Sensory Santa Info

We have added availability on special nights for children with sensory needs to visit Santa Claus in an environment more suited to the sensitivity of their surroundings. While sensory needs children are welcome to visit on anyday we are open, these select evenings are designed specifically with their sensitivity and comfort in mind. These evenings are by appointment only and are NOT available to children who are not categorized for sensory needs. Please review the following info and you will find scheduling info toward the bottom of this page. Appointments will be for 15 minutes each on select Tuesday evenings. Availability is limited and we can put you on a wait list if we book up.

What is a Sensory Santa?

A Sensory Santa, also known as "Sensory-Friendly Santa," is a Santa Claus special visit that provides a quiet, welcoming, and sensory-inclusive environment for children with autism or other sensory processing disorders to visit Santa.

We modify the environments to avoid excessive loud noises, eliminating bright camera flashes, long lines, and the need to navigate through crowded spaces. We incorporate soft ambient lighting with low volume background music (we can even turn off by request) allowing children to have a comfortable and positive Santa experience where they can be themselves and feel included. Overall the visit will be in a calm, quiet, less overwhelming setting compared to typical busy Santa visits. Our intention is to eliminate any potentially stressful experiences.

Santa and our understanding staff are trained to interact patiently and allow the child to approach at their own pace. We focus on Inclusion, with our goal being to ensure that children with different needs don't feel excluded from enjoying the holiday tradition of meeting Santa.

Children may bring items like noise-reduction headphones, weighted blankets, fidget toys, or cuddle buddies to help them feel more comfortable. Accommodating sensory needs creates a space where children who are sensitive to overwhelming sensory input can participate without distress. It allows children with sensory needs to experience the magic of Christmas in a way that works for them, fostering a sense of acceptance and belonging.

ALL TIMES HAVE BEEN BOOKED.
We are completely amazed how fast these Sensory Santa time slots filled up. Thank you everyone!
If you didn't get in, we invite you to get on our wait list and we will contact you as time slots become available. Please include Sensory Santa Wait List in your message: Contact Us