With Christmas coming up soon, it’s important that every child, no matter their abilities, gets to enjoy the magic of the season. More sensory-friendly events are happening around the city to meet this growing need, making the joy of Christmas more accessible for everyone. If your child would benefit from some extra support during holiday activities, our guide to Sensory-Friendly Holiday Events is here to help. Each event is planned with comfort and inclusivity in mind. Because these events typically have limited capacity, we do recommend checking the event website and booking your spot in advance to ensure you don’t miss out.
Sensory-Friendly Holiday Events
November 28 | Kick off the Christmas season with this family fun event that includes rides on the Polar Express mini train, sleigh rides, street hockey, a petting zoo, craft stations, food trucks, and the chance to meet surprise guests, including Santa! They will be offering an Inclusion Experience, with calming zones and noise and light-dampening devices to use during your experience so that kids of all abilities have a safe space to meet Santa and partake in the festivities. Register in advance for the Inclusion Experience here.
Sensitive Santa at Kingsway Mall
November 30 | Kingsway Mall is offering multiple Sensitive Santa events this season. These sessions help make meeting Santa easier for people with sensory sensitivities and disabilities. Photo sessions take place before and after regular mall hours on select days, by appointment only. Book your session here.
Enchanted Illumination Sensory Hour at Southgate Centre
December 1, 8, 15, & 22 | Enjoy the Sensory Hour at Enchanted Illumination every Monday before Christmas from 10 am to 11 am for those who may appreciate a quieter environment to enjoy the FREE magical holiday displays.
Light Up for Inclusion at Leduc Grain Elevator
December 3 | Celebrate diversity with an accessible light-up ceremony at Light Up for Inclusion at the Leduc Grain Elevator in honour of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This event includes wheelchair-accessible Santa photos, gentle wash-lit projections on the grain elevator and interpretive centre (no flashing lights), and a chance to meet local disability service providers and learn more about accessibility programs in the community. There will be live music, so if you or your children are sensitive to loud sounds, please consider bringing headphones.
Sensory-Friendly Santa at St. Albert Centre
December 6 | Plan for a quiet and relaxed visit with Santa during sensory-friendly hours. These spots can be reserved in advance here.
Sensitive Santa at We Rock the Spectrum
December 7 | Meet Sensitive Santa in a sensory-friendly environment at We Rock the Spectrum! If your child has difficulties with a typical Santa photo scenario, let the amazing team at WRTS assist you in getting that holiday family photo without the overwhelm. While you’re there, take advantage of some regulating gym play! Book your session here.
Sensory-Friendly Santa at Mill Woods Town Centre
December 7 | To ensure a fun and magical visit for all the good children on his list, Santa is proud to offer a sensory-friendly experience. Please book your experience here before you go.
Santa Cares at Sherwood Park Mall
December 7 | Experience the joy of meeting Santa in a sensory-friendly setting, thoughtfully designed for children who benefit from extra support to enjoy the holiday magic. Gentle lighting and quieter surroundings create a welcoming space where every child can feel more comfortable.
Glow Without Limits
December 13 | This inclusive holiday event is designed to be more accessible for people with sensory sensitivities or disabilities. You can expect dimmed lighting, less noise, smaller crowds, and calming zones. Tickets are limited, so booking ahead is recommended. Purchase your tickets here.
Sensitive Santa at Kingsway Mall
December 14 & 21 | Kingsway Mall is offering multiple Sensitive Santa events this season. These sessions help make meeting Santa easier for people with sensory sensitivities and disabilities. Photo sessions take place before and after regular mall hours on select days, by appointment only. Book your session here.
Polar Express IMAX Experience
December 19 & 20 | The TELUS World of Science in Edmonton is bringing back The Polar Express IMAX Experience and is offering sensory-friendly screenings! The sensory experience is shown in 2D, with dimmed lighting rather than the typical dark theatre environment and a quieter volume. Viewers are encouraged to bring assistive devices and their own personal food items. There will also be special family deals on snacks and drinks! Book tickets here.
