Collected by Ericka Frye and Lizz Carson
Sensory-Friendly Santa/St. Nickolaus meetings
Sensory Tool House, Lacy Washington Sensory Santa- Various dates and times throughout December, see events page to book.
Book a 15-minute sensory-friendly and accessible meet and greet with Santa and his helpers. Accommodations can be arranged in advance and Santa and his helpers are open to special instruction for each child. One 15-minute session is $45 for a family group and each session includes:
- One photo print
- Digital copies of any images taken. We will take many photos as you play and/or interact with Santa.
- Cookies, cider and hot cocoa are provided.
- Coffee for the adults the children bring.
- Children will receive a small gift from Santa.
- Coupon to support your holiday shopping.
Santa Cares Events- various locations statewide, mostly on December 8, 2024 (See below for booking links)
December 8, 2024 Columbia Center Mall, 1321 N Columbia Center, Kennewick, WA 99336
December 8, 2024, Tacoma Mall, 4502 S Steele St, Tacoma, WA 98409
December 8, 2024, The Outlet Collection Seattle, 1101 Outlet Collection Way, Auburn, WA 98001
December 8, 2024, Vancouver Mall, 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Drive, Vancouver, WA 98662
December 8, 2024, Westfield Southcenter, 2800 Southcenter Mall, Tukwila, WA 98188
Sesory Santa at The Old Cannery- Saturday & Sunday December 14-15 and Saturday December 21, 2024- 13608 Cannery Way, Sumner, WA 98390
CanDo Initiative Special Santa- Saturday December 14, 2024- In-Person Event: 7910 NE 132nd Street, Kirkland, WA 98034. At-Home visits from Santa are also available. Both options are booking quickly, but there is still some availability. This is a free event with multiple activities at Santa’s workshop and a private visit with Santa. Families that book a live event with Santa will receive a free professional photo. Families that book an at-home visit from Santa will receive a 10-minute visit with Santa that can include pictures and a craft box for your child,
Seattle Christmas Market Pictures with St. Nikolaus- The Seattle Christmas Market is a European-style Christmas market located in Seattle Center. Every day during the event St. Nikolaus will dawn his traditional blue suit and sit for pictures and meet-and-greets for children of all ages. Seattle Christmas Market provides sensory kits that are available upon request at the front gates.
Visit Diving Santa at the Seattle Aquarium- The Seattle Aquarium will host their diving Santa on Saturdays and Sundays November 30-December 22 from 11:30am-2:30pm. Nothing says “sea-son’s greetings” like a selfie with Santa! Take a picture together while Santa is underwater and you stay warm and dry. Snap yourself a merry little selfie or have one of our volunteers help take a family photo using your device. The Aquarium offers sensory-inclusive kits at their front desk available for any guests to check out, year-round.
Light Events
Enchant Holiday Light Maze, Sensory Friendly Early Arrival- December 3, 2024, 530-730pm: During this time the Enchant Holiday Light Maze will be lowering the volume and capacity so that families can enjoy the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze in a more relaxed setting.
Metro Parks Tacoma Sensory Friendly Winter Hangout- December 21, 2024, 10am-1pm, STAR Center - (Ages 6-14) Offering wintery crafts, snacks, and activities to get you into the holiday spirit, Metro Parks in Tacoma will be playing games, using imaginations, and exploring different activities in a sensory sensitive and highly supported environment.
Spokane Nordics Winterfest- January 19, 2025 - Test equipment and learn about the adaptive program. Partake in a blind ski simulation to learn how a blind skier navigates over snow.
Woodland Park Zoo Low Sensory Nights - December 11, 2024 and January 9, 2025 at 6:30 pm; WildLanterns will feature special low sensory experiences to provide a comfortable holiday adventure for everyone. This inclusive program, designed to cater to individuals and families of all abilities and requirements, will offer a warm and festive atmosphere amidst the captivating beauty of the holiday season and is welcome to all!
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Zoolights Festival- Running November 29-January 5, tickets can be purchased online. While the event does not have specific sensory-friendly hours, the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium has published a sensory-inclusive guide to attending Zoolights for parents and caregivers to use to prepare their loved ones for the experience.
The Lights of Christmas Drive-Thru Christmas Wonderland, Stanwood, WA- Select nights November 29-December 29, 2024- Drive through this Christmas lights display at your own pace with your family! Along the way two activity stops are included, but not mandatory. Purchase Tickets online prior to attendance and cars can include up to 12 passengers for $40.
Performances and Events for the whole family
A Christmas Carol sensory friendly performances @ ACT- Reserved seating. Tickets are $69-$105, depending on seat location and date. Limited discount offers (view info here), and half-price rush tickets when available.A Seattle holiday tradition returns for its 49th year! Gather with your family and friends for Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of hope and redemption. On a haunting Christmas Eve, the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is spirited away by three ghosts for a transformative journey through his past, present, and future. Experience this magical story — for the first time or 49th time — with your loved ones this holiday season at ACT Contemporary Theatre.
The Nutcracker - December 19, 2024, 2pm - This performance will feature a supportive and welcoming environment so children and adults affected by autism or with other sensory needs can enjoy the shared experience of live ballet with their friends and family. Modified lighting and sound levels, fidgets, entry/exit privileges, trained staff, allowance of devices, and a quiet room will be offered at this matinee.
The Bavarian Town of Leavenworth- This town celebrates a traditional Bavarian Christmas in every way. You can attend one of the various activities throughout the month of December or plan fora family-trip in January to avoid the crowds. While not every event has sensory-friendly options, there are many to choose from and many events that can be done with your family in a festive atmosphere.
Port Angeles Fine Arts Center Winter Celebration- Throughout the month of December the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center is hosting several events focused on holiday themes. They encourage families with sensory-related needs to join at their own pace and check out their self-guided programs throughout the year for fun activities that can be made to work for everybody.
Did we miss your family’s favorite holiday event in Washington State? Let us know at engage@washingtonautismadvocacy.org!