Sensitive Santa Experience
Visitors can experience a private, one-on-one visit and photo opportunity with Santa inside a modestly decorated setting without bright lights or loud noises. Outside the indoor Santa area, families can enjoy crafts, games, snacks, giveaways, and a Santa letter drop-off. Guests can also browse handmade goods, artwork, apparel, and baked goods at a neurodiverse Christmas vendor market.
What to Expect
Sensory-friendly private Santa visits, activities, and a neurodiverse vendor market.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Autism Society of Greater Phoenix
Food & Drink
Snacks are mentioned, and market vendors may offer baked treats.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
People with autism or other sensory challenges and their families
Vibe
Inclusive and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $5 registration fee to guarantee a visit with Santa; walk-ins may enjoy the event and activities, but a Santa visit is not guaranteed without advance registration. No other attendee ticket price is stated. – Get tickets
- Hours: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM; closed 12–1 PM for lunch; ASL interpreter available 10 AM–noon.
- Parking: Bullard Avenue will be closed between Paradise and Tierra Buena lanes, and the south Surprise Regional Library parking lot will be closed during this time.
- Accessibility: Santa visits are private and one-on-one, indoors in a sensory-friendly space without bright lights or loud noises. An ASL interpreter is available for part of the morning.
Tips & Advice
- Register through the City of Surprise ahead of time, because walk-ins can enjoy the activities but aren't guaranteed a visit with Santa.
- Santa and his team take a lunch break midday, so plan your arrival around that closure if your child is set on seeing him.
- Families who need an ASL interpreter should come in the morning, since the interpreter is only there for part of it.
- Dress for being outside, because the games, crafts and vendors are all outdoors and only the Santa visit is indoors.
- Allow for Bullard Avenue and the south Surprise Regional Library lot being closed when you work out your drive and parking.
Special Events & Promotions
- ASL interpreter on hand for part of the morning.
- Neurodiverse Christmas Vendor Market runs during the event, with handmade goods, artwork, apparel, gifts and baked treats.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sensitive Santa for?
Kids and adults with a disability, and their families. It's designed especially for people with autism and other sensory challenges, without the long lines, bright lights and loud noises of a typical Santa visit.
Do I need to register to see Santa?
Yes, if you want a guaranteed visit. Register in advance through the City of Surprise. Walk-ins can enjoy the activities, but a Santa visit isn't guaranteed without registration.
Is my time slot an appointment?
No. Time slots are blocks that help the day flow, and no specific visit time is guaranteed. Visits may take longer when a family needs extra time to settle in.
What is there to do besides seeing Santa?
There are Christmas lights and decorations, games, crafts, giveaways, snacks and a Santa letter drop-off. You can also shop community vendors and the Neurodiverse Christmas Vendor Market. Activities are outdoors, and the private Santa visit and photo happen indoors.
Can I volunteer or sell at the event?
Yes. Contact the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix to volunteer. Neurodiverse-owned businesses can apply for one of only 10 vendor spaces at the market.
More Christmas Events Near Surprise
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.