The holiday season is full of festive shows and events for families, but for children with sensory processing disorders and autism, the holiday festivities can get overwhelming. To make the season more accessible for all, many theaters and malls are providing welcoming environments for individuals with special needs. Here is a roundup of sensory-friendly holiday shows and Santa visits happening around Denver.
Sensitive Santa
Children with special needs can visit Santa in a subdued, sensory-friendly environment before mall hours. Photo packages are available. RSVP for a time slot online.
Date: December 4
Time: 8–10:45 a.m.
Location: Town Center at Aurora, 14200 E. Alameda Ave., Aurora
Cost: Photo package prices vary
Website: towncenterataurora.com
Sensory-Friendly Santa Experience
Children with sensory processing disorders and autism can enjoy sensory-friendly visits with Santa before mall hours. Photo packages are available. RSVP by December 9; call Morgan at 303-981-2809.
Date: December 10
Time: 8–10:30 a.m.
Location: Southlands Shopping Center, 6155 S. Main St., Aurora
Cost: Photo package prices vary
Website: shopsouthlands.com
Santa Visits at the Autism Community Store
Enjoy visits with Santa in a non-judgmental environment with no rush and no lines. Pictures are free of charge.
Date: December 11
Time: Noon–3 p.m.
Location: Autism Community Store, 7800 E. Iliff Ave., Unit J, Denver
Cost: free
Website: autismcommunitystore.com
Sensory-Friendly Performance of Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol
Experience Phamaly Theater Company’s production of Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol in a sensory-friendly environment. Celebrate a classic story, visit with Santa, and sing carols.
Date: December 15
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: King Center, Eugenia Rawls Courtyard Theatre, 855 Lawrence Way, Denver
Cost: $15
Website: ahec.interticket.com
A Sensory-Friendly Nutcracker
Enjoy a special version of the traditional favorite for individuals with sensory needs. Sound levels will be adjusted, house lights left up, and attendees can stand up and walk around as needed.
Date: December 16
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Performing Arts Complex at Pinnacle Charter School, 1001 W. 84th Ave., Denver
Cost: $10, free for guest of honor
Website: ccdance.org
Sensory-Friendly Screening of The Nutcracker
Watch a sensory-friendly cinema screening of The Nutcracker on a movie screen presented by Russia’s Bolshoi Ballet. The lights will be raised, audio lowered, and audience members can stand up, dance, and move around as they please.
Date: December 19
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: AMC Southlands 16, 23955 E. Plaza Ave., Aurora
Cost: $10
Website: fathomevents.com
