Santa Events for Kids with Special Needs

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 so sign up as soon as you can.

Santa’s Naperville Workshop Special Needs Night

Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 2022

• Address: Riverwalk Cafe, 441 Aurora Ave., Naperville
• Cost: $10-15 per family

Kids and family members can enjoy a fun visit with Santa inside his magical Naperville workshop. Reservations are required; walk-ups will not be accommodated. One family at a time will be inside to experience a brief, socially distanced conversation with Santa. Families are welcome to take their own photos/videos.

Holiday Express – Special Needs Night 

Dec. 2, 2022

• Address: Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora
• Cost: $8

Enjoy all the fun of Holiday Express in a low-sensory environment at Blackberry Farm. Pre-registration is required.

Caring Santa

Dec. 4, 11, 2022

• Address: Woodfield Mall, 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg
• Cost: Free, photo prices vary

Kids with special needs, particularly with those with autism, can enjoy meeting a Caring Santa at Woodfield Mall. Advance registration required for private photo experience.

Santa Cares Day

Dec. 4, 2022

• Address: Northbrook Court, 1515 Lake Cook Road, Northbrook
• Cost: Free, photos extra

Kids with special needs can visit and take photos with Santa. Registrations are required.

Santa Cares Day

Dec. 4, 2022

• Address: Oakbrook Center, 100 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook
• Cost: Free, photos extra

Kids with special needs can visit and take photos with Santa. Registrations are required.

Sensory-Friendly Holiday Party with Santa and the Special Needs Mom Squad

Dec. 4, 2022

• Address: Mistwood Golf Club, 1700 W. Renwick Road, Romeoville
• Cost: $25/adult, $15/child, free/ages 2 and under

All abilities are welcome to enjoy a lunch buffet, sensory activities and take pictures with Santa in their private room.

Sensory-Friendly Santa Experience

Dec. 4, 2022

• Address: Fashion Outlets of Chicago, 5220 Fashion Outlets Way, Rosemont
• Cost: Free/visit with Santa; Photo packages vary

Fashion Outlets of Chicago invites children with special needs and their families to enjoy a Sensory-Friendly Santa Experience.

Sensory Santa

Dec. 4, 2022

• Address: Hawthorn Mall, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills
• Cost: Free, photo prices vary

This sensory-friendly Santa event is for children and families with autism and special needs. Reservations required.

All is Calm 

Dec. 13, 2022

• Address: Indiana Welcome Center, 7770 Corinne Drive, Hammond, Indiana
• Cost: Free

Enjoy a sensory-friendly exhibit and visits with Santa. This event is only for children and adults with special needs. Includes one photo and additional prints can be purchased.

Rockin The Spectrum’s Christmas Party

Dec. 17, 2022

• Address: 230 W. Plymouth, Villa Park
• Cost: $5 donation, larger donations are appreciated

Enjoy dinner and time with other families while playing games. Santa will make an appearance. Mommy’s Creative World be there, with cotton candy and facepainting extra.