All kids should have the chance to experience the holiday magic and to visit Santa. We have gathered some sensory friendly Holiday events and Santa visits around Metro Vancouver & the Lower Mainland.
Metro Vancouver is full of Holiday magic! Tree lightings, special holiday events and Santa photo's are a yearly tradition, a wonderful way to celebrate the Christmas and make special family memories.
These events are especially designed to reduce the sensory stimulation overload that can make holiday events, such as a trip to see Santa, just too overwhelming.
Sensory Friendly Holiday Events Near Vancouver 2025:
Santa Cares: Sensory Friendly Santa Photos
Santa Cares is a one-of-a-kind Sensitive Santa Experience is arranged specifically for individuals with autism and their family members. This experience involves smaller groups and fewer sensory triggers. Click your preferred location below to book your spot.
Abbotsford at Highstreet
kelowna at orchard park
Shipyards Christmas Market
Weave your way through the sparkling lights and aisles of 100+ wooden stalls selling unique artisanal gifts. Enjoy festive music, skate on the ice rink, admire the City’s Christmas tree, visit Santa's chalet, appreciate community entertainment, and indulging in seasonal treats like bratwursts, mulled wine and hot cocoa.
In partnership with the Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Association (VNSTA), they've introduced a small initiative at the Information Booth to support sensory-friendly experiences. Visitors will find free ear plugs for adults, child-sized headsets available to borrow, and a festive-themed welcome pack with a few thoughtful items designed to help neurodiverse guests enjoy the market comfortably.
Vancouver Christmas Market
The Vancouver Christmas Market is the longest running local holiday tradition, and is proud to be a sensory-inclusive venue. They offer sensory kits, including headphones, sensory rings, and stress toys, available at our Info Hut for guests who may need them. Their caregiver-friendly policy provides complimentary entry for aides. and licensed service animals are warmly welcomed.
Sensory Friendly Morning at Science World
Once a month guests can enjoy these amenities:
- Access to galleries and exhibits before the general public enters at 9:30am
- Light and sound modifications
- Designated sensory break room
- Centre Stage show with reduced noise
- Adaptive items like ear muffs on loan
- Additional signage
Upcoming Sensory-Friendly Mornings:
- December 13, 2025
- January 17, 2026
- February 7, 2026
Celebrating Accessibility at the Vancouver Aquarium
Discover the facilities at the Vancouver Aquarium and enjoy additional services in celebration of accessibility and our oceans. As part of their commitment to accessibility, once a month guests with disabilities can take advantage of the following services and amenities every day:
- Reduced lights and sounds
- Free attendant when paying full admission price
- Accredited Service dogs are welcomed in their galleries
- Wheelchairs, walkers, noise-reducing headphones and autism comfort kits are available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis
- Adult change table located in the underwater Arctic washroom
- Learn more about their everyday accessibility offering here: https://www.vanaqua.org/visit/during-your-visit/accessibility
Wondering what to do with the kids in Metro Vancouver this weekend, or what to make for dinner? You can find it at HealthyFamilyLiving.com! From the Sunshine Coast to the Fraser Valley, we’re the best online resource for busy parents looking for practical tips for healthy, active, sustainable living. For the latest on family events, outdoor adventures, birthday parties, camps & classes and kid-approved recipes, follow us on Facebook and sign-up for our parent-approved e-newsletter!
