Kentucky has 13 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Polar Express Pajama Party (Candlelight Weekend) in Frankfort on November 14 to Scuba Santa's Water Wonderland in Newport, which runs through December 24. 7 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in every state.
The short version
- 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Kentucky for 2026, in Cincinnati, Frankfort, Lexington and Louisville
- First: Polar Express Pajama Party (Candlelight Weekend), Frankfort, November 14. Runs latest: Scuba Santa's Water Wonderland, Newport, through December 24
- Free: Letters to Santa, Letters from Santa, Winter Walk, Winter Wonderland, The Day Before Christmas by The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati, Madcap Puppets presents The Velveteen Rabbit, Elf Academy and Kids Sing-a-long: Holiday Tunes!
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Kentucky Christmas train rides page.
Kentucky Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 13 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Cincinnati, Frankfort, Lexington and Louisville
- Season
- November 14 to December 24, 2026
- Free events
- 7
- Kinds of events
- Santa and Mrs. Claus, Santa visit, holiday story time and holiday show
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Kentucky Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Polar Express Pajama Party (Candlelight Weekend) in Frankfort on November 14; the last runs to December 24. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Polar Express Pajama Party (Candlelight Weekend)Frankfort · Nov 14
- Letters to Santa, Letters from SantaCovington · Nov 19 to Dec 14
- Scuba Santa's Water WonderlandNewport · Nov 27 to Dec 24
- Winter WalkIndependence · Dec 1 to Dec 19
- Mr. & Mrs. Claus Visit the Library!Covington · Dec 2
- Beary Happy HolidaysLouisville · Dec 5 to Dec 20
- Cookie and Craft!Lexington · Dec 6
- Winter WonderlandErlanger · Dec 11 to Dec 12
- Cookies at the North PoleIndependence · Dec 17
- The Day Before Christmas by The Children's Theatre of CincinnatiErlanger · Dec 18
- Madcap Puppets presents The Velveteen RabbitCovington · Dec 20
- Elf AcademyErlanger · Dec 21
- Kids Sing-a-long: Holiday Tunes!Erlanger · Dec 22
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Kentucky? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Cincinnati
10 confirmed events for kids in Cincinnati, including nearby Covington, Erlanger, Independence and Newport, soonest first.
Covington: Letters to Santa, Letters from Santa
Santa visitFreeKenton County Public Library · Covington
- Host
- Kenton County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Covington Branch, 502 Scott Blvd., Covington, KY 41011 (near Cincinnati)
- When
- Thursday, November 19, 2026 to Monday, December 14, 2026 (during library hours)
- Cost
- Free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
From mid November through mid December, the children's department at the Covington Branch of the Kenton County Public Library has a mailbox for letters to Santa. Children can stop by to write a letter at the library and place it in the mailbox, or bring a letter they wrote at home.
Every child who sends a letter will receive a personal response from Santa mailed to their home. Directions are available in the branch, and the library asks that each letter include the child's name and mailing address so Santa's reply can find its way back. This is a free, flexible activity that works on any visit during library hours, and it pairs nicely with picking up holiday books from the children's section. Letters must be in by December 14.
Parent tip: Make sure the letter includes your child's name and full mailing address. Drop it off by December 14.
See dates and details from Kenton County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Newport: Scuba Santa's Water Wonderland
Holiday lightsNewport Aquarium · Newport
- Host
- Newport Aquarium (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Newport Aquarium, 1 Aquarium Way, Newport, KY 41071 (near Cincinnati)
- When
- Friday, November 27, 2026 to Thursday, December 24, 2026 (daily during aquarium hours)
- Cost
- Aquarium admission; prices not stated on event page
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Scuba Santa's Water Wonderland is a well known Cincinnati area holiday tradition at the Newport Aquarium, just across the river in Northern Kentucky. For the 2026 season it returns from November 27 through December 24, so there is plenty of time to plan a visit during Thanksgiving weekend or winter break.
