CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Zoo, Macy’s and Children’s Hospital are partnering to offer sensory-friendly Santa visits during the 40th annual PNC Festival of Lights this year.
PNC Festival of Lights opens Friday night, Nov. 18, and runs through Jan. 8, 2023.
Visitors with sensory sensitivities or developmental disabilities can reserve a 10-minute meet and greet with Santa, who has received training on developmental disabilities from Dr. Jen Smith of the Children’s Hospital Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities (LEND) program.
“We’ve worked closely with our partners at LEND to create an experience with fewer distractions, less noise, and customized interactions with Santa,” said Annie DeGrood, Cincinnati Zoo’s Access for All manager. “The confirmation email families receive when they book their experience includes our Sensory-Friendly Santa Social Narrative, which provides a detailed description of what to expect, and a map showing directions to Santa’s Village.”
Sensory-Friendly Santa will be set up in the zoo’s new picnic shelter area, which has been transformed into Santa’s Village.
In addition to Santa’s meet and greet, there will be gingerbread houses, holiday decorations and a hot chocolate stand set up. Families have the option to purchase photos taken by the zoo’s professional photography partner.
Sensory-Friendly Santa will be at the zoo from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., before crowds arrive, on Dec. 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, and 17.
Spots are limited; click here to reserve a time.
The experience does not include admission, so families either need to be members or purchase regular admission tickets.
