If you can’t believe it’s “that” time of year, we hear you loud and clear! Despite the calendar shock some of us are experiencing, we still wanted to be sure to deliver a full list of opportunities to embrace everything that speaks to an inclusive, warm, and joyful holiday season. We’ve gathered some of the usual suspects and recurring events for those who appreciate consistency and building connections, as well as some wonderful opportunities to capture the spirit of the season.
With multiple chances to see Santa and celebrate the holidays in an environment where differences are embraced and welcomed, your family will be able to choose which event works best for your individual needs. Whether you’re looking for festive photo opportunities, activities to keep the kiddos busy, or even a special guest appearance of a beloved therapy dog, there’s something for everyone!
This list is created in partnership with Tendercare Home Health. For over 30 years, Tendercare has been helping medically complex children and their families thrive at home. Whether through paying family members to deliver care or connecting children with experienced pediatric nurses, Tendercare strives to enrich children’s lives at home in every way.
December Events for Children with Special Needs
Sensory-friendly Evening of Christmas at the Zoo
Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W Washington St., Indianapolis
Wednesday, Dec 3 & 17, 5-9 pm
Expect a delightful holiday twist on an otherwise low-sensory experience. Come enjoy the magic of the cheerful lights, delight in seeing the animals, and enjoy the ambiance, complete with accommodations made to lessen noises, smells, and lighting. Throughout Christmas at the Zoo, some lighting and sound options may remain at normal levels for the safety of patrons and staff in attendance.
Sensory Snowday
Damar Village Center, 6054 Remarkable Way, Indianapolis
Saturday, Dec 6, 9 am-12 pm
Picture this: a snow sensory experience, the smell of holiday sweets lingering in the air, kiddos proudly donning fresh face paint, and the excitement of holiday-themed arts and crafts, complete with viewings of Frosty the Snowman playing familiarly in the background. Aspen, the therapy dog, will also be available for visits in a private room to accommodate friends with allergies. Multiple calm-down spaces will be available throughout the event, each with a sensory-friendly atmosphere and comfortable seating for anyone who may need extra support or a break during festivities. Calm hours will be featured between 9 and 11, and more festive hours will be expected from 11 to 12. Registration is preferred to attend this FREE event.
Sensory Santa
Bierman Autism Centers, 5250 East US Highway 36, #Ste 630, Avon
Saturday, Dec 6, 10 am-12 pm
If seeing Santa, partaking in treats, and holiday magic are on your radar, this sensory-sensitive event is definitely made for you and yours. A calming, festive atmosphere will make for a great opportunity to take photos with Santa, as well as enjoy all available games and activities! This is a free and annual event, thoughtfully put on for those in the community who may have needs that make busy, chaotic mall Santa trips too overwhelming. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy all the reindeer games, designed specifically to accommodate those from 2-9 years old on the autism spectrum. A quiet corner will be available to add a comforting touch to the event, to use as needed. RSVP to this event in advance to ensure proper accommodations are made for all who wish to partake in the holiday magic!
Holiday Bazaar
Indiana School for the Deaf, KRC, 1200 E 42nd St, Indianapolis
Saturday, Dec 6, 10 am-4 pm
Shop local, handmade items to add a special touch to your holiday gift giving this year. Food and festive crafts will help bring a festive feel to this event, with a deaf Santa available to add to the warmth and inclusion of the event. Make it a great day out with friends and family!
Sensory Friendly Public Performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis
Saturday, Dec 6, 2 pm
For this special performance of A Christmas Carol, sensory-sensitive accommodations are made to lights and sounds, and a full write-up is available online providing further information about what to expect for the experience. This includes notes on which moments in particular may be triggering. You can rest assured that you and your crew will feel both excited and prepared in this welcoming, inclusive environment. Discounted access passes, vision and hearing accommodations, and other potential needs are also anticipated and planned for ahead of time. Be sure to check all available details on Indiana Repertory Theatre’s website for your unique circumstances for an exceptionally comfortable visit.
Annual Holiday Dance and Desserts
COhatch Polk Stables, 1533 Lewis St, Indianapolis
Saturday, Dec 6, 5-7 pm
Hosted by Down Syndrome Indiana, this event promises that a holly jolly time will be had by all. With an opportunity to meet Santa, craft a holiday masterpiece, or dance the night away with a belly full of treats, your family’s unique needs are sure to be met, and fun is sure to be had. Be sure to RSVP in advance to secure your spot and make meaningful connections.
