Fayette Mall from November 6 to December 24, 2026 and at Hamburg Pavilion from November 27 to December 24, and the Aviation Museum and the Lyric each host a free or low-cost visit.

Below is each one with its dates, hours and what it costs, from the host's own page.

By Around Lex · Facts checked , some rechecked since · About 4 min read

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Quick answers

When is Santa at Fayette Mall in 2026?

November 6 through December 24, 2026, with photo packages from $42. Through December 10 the photo company lists Monday to Saturday noon to 7 pm and Sunday noon to 6 pm, but the mall's own Santa's Workshop page lists a 3 pm break and an 8 pm close on Fridays and Saturdays, so check both before you go.

Source: vipholidayphotos.com (leaves Around Lex), checked .

Where can I get a free photo with Santa in Lexington?

The library's Tates Creek Branch has a free family photo with Santa on Sunday, November 15, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 pm, sent as a digital file by email. Pick one time block; walk-ins fit in around those.

Source: events.lexpublib.org (leaves Around Lex), checked .

Edition ending . Check the date of each idea below.

Santa at the malls

Fayette Mall, 3401 Nicholasville Road, has Santa from November 6 through December 24, 2026: through December 10, Monday to Saturday noon to 7 pm and Sunday noon to 6 pm; December 11 to 17, Monday to Saturday 11 am to 8 pm and Sunday noon to 6 pm. Hours vary December 18 to 24, so check the photo company's booking calendar. Those are the photo company's hours; the mall's own Santa's Workshop page lists weekly shifts instead, noon to 3 pm and 4 to 7 pm Monday to Thursday, noon to 3 pm and 4 to 8 pm Friday and Saturday, and noon to 3 pm and 3:30 to 6 pm Sunday, so check both before you go. Photo packages start at $42. Hamburg Pavilion, 2308 Sir Barton Way, has Santa in the event space behind Dollar Tree and My Salon Suite near the Regal Cinemas lot, from November 27 to Christmas Eve, mostly 2 to 7 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 4 pm on Christmas Eve. Its page gives these hours without a year and does not list photo prices; it strongly encourages a reservation.

Can I bring my dog to see Santa?

Fayette Mall offers Pet Photos with Santa on Mondays from November 9 through December 14; its page gives the dates without a year and recommends reserving ahead. It does not list pet photo hours or prices.

Free and low-cost Santa visits

The Lexington Public Library's Tates Creek Branch hosts a free family holiday photo with Santa on Sunday, November 15, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 pm, taken by the Creative Camera Club; choose one time block when you register, walk-ins are welcome around scheduled families, and the photo comes by email as a digital file, with no prints. A second photo night without Santa is December 8, with registration opening November 16. The Aviation Museum of Kentucky, 4029 Airport Road, lists its Santa Fly-In with Toys for Tots on December 6, 2 to 4:30 pm, without a year; bring one new, unwrapped toy for free admission. The Lyric Theatre lists a Black Santa Experience on December 19, with no year or time posted.

Santa at a winter market: the Ho Ho Ho Down

Wise Bird Cider Co.'s taproom events page, checked November 7, 2026, lists its annual Ho Ho Ho Down on Saturday and Sunday, December 12 and 13, 2026, noon to 5 pm both days, where ornament painting, a winter market, Santa and the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra come together over the two days. The page does not say which day Santa is there and does not list a price, so ask Wise Bird before you choose a day.

View Ho Ho Ho Down at Wise Bird Cider

Santa by train

The Bluegrass Railroad Museum, 175 Beasley Road in Woodford County Park in Versailles, about 15 miles west of downtown, runs Santa's Holiday Express: Santa visits each child on the train one by one, passengers sing carols and everyone gets a candy cane at the end. Its Santa page does not list dates, times or prices; those are behind its Book Tickets button. The City of Midway's calendar says Santa arrives downtown by train at 11 am on November 28, 2026.

What these pages don't say

None of the pages read for this guide lists a breakfast with Santa in Lexington, so none is here. Hamburg Pavilion's page names November 30 for its free carriage rides on Sundays, but November 30, 2026 is a Monday, so ask the center which day it means.

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Guide link: https://aroundlex.com/guides/santa-lexington-ky-2026

Official sources for this guide

Conditions can change after a recorded check. Recheck visitor information before leaving.

A useful starting point, not a reservation.

Check the linked official sources for opening hours, admission, restrictions, and changes. These suggestions do not imply affiliation or a measured walking route.

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