Christmas is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to make memories with the whole family! However, for SEN children, the increased noise and crowds can be overwhelming. From Christmas crafts to train rides, SEN-friendly Christmas events provide a gentler, neuro-inclusive setting for neurodivergent children to enjoy the festivities.
Not sure what’s on offer? Here at SENsational Tutors, we’ve compiled 8 of the best SEN-friendly events going on UK-wide. It’s our Christmas present to you!
1. Relaxed pantomimes
“He’s behind you!” Pantos can be lots of fun over the holidays, but SEN children can struggle with traditional shows. Relaxed pantomimes offer a gentler alternative that removes or reduces the difficult aspects for neurodivergent children. This includes:
- Enabling families to move around and make noises (such as for stimming) as much as they need to
- Dimming lights and reducing sound effect noises for reduced stimulation
- In some cases, the production may use actors who are specially trained in performing for SEN children
- Some locations may also have sensory rooms available for low-stimulation time
London:
Royal Greenwich Heritage Trust is running a relaxed performance of Rumpelstiltskin at Charlton House and Gardens on Sunday, 14th December. The performance lasts 45 minutes, with two start times of 11:00am and 1:30pm. Tickets for adults and children cost £8 each, and the event is wheelchair accessible.
Manchester:
There’s also the option to see a relaxed performance of Robin Hood at the Opera House – Manchester on Tuesday, December 30th at 13:30pm.
2. Visit Santa’s grotto
For many children, nothing is more exciting than the opportunity to meet Santa and his elves at his wintry grotto. Sadly, these events can often be too sensory-intensive for SEN young people.
Fortunately, there are SEN-friendly alternatives on offer. These events are quieter, with a reduced number of guests.
UK-wide:
Dobbies garden centres are running Quiet Grotto events across the country. At these grottos, there’s no music and twinkling lights can be removed, if preferred. They also provide you with a photo of your grotto before the event to help young ones know what to expect. There are lots of fun activities planned this year, including ice fishing, along with the annual opportunity to meet Santa himself!
You’ll need to check the date availability at your local Dobbies. Quiet Grotto 2025 costs £14 per child.
Stretford:
The Grotto at The Trafford Centre offers “Whispering Winter Sessions” tailored to SEN children. You can book 10-minute sessions to meet with Santa, with tickets costing £27 per child (and £9.50 per adult).
3. SEN Christmas activity sessions
Christmas activity sessions can be a great way for children to have fun, get creative and learn during the festive season. But again, the sensory overstimulation at these events can spoil the fun for SEN young people. SEN Christmas sessions offer a more relaxing, calm alternative
Congleton: Run by Castaway Play, children can enjoy a variety of activities at this event, including an elf hunt and making reindeer food. Like many of the other events on this list, there’s no overstimulating music or large crowds, so neurodivergent children can participate in a way that suits them. The event runs between 16:00pm and 18:30pm on the 19th December, and you can book tickets on the Castaway Play website.
4. SEN Christmas illumination events
Illuminations can provide a soothing sensory experience, making them an ideal SEN-friendly event for Christmas. However, like other events, they can become busy and overwhelming. Fortunately, there are illumination events that are tailored to SEN families, reducing noise and crowding.
Manchester:
Enjoy colourful lights with RHS Glow at RHS Bridgewater. The SEN evening will be held on Tuesday, December 9th, with bookings available from 16:30pm to 18:15pm. Tickets range in price, with standard price tickets at £9.25 for children and £16.50 for adults. Under 5s can attend for free.
5. Christmas farm events
From meeting the gentle animals to creating reindeer food, farms can offer SEN children relaxed and inspiring Christmas experiences. They combine the opportunity to meet Santa with the fun of the farm. The natural setting can provide a more relaxed atmosphere for neurodivergent children to focus on enjoying themselves.
Lincoln:
At Rand Farm Park, children can enjoy the SEN Christmas Experience. Rather than the usual live interactive shows, they’ll be able to meet Santa’s elves in calmer rooms, enabling children to explore the event however suits them. Tickets cost £25.95 per child and £21.95 per adult.
Derby:
Bluebell Dairy Farm offers an accessible version of their Santa’s Enchanted Christmas event, with fewer attendees and reduced sensory stimulation. This event includes interacting with the reindeer, a present and a warm hot chocolate, meeting with Santa himself, and much more. SEN sessions run on 29th November and 30th November between 10:00am and 17:00pm.
Surrey:
Bocketts Farm Park provides tailored SEN Father Christmas visits, which also include Farm Entry on standard tickets. Premium tickets also include the opportunity to craft a soft toy to take home. These events feature reduced attendees, as well as no bright lighting or loud noises. Keep in mind that adults and children not attending the event will still need Farm Entry tickets. SEN Father Christmas visits will run all day on December 3rd and 9th.
6. SEN Christmas film events
There is no better time than Christmas to catch some of the latest family-friendly films at your local cinema! However, for children with SEN and autism, the cinema experience can be extremely overwhelming, noisy and unpleasant.
Cinemas across the UK are offering special screenings, such as Autism-friendly screenings, to meet the needs of children with SEN and their families. During these special screenings, the sounds and lighting are turned down.
UK-wide: Showcase Cinemas have autism-friendly screenings of A Paw Patrol Christmas available this November, including in Derby, Nottingham and Bristol.
Newcastle: Tyneside Cinema is offering a relaxed showing of The Muppet Christmas Carol at 10:00am on Sunday, December 7th.
7. SEN Christmas party
Christmas parties can be a great way to enjoy the season, but SEN children may find them overwhelming. If your young person really wants to join in, there are events tailored to neurodiversity. These parties have fewer attendees and reduced expectations for a more laid-back experience.
Bristol:
Held at the Playhub in Longwell Green between 15:00pm and 16:30pm on December 7th, this SEND Christmas party offers activities and a visit from Santa and Mrs Claus. The event is low capacity, and children will be able to engage as much or as little as they need. Tickets cost £12 per child and £2 per adult, with a small ticket service fee.
8. Santa train rides
If your children love trains, this is a great way to celebrate the festive season. Quiet and sensory-friendly Santa events at railway stations can connect Christmas with your child’s special interest.
Rushden:
At Rushden Railway Station, children can attend a sensory-friendly brunch with Santa between 14:00pm and 16:00pm on December 20th. Tickets cost £20 per child (present included) and £15 per adult. Babies can attend for free, but if you’d like them to get a present too, tickets cost £6 each.
New Romney:
The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway offers a quiet train version of their Santa Specials at 14:20pm on Saturday, 29th November and Sunday, 7th December. Christmas music will be turned down, tannoy announcements will be switched off, and Christmas lights will be constantly and not flashing. Children will be able to visit Santa at his grotto and enjoy presents and refreshments. Tickets for adults and children cost £30, and £15 for infants under one year old.
Wishing you a SENsational Christmas!
Remember: every child is different! What may be an incredible experience for some SEN children may be triggering for others. That’s especially true for SEN children who struggle with sensory challenges at Christmas.
We always advocate for a flexible, child-centred approach! When attending any event, make sure to frequently check the comfort level of your child, and remember, it’s not a failure if you have to leave an event!
Christmas can be a challenging and overstimulating time for SEN children. But, through inclusive support and adaptations, it can also be a magical time, where happy memories are made. From all of us, have a SENsational Christmas!
If you’d also like to find inclusive, accommodating SEN tutoring services, then look no further! SENsational Tutors Ltd. have a dedicated team of expert tutors helping children with special educational needs enjoy learning and reach their full potential. Take a look at our Find a Tutor page and discover your child’s perfect SEND tutor today.
