Everything you need to know about places providing Sensory Santa photos on the Gold Coast 2024!
Christmas is just around the corner, and the excitement is building! We all know the magic that Christmas brings, especially for parents and children. A visit to Santa is a cherished tradition, but let’s be honest, the usual bright lights, jangly music, and noisy crowds can be a bit overwhelming. But fear not! If your child has special sensory needs, there’s a solution – a visit to Sensory Santa (also known as Sensitive Santa and Caring Santa). Get ready for that special family Santa photo without the sensory overload!
What is Sensory Santa?
Sensory/Sensitive Santas are an amazingly inclusive idea, especially for children with sensory challenges who might find the usual Christmas crowds a bit too much. These special visits happen before the shopping center opens or during less busy times. The whole experience is patient, relaxed, and understanding.
Here’s what your child’s visit to Sensory Santa will be like:
- Quiet – no crowds and no music
- Calm – no bright spotlights or waiting in lines
- Accessible – plenty of room for wheelchairs
- Accommodating – Autism Assistance dogs are welcome in some places
- Understanding – Sensory Santa and his photographer can work with your child’s needs and have a Santa sack full of strategies to get a perfect photo.
Isn’t that a fantastic way to make the holiday season special for every child?!
Where can we see a Sensory/Sensitive Santa on the Gold Coast?
Below I compiled a detailed list of all the Sensory Santas taking bookings across the Gold Coast.
Robina Town Centre | Robina
Children can meet Santa within his magical Enchanted Garden before the Centre opens, with plenty of time to chat and run through their Christmas wish lists in a calm and comfortable environment. These sessions booked out quickly last year, so get in quick to secure your spot easily!
- When: Time slots for their Sensitive Santa slots are now booked out for 2024. Contact the Centre to find out if there is a waitlist.
- Where: Ground Level, outside Myer
Click here for more information.
Westfield Helensvale | Helensvale
Santa is setting aside some time to create a sensory-friendly environment, so you can visit Christmas wonderland and have your photo with Santa in a relaxed environment.
- When: Time slots for their Sensitive Santa slots are now booked out for 2024. Contact the Centre to find out if there is a waitlist.
- Where: Ground Level, near Target
Westfield Coomera | Coomera
While things will be a little different with Sensitive Santa photography sessions this year, the Westfield Coomera team will be working hard to make sure the moment is as magical as ever.
- When: Time slots for their Sensitive Santa slots are now booked out for 2024. Contact the Centre to find out if there is a waitlist.
- Where: Near the Food Court
Pacific Fair Shopping Centre | Broadbeach Waters
Enjoy a special visit to Santa this year in his sparkly pavilion, where all that glitters is gold!
- When: Time slots for their Sensitive Santa slots are now booked out for 2024. Contact the Centre to find out if there is a waitlist.
- Where: Santa’s Palace, Ground Floor near Myer
Bookings really are essential!
Visits to Sensory Santa are by appointment only so you can be assured that any waiting time will be minimal. Appointments fill up very fast – we recommend you book early to avoid disappointment. Please ensure you book through the links we have provided above to secure your booking asap.
Sensory Santa photos on the Gold Coast
As you plan your family’s holiday festivities this year, seize the opportunity to make it truly special by visiting Sensory Santa. This thoughtful and inclusive experience ensures that the magic of Christmas is accessible to everyone, especially families with children who have special sensory needs.
So, this year, choose to make your family’s Christmas memories extraordinary by opting for a visit to Sensory Santa. It’s not just a photo opportunity; it’s a chance to actively create a magical and inclusive holiday experience that will be treasured for years to come.
