Here are some opportunities for naughty, nice, and four-legged friends alike to visit with Santa and get photos taken in Lawrence this year.
Are we missing an event? Find our contact info at the bottom of this article to let us know!
Of course Santa is everywhere, but only Lawrence has San-Dee Claus, who bears a striking resemblance to Demetrius “Dee” Kemp.
“Santa is magic so he can be any color he wants to be,” San-Dee Claus recently wrote in a Facebook post.
Hosted by the Lawrence Police Department’s charity, the “Deck the halls with Blue Santa” event will include a Christmas tree and gift giveaway, hot chocolate, treats and a visit from San-Dee Claus. The event is set for noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1 at Flory Meeting Hall at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2110 Harper St., and San-Dee Claus said he’ll be there from 1 to 4 p.m.
San-Dee Claus will be present for the morning shift at the Holiday Farmers Market. That’s set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Open Pavilion at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, and San-Dee Claus will be there from 9 a.m. to noon.
He’ll also visit the Snowed Inn popup at Lucia, at 1016 Massachusetts St., from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21.
More free events with Santa
• 23rd Street Brewery — Santa will stop by the restaurant, 3512 Clinton Parkway, for photos at the following times: 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24; 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1; and from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 15.
There will be special appearances by the Grinch, elves and princesses, as well, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday through the holiday season.
• Weaver’s — In the days and weeks following his annual rescue from the building’s rooftop, the jolly one will visit Weaver’s, 901 Massachusetts St., on several occasions.
He’ll be there from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 30; 12:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14 and 15, as well as Saturday, Dec. 21; from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22; and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24.
• Oread Hotel — Grab photos and hot cocoa with Santa from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 at the hotel, 1200 Oread Ave. near KU’s campus.
• The Eldridge — Santa will stop by the Eldridge Hotel, 701 Massachusetts St., from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12.
• Central Bank — Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at Central Bank, 3101 Iowa St., from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Folks can also decorate cookies and enjoy some hot cocoa.
Santa photos for a cause
Santa, ever the philanthropist, is also coming from the north pole to do some fundraising for Lawrence organizations.
• Pet photos with Santa: Santa will return for the Lawrence Humane Society’s popular fundraiser, set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1 at the humane society, 1805 E. 19th St. in Lawrence.
Donations will be accepted via cash, card or Venmo, and the events are first-come, first-served.
• Cookies with Santa: Grab a sweet treat with Santa in support of the O’Connell Children’s Shelter. The organization suggests a $5 donation for adults and kids ages 3 and up, or $20 for a family of four or more.
Snack time is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 2 and 3 at Maceli’s Banquet Hall, 1031 New Hampshire St., as part of the Lawrence Festival of Trees.
• Breakfast with Santa: Santa will be at Maceli’s from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 30 to eat breakfast with ticketed guests, and $5 from every meal purchased will support the O’Connell Children’s Shelter. Find more info and tickets at this link.
There will be another breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; tickets are available at this link.
What are we missing?
We made a list and checked it twice, but please let us know if there’s another event that we should include here.
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