The Christmas season can be an exciting time of year! But for some, the sights and sounds that come with the holiday rush can be a bit overwhelming.
To make the magic of visiting Santa accessible to all, Cherry Hill Programs is proud to partner with Autism Speaks to host Santa Cares events at hundreds of locations throughout North America.
Santa Cares events provide an inclusive, sensory-friendly environment for children and families to visit with Santa outside of normal venue hours. These events reduce sensory triggers by limiting the number of guests to reduce crowds and wait times, as well as ensuring that the lighting and music are at reduced and comfortable levels.
Santa Cares is not only a favorite annual tradition for so many families who visit Santa, but also for Santa himself and all his helpers! We are so grateful to be a part of everyone’s Christmas celebrations, and for the kind words of these families who attended Santa Cares events in 2023!
"Everyone was really nice and friendly. It made the photo shoot really easy for my daughter who has autism." – Ashley, Desert Sky Mall
"They all work so well at making it a calm, fun experience." – Tracy, Orange Park Mall
"Santa was so friendly and adapted to my daughter behaviors making everything perfect!" – Alexis, Inland Center
"The elves were so friendly and accommodating. Santa was so sweet and welcoming. They did a great job making our son feel comfortable. " – Heather, Lynnhaven Mall
"The caring way everyone treated the children and the parents. Santa was great and so was the staff at checkin and check out! " – Cynthia, Shops at Willow Bend
"As always, we LOVED Santa and the wonderful woman that took our photos! They remembered us from last year and all the other years before. Santa even showed our boy his reindeer photos and talked with him, said how big he has gotten and how much more talkative he is compared to last year. " – Megann, Oxford Valley Mall
"The ladies helping us take the photos were kind and patient with our 3 year old daughter!" – Meghan, Dadeland Mall
Santa Cares events also allow you to share in the Magic of Giving and show your support for Autism Speaks. Cherry Hill Programs is proud to collect donations on their behalf at participating locations and at whereissanta.com. Thanks to you, Cherry Hill Programs has raised over $1.5 M in support of Autism Speaks.
Santa Cares events are offered as Caring Santa® at Simon mall locations, and as SENSITIVE SANTA™ at Washington Prime Group mall locations.