The aquarium describes the season as a Water Wonderland full of playful penguins, colorful holiday lights and a flurry of magical bubbles, with Scuba Santa as the star. The event page does not list daily times or prices, so check the aquarium's ticket and reservation pages before you go. Families are also invited to share their favorite photos from their visit through the aquarium's website. Plan extra time, since the season is popular.
Parent tip: The event page links to Get Tickets and Make Reservation, so book your visit ahead and check daily Scuba Santa times on the aquarium site.
See dates and details from Newport Aquarium (opens in a new tab)Independence: Winter Walk
Holiday story timeFreeKenton County Public Library · Independence
- Host
- Kenton County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Independence Branch, 1992 Walton-Nicholson Pike, Independence, KY 41051 (near Cincinnati)
- When
- Tuesday, December 1, 2026 to Saturday, December 19, 2026 (Monday to Thursday evenings), 5 to 8:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Independence Branch of the Kenton County Public Library is turning its reading garden into a tree filled Winter Walk for most of December. Families can stroll the garden in the evening, sip hot chocolate, complete a wintery scavenger hunt and follow a story walk of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, reading the classic poem page by page as they go.
The Winter Walk is open Monday through Thursday evenings from 5 to 8:30 pm, from December 1 through December 19. It is a free, drop in activity, so it is easy to stop by after school or dinner. The library is also holding a Winter Walk Closing Celebration on Saturday, December 19, from 5 to 8 pm, with crafts, cocoa and a holiday concert by Bravo Ensemble from 6 to 7 pm.
Parent tip: The walk is outdoors in the reading garden, so dress kids warmly. Open Monday to Thursday evenings only, plus the December 19 closing celebration.
See dates and details from Kenton County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Covington: Mr. & Mrs. Claus Visit the Library!
Story time with Mrs. ClausKenton County Public Library · Covington
- Host
- Kenton County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Kenton County Public Library, Latonia Branch, 3911 Winston Avenue, Covington, KY 41015 (near Cincinnati)
- When
- Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm
- Cost
- No cost listed
- Ages
- Whole family
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Kenton County Public Library welcomes Mr. and Mrs. Claus to its Latonia Branch for an evening of holiday cheer. The highlight is a reading of The Night Before Christmas, and families can also take a festive photo with the guests from the North Pole. The library invites the whole family to come.
The Latonia Branch opened in June 2026 in the Latonia Commerce Center off Winston Avenue, next to Ritte's Corner. It has a children's area with an interactive space for kids, ample free parking and bus access. The event runs in the evening from 6 to 7:30 pm, so it works for families coming after work or school. The branch has meeting and study rooms and is fully accessible.
Parent tip: Free parking is available at the branch. Bring a camera or phone for photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
See dates and details from Kenton County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Erlanger: Winter Wonderland
Santa and Mrs. ClausFreeKenton County Public Library · Erlanger
- Host
- Kenton County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Erlanger Branch, 401 Kenton Lands Road, Erlanger, KY 41018 (near Cincinnati)
- When
- Fri December 11 (6 to 8 pm) and Sat December 12 (10 am to noon), 2026
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Winter Wonderland returns to the Erlanger Branch of the Kenton County Public Library, and this year the theme is gingerbread, with the whole library decorated like a giant gingerbread house. Families can come Friday evening or Saturday morning for holiday music, crafts, hot cocoa, cookies, a photo booth and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Each session has its own live music. Friday night features holiday music by musician Rob Lowe, and Saturday morning features the Lloyd High School Choir. The library notes that hot cocoa, cookies and coffee are served on Saturday morning only, while supplies last. This is one of the library's biggest family holiday events, and it is free and drop in, so it is an easy way to see Santa and Mrs. Claus close to home in Northern Kentucky.
Parent tip: Come Saturday morning if you want cocoa and cookies, which are served then only while supplies last.
