Photos with Santa at the Carnegie Museum

One of my favorite things about the end of the year is Photos with Santa at the Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County. After the hustle and bustle of early November – finishing the Crawfordsville Schools K-12 art show, we turn around and decorate for the holidays. The museum has been hosting this event since 2011 – fourteen years! It’s become a tradition for us. This year Photos with Santa will take place on Saturday, December 6 from 2:30-4:30 pm.

It takes a team of people to bring the Christmas trees down from above the second floor foyer. We’re lucky to have Wabash interns or former interns who gather their friends and come move trees and outdoor decorations. Once the sleigh is in place, the tree decorating begins. It’s a nice time to catch up with a coworker while meditatively hanging lights and ornaments on trees.  

We’ve been planning for Photos with Santa since August. Selecting the date and booking Santa is just the beginning of our planning. Crafts and activities for the day must be selected. These must be fun but not too messy – it wouldn’t do for visitors to get their holiday finery messy before pictures are taken!

Once December 6 arrives, I’ll station myself to help families take photos with Santa. It’s a great time to get the whole family together – not just little ones who want to visit with Santa. Don’t worry, I’ll take your picture!

When you leave, don’t forget to stop by the book give away table! Age appropriate books are available courtesy of Lakeside Book Company. We have books for everyone from babies to teens!

If you can’t make it to Photos with Santa on December 6, we’ll have our photo backdrops and winter crafts available through December 20.

In 2026, our exhibit featuring New Richmond in Hoosiers: Hometown ‘Hickory’ reopens Wednesday, January 7. Can you believe it’s been 40 years since the movie “Hoosiers” debuted? Our event Carnegie Colors with the Golden Girls will return January 23, 2026 from 7-9 pm. Then & Now: Centennial Farms and Heritage Barns opens March 7, 2026. Looking for activities for the kids? Check out our website or social media for details on our Craft of the Month and other fun activities to keep the cold away.

The Carnegie Museum is open Wednesday – Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.