I still love visiting Santa with my kids. And luckily for me, they indulge me. So it is with great pleasure that I created this list of dates for Sensory Friendly Santa visits for those families with children that are ‘special’ in their own way.
Sensory-friendly Santa visits are scheduled for December 2 to December 22, 2023, depending on the location. The visit is free (or free with admission), but parents MUST register in advance (for most dates) to save a spot.
There are of course keepsakes and photo packages for sale at the event. Please RSVP to reserve your spot today! I’ve included links with the dates and times.
What is the Difference Between a Sensory Friendly Santa Photo Visit?
Dates with sensory-friendly Santas generally have less noise and fewer distractions. But more importantly, fewer people scheduled, and a shorter wait in line.
When Are Sensory Friendly Santa Dates
Most locations are having Caring Santa visits on December 3, 2023.
Sensory Friendly Santa Dates 2023
| Location Name | Link | Date |
| Cypress School Primary Campus | Petaluma | December 2, 2023 |
| Broadway Plaza | Walnut creek | December 3, 2023 |
| Eastridge Center | San Jose | December 3, 10 & 17, 2023 |
| Great Mall | Milpitas | December 3, 2023 |
| Stanford Shopping Center | Palo Alto | December 3, 2023 |
| Stoneridge Shopping Center | Pleasanton | December 3, 2023 |
| Stonestown Galleria | San Francisco | December 3, 2023 |
| Sunvalley Mall | Concord | December 3, 2023 |
| Village at Corte Madera | Corte Madera | December 3, 2023 |
| Westfield Oakridge | San Jose | December 3, 2023 |
| Westfield Valley Fair | Santa Clara | December 3, 2023 |
| Fioli** | Woodside | December 10, 16, 17, & 22 |
| Christmas in the Park | San Jose | December 10, 2023 |
| **Free with admission | Updated Dec 1, 2023 |
Sensory Friendly Santa Visits or Soothing Santa Visits are the partnership of Cherry Hill Programs and Autism Speaks. Expect that the visits will take place in a more subdued and calm manner.
Best Bets for 2023 is Eastridge Center in San Jose. Eastridge will host Sensory Santa visits on December 3, 10 & 17, 2023 from 9 am – 11 am.
Filoli Historic House & Garden in Woodside is also hosting on multiple dates, December 10, 16, 17, & 22. Santa visits are free with admission (Adult $41 | Child 5-17 $31 | Child (under age 5) Free). If you are going to Fioli, you might get free or discount passes at Discover and Go (under Museum Passes on your local library’s website.
CelebrateFamily.us Best Bet
Find other holiday events for kids, tweens, teens, and families at CelebrateFamily.us