Creating a Magical and Inclusive Christmas Experience
The magic of Christmas is for everyone. Every child deserves the joy of meeting Father Christmas, sharing their festive wishes, and feeling included in the seasonal excitement—regardless of their abilities, sensitivities, or individual needs.
At Hire a Santa, we believe in creating inclusive, accessible, and truly magical Christmas experiences for all children. Whether it’s a visit to a special educational needs (SEN) school, a quiet home visit, or a sensory-friendly event, we work closely with families, carers, schools, and organisations to ensure every child can enjoy the magic of Christmas in a way that suits them best.
As the festive season begins and bookings start to fill, we’re preparing to make this our most inclusive Christmas yet.
🎅 Understanding the Needs of Children with Additional Needs at Christmas
Christmas events can be overwhelming for children with special needs. Bright lights, loud sounds, crowded rooms, and unfamiliar faces can turn what should be a joyful time into a stressful one.
We understand that neurodiverse children, those with sensory processing difficulties, autism, physical disabilities, or emotional and behavioural challenges may need a different approach. That’s why we’ve made it our priority to provide visits from our professional Father Christmas that are thoughtful, calm, and adapted to each child’s unique requirements.
How We Tailor Our Santa Visits
At Hire a Santa, our performers are not just entertainers in costume—they are experienced, empathetic, and trained to work with children of all capabilities. Here’s how we adapt our Santa visits:
Familiar, Comfortable Settings
We can visit homes, schools, care centres, or community spaces—wherever the child feels most at ease. We also help create low-sensory environments with soft lighting and minimal noise.
No Rush, No Pressure
We allow extra time for children who need it. Our Santas and elves are patient and happy to go at the child’s pace—whether that means a quiet wave from across the room or a gentle conversation up close.
Sensory-Friendly Costumes and Props
We can provide softer fabrics, toned-down colours, and props that are tactile but not noisy or overwhelming. If preferred, Father Christmas can tone down his usual “Ho! Ho! Ho!” for a more gentle introduction.
Personalised Experiences
Before the visit, we encourage parents, carers, or teachers to share helpful information—what the child enjoys, any triggers to avoid, how they communicate, and whether mobility support is needed. Our performers then adjust their approach accordingly.
Working with Schools and Groups of All Abilities
We’re proud to work with schools and SEN units, across the UK. From individual one-to-one visits to whole-school events, we ensure every pupil is given the opportunity to meet Father Christmas in a way that suits their needs.
Our professional Santas and elves are experienced in engaging with:
Children with autism, ADHD, or learning disabilities
Pupils who are non-verbal or use communication aids
Children with physical or sensory impairments
Students with complex emotional or behavioural needs
We also provide professional elves to assist Santa during visits. They help guide children gently through the experience, keeping everything calm, positive, and well-organised.
Whether it’s a quiet grotto in the classroom, a fully accessible stage show, or a series of small-group visits, we adapt everything to ensure no one is left out of the Christmas cheer.
🎄 The Christmas Season Has Begun – Bookings Now Open
The countdown to Christmas has officially started! At Hire a Santa, we’re now taking bookings for schools, care homes, family visits, and community events across the UK.
Our team is growing this year to meet the increasing demand for inclusive and accessible Santa experiences. We have a wonderful selection of specially trained Santas and elves ready to travel across the country to spread Christmas magic where it’s needed most.
Whether you’re planning:
A home visit for a child with additional needs
A SEN school Christmas day
A charity event for children with varying abilities
Or a community celebration with sensory adjustments
—we’re here to help you make it truly special.
Why Families and Schools Choose Hire a Santa
Here’s why so many families and educational providers trust Hire a Santa with their inclusive Christmas experiences:
Compassionate, Professional Performers
Our professional Father Christmases and elves are not just there for the photos—they’re trained to understand, adapt, and connect with children in a genuine, respectful way.
Awareness and Understanding
Many of our performers have experience working with autistic children and others with sensory challenges. We ensure all our staff receive appropriate guidance and support.
Tailored Visits
We build our visits around your needs—from choosing the right Santa, to designing the perfect arrival time and visit length.
UK-Wide Availability
We operate throughout the UK with local performers in many areas—ensuring prompt, professional service wherever you are.
Clear Communication
From the moment you enquire, we work with you every step of the way—discussing any concerns, confirming the details, and ensuring everything goes smoothly.
❓ FAQs – Inclusive Santa Visits
Q: Can I book a private visit just for my child?
A: Yes, we regularly provide one-to-one visits for children who may find group events too overwhelming. We’re happy to come to your home or another familiar space.
Q: Can we have a low-sensory visit?
A: If a home visit then you are in control of the atmosphere. Venues are able to offer low sensory visits too, at a time when it is quieter and they can turn down the lights and noise.
Q: Are your Santas experienced with SEN children?
A: Yes. Many of our performers are trained to work with children who have autism, ADHD, sensory processing difficulties, and other additional needs.
Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: The earlier, the better—especially for December dates. Booking in the summer is ideal, but we’ll always do our best to accommodate last-minute requests.
Q: Do you work with SEN schools?
A: Yes, we visit all schools across the UK and can tailor the day to meet your students’ needs—whether you want classroom visits, grotto sessions, or festive performances.
Every Child Deserves a Bit of Christmas Magic with a Santa Visit
At Hire a Santa, we believe that Christmas is a time for kindness, joy, and inclusion. Every child—no matter their needs—deserves the chance to believe in magic and feel special.
If you’re looking to organise a Santa visit for a child or group with disabilities, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Together, we can create a calm, safe, and truly magical experience they’ll remember for years to come.
Get in touch today to discuss your requirements or secure your Christmas visit with one of our inclusive, professional Santas.