See dates and details from Kenton County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Independence: Cookies at the North Pole
Santa and Mrs. ClausKenton County Public Library · Independence
- Host
- Kenton County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Kenton County Public Library, Independence Branch, 1992 Walton-Nicholson Road, Independence, KY 41051 (near Cincinnati)
- When
- Thursday, December 17, 2026, 6 to 8 pm
- Cost
- No cost listed; no registration required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
For one evening, the Independence Branch of Kenton County Public Library is transformed into the North Pole. Families can visit Santa's workshop, make a craft and enjoy cookies while listening to holiday songs. Santa, Mrs. Claus and some helpful elves greet visitors, chat with kids and even pose for selfies.
No registration is required, so families can drop in anytime during the two-hour window. Crafts and cookies are offered while supplies last, so arriving earlier in the evening is a good idea. The branch is a large library with a separate children's area and family restrooms, and it sits on Walton-Nicholson Road in Independence. The branch also offers a drive-through window and family assisted restrooms.
Parent tip: Crafts and cookies are while supplies last, so come early. Bring a phone for selfies with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
See dates and details from Kenton County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Erlanger: The Day Before Christmas by The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati
Holiday showFreeKenton County Public Library · Erlanger
- Host
- Kenton County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Erlanger Branch, 401 Kenton Lands Road, Erlanger, KY 41018 (near Cincinnati)
- When
- Friday, December 18, 2026, 6 to 7 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati brings its holiday show The Day Before Christmas to the Erlanger Branch library. The story is set at Santa's Headquarters on the busiest day of the year, when everyone is rushing to get the sleigh off the ground. Then a cold hearted Jack Frost decides to freeze all the festivities, and the North Pole, along with the audience, has to help save the day.
The performance runs about an hour on a Friday evening and is described as family friendly, with audience participation built into the story. Before and after the show, families can browse the library's Holiday Maker Market and shop with local makers. It is a free chance to see a professional children's theatre company without buying tickets downtown.
Parent tip: Arrive a bit early to browse the Holiday Maker Market before the 6 pm show.
See dates and details from Kenton County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Covington: Madcap Puppets presents The Velveteen Rabbit
Holiday story timeFreeKenton County Public Library · Covington
- Host
- Kenton County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Latonia Branch, 3911 Winston Ave., Covington, KY 41015 (near Cincinnati)
- When
- Sunday, December 20, 2026, 2 to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Madcap Puppets brings its version of The Velveteen Rabbit to the Latonia Branch of the Kenton County Public Library the Sunday before Christmas. The show is set in a cozy family home during the Christmas season and follows a shy toy rabbit on a journey to discover what it means to be real.
This adaptation is a lighter, brighter retelling of the classic story, with a comedic cast that includes a boastful wind up robot, a dramatic jack in the box and a pair of mischievous wild rabbits. The library describes it as family friendly, with whimsical puppetry, festive scenes, humor and a heartfelt message about friendship and love. The performance runs about an hour on a Sunday afternoon and is free to attend.
See dates and details from Kenton County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Erlanger: Elf Academy
Holiday craftsFreeKenton County Public Library · Erlanger
- Host
- Kenton County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Erlanger Branch, 401 Kenton Lands Road, Erlanger, KY 41018 (near Cincinnati)
- When
- Monday, December 21, 2026, 10:30 am to 7:30 pm
- Cost
- Free, drop in
- Ages
- Best for ages 2 to 8
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Little ones can find out if they have what it takes to be one of Santa's helpers at Elf Academy, a drop in program at the Erlanger Branch of the Kenton County Public Library. Children practice elf skills like toy making and trimming trees, and they earn an elf diploma when they finish.
The library offers two sessions on Monday, December 21, a morning session from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm and an evening session from 6 to 7:30 pm, which makes it easy to fit around winter break schedules and working parents. The program is best for ages 2 to 8. Since it is drop in, families can come and go within the session window rather than arriving at a set start time.
