Many families have a holiday tradition that includes taking their children to visit Santa. Children who have special needs may find the chaotic situation that surrounds Santa to be more than they can tolerate. Parents can take their child to see a Sensory Friendly Santa instead. Here is an updated list places that will be having a Sensory Friendly Santa or a Caring Santa event this year.
From November 17, 2012, through December 9, 2012, Legends Outlets and Jordan Photography, which are located in Kansas City, Kansas, will hold several Sensory Friendly Santa Experience. Kids can visit Santa in a safe and calm environment. Parents need to make an appointment for their child to visit Santa. This can be done through the Jordan Photography website.
On December 2, 2012, the North Lake Mall, which is located in Atlanta, Georgia, will have a Caring Santa event. It will start at 9:00 in the morning and last through 11:00 in the afternoon, (before the mall is open).
On December 2, 2012, the Shadow Lake Towne Center, which is located in Papillion, Nebraska, will have a Sensory Santa Private Photo Event. It will start at 8:30 in the morning and will end at 12:30. Pre-registration is required. Your child will get a free picture CD capturing his or her time with Santa.
On December 2, 2012, the Sarasota Square Mall, which is located in Sarasota, Florida, will have a Sensory Friendly Santa event. It is free. There will be lower lighting, quieter surroundings, and soft music. Kids can play while they wait and will not have to stand in line. Children will receive a Holiday Treat Bag. Parents can purchase a photo of their child with Santa. The event will take place from 8:00 in the morning through 10:00 in the morning.
On December 8, and December 9, 2012, the Chester H. Ferguson Law Center, which is located in Tampa, Florida, will have Sensory Friendly Santa Events. The event includes natural lighting, low noise, and appointed blocks of time (to minimize waiting times). Free photos with Santa will be available and each child gets a toy. Please register if you wish to attend.
This brings you up to date on all of the upcoming Sensory Friendly Santa events that I am aware of. It is really easy to miss the announcements of these events because they are scattered across the internet. I will keep you posted on more Sensory Santa or Caring Santa events as I find them.
Image by Steven Depolo on Flickr