Sensory-Friendly Holiday-Themed Events Being Held in Pittsburgh
The holidays can be considered a magical time for children, from visits with family and holiday treats to an sparkly, multi-colored lights as far as the eye can see. However, for some other children these same attributes can be stressful and cause anxiety.
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Kidsburgh recently put together a list of sensory-friendly activities and events taking place in the Pittsburgh region that are aimed at ensuring that all attendees are able to enjoy them comfortably.
The list includes:
Holiday Magic at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Through Sunday, January 4) - The conservatory will offer sensory-sensitive hours through a partnership with the Autism Connection of Pennsylvania. The holiday-themed gardens include a poinsettia showcase and a Winter Light Garden.
Holiday Lights at Kennywood Park - The amusement park will offer a variety of accommodations for those with disabilities or special needs. The park will put up millions of lights, host a meeting with Santa Claus, and keep more than 25 rides open.
Santa at the Heinz History Center - The museum offers sensory-friendly accommodations, such as sensory bags and quiet spaces. All children ages 17 and below will get in for free.
Santa Trolley at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum - There will be a special sensory-friendly Santa Trolley on Sunday, November 30 and the museum has sensory accommodations available at every event. Attendees will be able to meet Santa Claus before taking a ride on an antique streetcar.
Sensory-friendly shopping hours at the Handmade Arcade Holiday Market - The market at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center runs from Friday, December 5 to Sunday, December 7. Sensory-friendly shopping hours will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, during which stimulation will be reduced for a less overwhelming shopping experience.
“The Nutcracker” at the Benedum Center for Performing Arts - The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will hold a sensory-friendly performance of the holiday classic on Sunday, December 7. The performance is aimed at those with autism spectrum disorder, sensory sensitivity, or other individual needs.
A Very Yinzer Christmas - This performance on Saturday, December 8 at the Benedum Center for Performing Arts will feature more than 25 Pittsburgh musicians. Proceeds will benefit Band Together Pittsburgh, a local organization that creates music programs for those on the autism spectrum.
Sensory-friendly hours at the National Aviary - The aviary will offer a sensory-friendly version of its “Passport to Parks” presentation on Wednesday, December 10 that is designed to avoid dysregulation. It will include a sensory guide, quiet zones, and sensory tools.
“A Musical Christmas Carol” at the Byham Theater - This adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel is set to seasonal music and will run from Thursday, December 11 to Monday, December 22. A sensory-friendly performance will be held on Sunday, December 21 at 10 a.m.
Holiday Pops at Heinz Hall - The Pittsburgh Symphony, Mendelssohn Choir and guest vocalist Blaine Alden Krauss will perform during this holiday music event, which runs from Friday, December 12 to Sunday, December 21. A sensory-friendly version of the show will take place on Sunday, December 21 with tickets priced at $15.
For more information on these holiday-themed, sensory-friendly events, read the entire Kidsburgh article.