Parent tip: No registration needed. Pick the morning or evening session, and arrive any time during the window.
See dates and details from Kenton County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Erlanger: Kids Sing-a-long: Holiday Tunes!
Holiday showFreeKenton County Public Library · Erlanger
- Host
- Kenton County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Erlanger Branch, 401 Kenton Lands Road, Erlanger, KY 41018 (near Cincinnati)
- When
- Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 2 to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Kids and families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Erlanger Branch of the Kenton County Public Library hosts a monthly Kids Sing-a-long series, and the December session is all about holiday tunes. Children sing, dance and play to fun music, following along with lyric videos on screen so even kids who are still learning the words can join in.
The holiday edition takes place on Tuesday, December 22, from 2 to 3 pm, right in the middle of winter break, which makes it a handy afternoon outing when kids need to burn off some energy indoors. The program is free and open to kids and their families. Older readers can sing along with the lyrics, while toddlers and preschoolers can simply dance and move to the music. No registration is listed on the calendar.
See dates and details from Kenton County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Frankfort
1 confirmed event for kids in Frankfort, soonest first.
Frankfort: Polar Express Pajama Party (Candlelight Weekend)
Santa visitCommonwealth Credit Union (presenting sponsor of Candlelight Weekend) · Frankfort
- Host
- Commonwealth Credit Union (presenting sponsor of Candlelight Weekend) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Grand Theatre, 308 St. Clair Street, Frankfort, KY 40601
- When
- Saturday, November 14, 2026, 3 pm
- Cost
- Check the host's page
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Frankfort's Candlelight Weekend kicks off the holiday season downtown, and on Saturday afternoon the Grand Theatre hosts a Polar Express Pajama Party starting at 3 pm, with Santa visits afterwards. The weekend is presented by Commonwealth Credit Union and runs Thursday through Saturday, November 12 to 14.
Kids who love The Polar Express will enjoy coming in pajamas, and families can stay downtown for more of Saturday's lineup, including Santa strolling Broadway and St. Clair Street from 5 to 7 pm, a Nutcracker performance at 5 pm, horse carriage rides, a petting zoo and holiday booths. Kids can also bring letters to Santa to drop in the North Pole mailbox. The page does not give a price, an end time or age guidance for the pajama party, and it notes that plans are subject to change based on weather.
Parent tip: Bring kids in pajamas and a letter for the North Pole mailbox. Plans are subject to change based on weather, so check the page that week.
See dates and details from Commonwealth Credit Union (presenting sponsor of Candlelight Weekend) (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Lexington
1 confirmed event for kids in Lexington, soonest first.
Lexington: Cookie and Craft!
Holiday paradeLexington Public Library · Lexington
- Host
- Lexington Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Lexington Public Library, Central Library, 140 East Main Street, Lexington, KY 40507
- When
- Sunday, December 6, 2026, 3 to 4 pm
- Cost
- No cost listed; no registration
- Ages
- Preschool (3 to 5), children (5 to 8) and families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Lexington Public Library's Central Library hosts a drop-in holiday craft hour on the afternoon of the Light Up Lex Christmas Parade. Kids make a holiday craft, have a cookie, and then families can walk down to join the parade on Main Street. The program is listed for preschoolers ages 3 to 5, children ages 5 to 8 and families.
The craft runs from 3 to 4 pm while supplies last, so it is a handy way to keep young kids busy and warm before the parade. The Central Library sits on East Main Street downtown, right along the parade area. The library notes no registration is needed, so families can simply drop in. The listing is aimed at families, so parents and siblings are welcome to craft alongside the kids.
Parent tip: Supplies are limited, so arrive close to 3 pm. Dress for the cold if you plan to stay for the parade.
See dates and details from Lexington Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Louisville
1 confirmed event for kids in Louisville, soonest first.
