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Sensory-friendly Santa is coming to Columbus. Here’s more about the event for special needs families.

Santa Claus arrives at Peachtree Mall on Friday night and will be in center court through Dec. 24.
Santa Claus arrives at Peachtree Mall on Friday night and will be in center court through Dec. 24. Image from Peachtree Mall Facebook page

As a child, there’s no experience like visiting Santa, sitting on his lap to take a photo and sharing your Christmas wishes with him.

The joy in seeing Santa and the excitement for Christmas Day is something to cherish.

However, for some children, this experience is stressful and a bit scary.

And for special needs children, the experience is even harder.

But there’s good news.

Autism Speaks has partnered with Cherry Hill Programs again this year to create a private, safe and calm experience for special needs children interested in meeting Santa.

The event is coming to Columbus on Dec. 4 at the Peachtree Mall, but space is limited, so book now on the event’s page.

“Our work with Cherry Hill Programs has brought us one step closer to that vision in creating opportunities for every kid to be a kid, and in allowing all families to embrace the magic of the holiday season,” said Jennifer Schell Podoll, Autism Speaks senior vice president of constituent engagement.

The event is free and for any age child. The experience will also have a keepsake photo package available for purchase. Donations for Autism Speaks are welcome.

Please RSVP and book your private sensory experience on the Where Is Santa website or the event’s page.

If you or a family member has visited a sensory-friendly Santa, comment below and let us know how it went.

This story was originally published November 30, 2022 at 6:00 AM.

Chelsea Madden
The Telegraph
Chelsea is a service journalism reporter who began working for McClatchy in 2022. She was born and raised in Middle Georgia and lives in Forsyth. She attended Wesleyan College for undergrad and a few years after that, went to SCAD for an MFA in writing. Outside of work, Chelsea likes to watch Netflix, read books in the thriller genre and chase her toddler around.
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