A Sensory-Friendly Holiday

The holiday season can be stressful for anyone. For a child with sensory processing issues, though, it can be overwhelming. Recognizing the need for sensory-inclusive environments, more special events are being offered with adjustments like dimmed lighting, reduced crowds and easier accessibility. Here are some sensory-friendly events to make your holiday a little easier.

Sensory-Friendly Performances

Georgia Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Jennie T. Anderson Theatre. Dec. 4, 7 p.m.

A Christmas Carol at The Shakespeare Tavern. Dec. 9, 2:30 p.m.

A Christmas Carol at Woodstock Arts. Dec 9, 2:30 p.m.

A Kids’ Christmas at Johns Creek United Methodist Church. Dec. 16, 2:30 p.m.

A Visit with Santa

Lenox Square Mall. Dec. 3, 9-10:30 a.m.

Greenbriar Mall. Dec. 3, 10-11:30 a.m.

Cumberland Mall. Dec. 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Perimeter Mall. Dec. 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Mall of Georgia. Dec. 3.

North Georgia Premium Outlets. Dec. 3.

Supper with Santa. Dec. 8, 5-6 p.m.

Sensory-Friendly All Year

The Center for Puppetry Arts offers sensory-friendly performances on select puppet shows and Create-a-Puppet Workshops, along with touch tables and guided storytelling. Fidget toys, sound-reducing headphones and sunglasses are also available.

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta hosts Sensory Friendly Sundays on select days.

The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History has Sensory Sensitive afternoons on the last Tuesday of every month.

Tellus Science Museum offers quarterly Quiet Mornings.

The Georgia Aquarium has expedited entrance lines, designated quiet zones and sensory bags with noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, fidget devices and communication cards. The Aquarium’s staff are trained in working with guests on the spectrum.

At the College Football Hall of Fame, team members are trained in sensory awareness; guests can check out sensory bags with noise-cancelling headsets, fidget tools and verbal cue cards or relax in a designated quiet area.

Zoo Atlanta offers sensory bags with badges, fidget tools, headphones and more; they also offer weighted lap pads, social story, quiet areas and headphone zones.