Louisville: Beary Happy Holidays
Santa and Mrs. ClausLouisville Zoo · Louisville
- Host
- Louisville Zoo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Louisville Zoo, 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213
- When
- Sat December 5, Sun December 6, Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026, 10 am to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free with zoo admission or membership
- Ages
- Whole family
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Throughout December, the Louisville Zoo turns parts of the park into a winter wonderland with holiday decorations and special animal enrichment. Families can play a month-long scavenger hunt, and anyone who completes at least half of it is entered to win zoo-themed prizes. On three festive weekends, December 5 and 6, 12 and 13, and 19 and 20, grizzly bears, polar bears and other animals receive holiday enrichment treats.
Santa and Mrs. Claus visit the zoo on December 19 and 20 from 10 am to 2 pm. Everything is free with regular zoo admission or membership. The zoo says the enrichment schedule will be posted closer to the dates. The zoo is open regular daytime hours on these weekends, 10 am to 5 pm.
Parent tip: Plan for December 19 or 20 if meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus is the goal, and arrive by late morning since they leave at 2 pm.
See dates and details from Louisville Zoo (opens in a new tab)Near a state line? Our guides to Christmas events for kids in Indiana, Christmas events for kids in Ohio and Christmas events for kids in West Virginia list more confirmed events, and the national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonKentucky Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Kentucky in 2026?
We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Kentucky for 2026 on each host’s own page: Polar Express Pajama Party (Candlelight Weekend) in Frankfort (November 14), Letters to Santa, Letters from Santa in Covington (November 19), Scuba Santa's Water Wonderland in Newport (November 27), Winter Walk in Independence (December 1), Mr. & Mrs. Claus Visit the Library! in Covington (December 2), Beary Happy Holidays in Louisville (December 5), Cookie and Craft! in Lexington (December 6), Winter Wonderland in Erlanger (December 11), Cookies at the North Pole in Independence (December 17), The Day Before Christmas by The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati in Erlanger (December 18), Madcap Puppets presents The Velveteen Rabbit in Covington (December 20), Elf Academy in Erlanger (December 21) and Kids Sing-a-long: Holiday Tunes! in Erlanger (December 22). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Cincinnati, Kentucky?
For families in and around Cincinnati, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Letters to Santa, Letters from Santa (in Covington, Nov 19 to Dec 14, during library hours, free); Scuba Santa's Water Wonderland (in Newport, Nov 27 to Dec 24, aquarium admission; prices not stated on event page); Winter Walk (in Independence, Mondays to Thursdays, Dec 1 to 19, 5 to 8:30 pm, free); Mr. & Mrs. Claus Visit the Library! (in Covington, Wed, Dec 2, 6 to 7:30 pm, no cost listed); Winter Wonderland (in Erlanger, Fri, Dec 11, 6 to 8 pm, and Sat, Dec 12, 10 am to 12 pm, free); Cookies at the North Pole (in Independence, Thu, Dec 17, 6 to 8 pm, no cost listed; no registration required); The Day Before Christmas by The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati (in Erlanger, Fri, Dec 18, 6 to 7 pm, free); Madcap Puppets presents The Velveteen Rabbit (in Covington, Sun, Dec 20, 2 to 3 pm, free); Elf Academy (in Erlanger, Mon, Dec 21, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm or 6 to 7:30 pm, free, drop in); Kids Sing-a-long: Holiday Tunes! (in Erlanger, Tue, Dec 22, 2 to 3 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Cincinnati section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Frankfort, Kentucky?
For families in and around Frankfort, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Polar Express Pajama Party (Candlelight Weekend) (Sat, Nov 14, 3 pm, see the host for cost). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Frankfort section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Lexington, Kentucky?
For families in and around Lexington, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Cookie and Craft! (Sun, Dec 6, 3 to 4 pm, no cost listed; no registration). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Lexington section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Louisville, Kentucky?
