Every child looks forward to whispering their special wishes in the jolly old elf’s ear this time of year, but many of Santa’s appearances can be noisy, crowded and include really long waits in line. So, we rounded up a few great places with special Santas eager to hear those wishes just from kids with special needs and their families. But these events are always popular and spots fill up quickly.
Special Needs Holiday Celebration
When: Aurora
Where: Dec. 23
The annual Autism Family Foundation’s celebration includes a visit with Santa and craft making. Free but advance registration required by Nov. 30.
Mall Santa
Santa has reserved special dates and times just for families with special needs at area malls. The spots are already nearly gone so sign up quickly.
- 8-10 a.m. Dec. 2 and 8-10 a.m. Dec. 9, Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg
- 8-9:30 a.m. Dec. 2, Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills
- 7:30-9:30 a.m. Dec. 9, Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard
- 9:30-11 a.m. Dec. 2 and 9:30-11 a.m. Dec. 9, Fox Valley Mall, Aurora
- 9-11 a.m. Dec. 2, Gurnee Mills Mall, 6170 Grand Ave., Gurnee
- 8:30-10 Dec. 2, Orland Square Mall, Orland Park
- 9-11 a.m. Dec. 9, Lincolnwood Town Center, Lincolnwood
- 8-9 a.m. Dec. 9, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dec. 17 (Signing Santa) Chicago Ridge Mall, Chicago Ridge
- 8:30-10:30 a.m. Dec. 2 and 8:30-10:30 a.m. Dec. 9, Arboretum of South Barrington, South Barrington
- 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 9, Spring Hill Mall, West Dundee
