Sensory Friendly Holiday Visit with Santa Claus

At this sensory-friendly event, we’ve designed activities with thoughtful supports to ensure every family feels comfortable and engaged. After meeting Santa, children will have the opportunity to write letters and create a festive craft, with visual supports and step-by-step instructions to guide them. The space will feature adjusted lighting and calming music to reduce sensory overload. Noise-cancelling headphones will be available. Feel free to bring any tools that may help your child enjoy this special experience – our Santa has a deep passion, years of experience, and extensive training around supporting families through these experiences.

Although this event is free of charge, registration is required. We have crafted time slots in 15-minute increments to manage both traffic flow and sensory stimulation by ensuring that families have a designated time to enjoy the activities without overwhelming the space. This structured scheduling reduces the number of people in the area at once, creating a quieter, more controlled environment. By limiting the number of participants per time slot with Santa, we can maintain a calmer atmosphere, minimizing sensory overload and allowing each family to enjoy the experience individually. 

After your time with Santa, you are welcome to stay and socialize, create a craft, and write letters. Perhaps you’ll even check out the inclusive playscape at the Arboretum, complete with a communication board!

Families are welcome to take their own pictures with Santa during this event, allowing for a relaxed and personalized experience. By taking your own photos, you can capture special memories at your own pace, without the pressure of professional photo sessions or long waits. Whether it’s a quiet moment with Santa or a joyful family portrait, this opportunity gives you the flexibility to make the experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. We encourage families to bring their cameras or smartphones to snap photos that will last a lifetime!

Learn much more and register by clicking the link below:
Santa at the Arboretum

Registration is through the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperation: Here is contact info and a note from them:

We’re here to help make your experience as joyful and comfortable as possible! If you have any questions about our Sensory Friendly Santa event, need assistance with accommodations, or want to learn more about the event details, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is happy to assist you!

Phone:  218.454.9264
Email:  pbecsensoryfriendlyevents@gmail.com
Event Location: Northland Arboretum; Baxter, Minnesota

This event is made possible through a partnership between Northland Arboretum and the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative and through donations from Language Link, LLC and Kim & Dave Paschke in memory of Pat Schweisthal.