For families in and around Louisville, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Beary Happy Holidays (Weekends, Dec 5 to 20, 10 am to 5 pm; Santa Dec 19 and 20, free with zoo admission or membership). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Louisville section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Kentucky?
Yes. 7 of the 13 events here are free: Letters to Santa, Letters from Santa in Covington, Winter Walk in Independence, Winter Wonderland in Erlanger, The Day Before Christmas by The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati in Erlanger, Madcap Puppets presents The Velveteen Rabbit in Covington, Elf Academy in Erlanger and Kids Sing-a-long: Holiday Tunes! in Erlanger. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Kentucky this December?
Santa appears at Polar Express Pajama Party (Candlelight Weekend) in Frankfort (November 14), Letters to Santa, Letters from Santa in Covington (November 19), Scuba Santa's Water Wonderland in Newport (November 27), Mr. & Mrs. Claus Visit the Library! in Covington (December 2), Beary Happy Holidays in Louisville (December 5), Winter Wonderland in Erlanger (December 11) and Cookies at the North Pole in Independence (December 17). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Kentucky?
Holiday story times on this page: Winter Walk in Independence, Mr. & Mrs. Claus Visit the Library! in Covington and Madcap Puppets presents The Velveteen Rabbit in Covington. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Which Kentucky Christmas events are best for toddlers?
These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Cookie and Craft! in Lexington (Preschool (3 to 5), children (5 to 8) and families).
Are there kids' Christmas events in Kentucky on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: Scuba Santa's Water Wonderland in Newport (through December 24).
When is Polar Express Pajama Party (Candlelight Weekend) in Frankfort in 2026?
Saturday, November 14, 2026, 3 pm, at Grand Theatre. The host has not posted a price on its page, so check there before you go.
How much is Letters to Santa, Letters from Santa in Covington?
Free. Letters to Santa, Letters from Santa is on Thursday, November 19, 2026 to Monday, December 14, 2026 (during library hours) at Covington Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Scuba Santa's Water Wonderland in Newport?
Aquarium admission; prices not stated on event page. Scuba Santa's Water Wonderland is on Friday, November 27, 2026 to Thursday, December 24, 2026 (daily during aquarium hours) at Newport Aquarium. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Walk in Independence?
Free. Winter Walk is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026 to Saturday, December 19, 2026 (Monday to Thursday evenings), 5 to 8:30 pm at Independence Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Mr. & Mrs. Claus Visit the Library! in Covington?
No cost listed. Mr. & Mrs. Claus Visit the Library! is on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm at Kenton County Public Library, Latonia Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Beary Happy Holidays in Louisville?
Free with zoo admission or membership. Beary Happy Holidays is on Sat December 5, Sun December 6, Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026, 10 am to 5 pm at Louisville Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Cookie and Craft! in Lexington?
No cost listed; no registration. Cookie and Craft! is on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 3 to 4 pm at Lexington Public Library, Central Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Wonderland in Erlanger?
Free. Winter Wonderland is on Fri December 11 (6 to 8 pm) and Sat December 12 (10 am to noon), 2026 at Erlanger Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Cookies at the North Pole in Independence?
No cost listed; no registration required. Cookies at the North Pole is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 6 to 8 pm at Kenton County Public Library, Independence Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is The Day Before Christmas by The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati in Erlanger?
Free. The Day Before Christmas by The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati is on Friday, December 18, 2026, 6 to 7 pm at Erlanger Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Madcap Puppets presents The Velveteen Rabbit in Covington?
Free. Madcap Puppets presents The Velveteen Rabbit is on Sunday, December 20, 2026, 2 to 3 pm at Latonia Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Elf Academy in Erlanger?
Free, drop in. Elf Academy is on Monday, December 21, 2026, 10:30 am to 7:30 pm at Erlanger Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Kids Sing-a-long: Holiday Tunes! in Erlanger?
Free. Kids Sing-a-long: Holiday Tunes! is on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 2 to 3 pm at Erlanger Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Kentucky?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Kentucky Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