Sensory-Friendly Mornings
Eiteljorg Museum, 500 West Washington Street, Indianapolis
Sunday, Dec 14, 10 am-12 pm
It’s that time of year! Time to experience the magic of the Jingle Rails exhibit — the sensory-friendly way. Expect lowered noise levels as well as reduced crowds through limited registration availability. The museum is open until 5:00, though typical sound and light levels will return after 12 pm.
Photos with Santa
Sunpetal Pediatric Therapy, 9505 Delegates Row, Indianapolis
Thursday, Dec 18, 5-7 pm
A sensory-friendly Santa experience with light refreshments and holiday activities for the whole family! A free digital photo will be provided to commemorate your little one’s visit with the jolliest guy himself.
Recurring Events
All Ages Adaptive Dance Class
Hancock Wellness Center, 8535 N Clearview Drive, McCordsville
Thursday, Dec 4, 5-6 pm
While you do not have to be a resident of Hancock County to attend, registration is required to dance your heart out at this FREE, all-ages event. Siblings are also welcome to join in on the fun, though supervision is required for all children under 18.
First Fridays
ArtMix, 1505 N Delaware St, Indianapolis
Friday (1st Friday of every month), Dec 5, 6-9 pm
While this event is not exclusively a special needs experience, the ArtMix embraces the sensory-different and special needs community with a warm welcome. At First Fridays, artists and their masterpieces will be on full display, with pieces available for sale so you can take a part of the experience home with you! This event is free and open to the public. Talent and fun await!
Sensory Friendly Play
Urban Air Adventure Park, 14450 Mundy Drive, Noblesville
Sunday (1st Sunday of every month), Dec 7, 9-11 am
This event at Urban Air is an excellent opportunity to let your kiddos get some wiggles out, with less overall sensory input. While the sounds of fun might be heard throughout the park, other noises are reduced, and flashing lights are eliminated for a more comfortable and inviting experience. This event is intentionally planned to be welcoming for children with autism who thrive with these additional supports, so they can let their hair down in a setting designed just for them. See the Urban Air website for information on fees and additional details.
Sensory Friendly Afternoons
Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St, Indianapolis
Sunday, Dec 7, 3-5 pm
If your family enjoys sensory-friendly time at the Indiana State Museum, you’ll really enjoy the added holiday magic of visiting Santa in Celebration Crossing with December’s upcoming adaptive day. Come for an inviting and inclusive experience for those with sensory processing differences. Lights will be lowered, and sensory stations will be placed throughout the museum to create a calming atmosphere. Sensory bags are also available to patrons for added comfort. Please be sure to check the Indiana State Museum website for additional admission details.
Museum My Way
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis
Tuesday, Dec 9, 4 pm
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis has created a special experience for all ages and abilities that will leave the whole family feeling in the spirit of the season. Enjoy the much-anticipated WinterFaire exhibit, as well as others such as Take me there: Peru and American POP. Made to be an adaptive and easier overall experience, there will be lowered lighting, quiet comfort zones, and accommodations for different tactile and movement needs. This is such a great opportunity to visit with Santa in a sensory-sensitive environment, with all abilities receiving a warm welcome. Availability for this event is limited, and registration is required.
The Arc of Hancock County Game Night
DDSi, 5999 W Memory Ln Ste C, Greenfield
Tuesday (2nd Tuesday of every month), Dec 9, 2-4 pm
Do you have an older kiddo who would thrive joining an inclusive afternoon with game-loving peers? Siblings are not only invited, but encouraged to attend this monthly meet-up, which provides a safe and welcoming space for those with disabilities aged 15-25 years old. Attendees can expect a mix of card and board games, as well as light snacks and drinks. To ensure plenty of refreshments for all, registration is required before attending.
Bilingual Storytime, with ASL
College Avenue Library Branch, 4180 N College Ave, Indianapolis
Saturday, Dec 13, 10:30-11 am
An inclusive event for Deaf and hearing kiddos alike! This program at the Indianapolis Public Library includes a story, songs, and an interactive ASL opportunity. Great for babies, school-aged children, and their families to attend and learn through immersion.
Parent Events and Resources
Family Support Waiver Workshop
Virtual Event
Monday, Dec 1, 7 pm
Registration is required for this informative opportunity to learn more about Indiana’s Family Support Waiver, hosted by the Autism Society of Indiana.
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