747 Sensory-Friendly 'Santa Cares' Events Happening Across the Country This Season

This year, Autism Speaks and Cherry Hill Programs have partnered to offer 747 sensory-friendly “Santa Cares” events across the country where kids with autism and other sensory-related special needs can enjoy meeting Santa and getting into the holiday spirit. Santa Cares events will be held on Nov. 24, Dec. 1, and Dec. 8, and will feature dimmed lights, lowered music, and early event times so kids can share their Christmas wishes with Santa before other shoppers arrive. 581 shopping destinations will host Santa Cares events. And the most important adaptive feature? Santa himself.

“Most of all, Santa remains flexible, standing behind his chair or kneeling beside a wheelchair to capture unforgettable moments and smiles on camera,” said Ruth Rosenquist, marketing and PR director for Cherry Hill Programs. “We are grateful for our compassionate mall clients that open their doors early to provide the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa in a more subdued setting.”