Willowbrook, Autism Speaks Partner Up For ‘Santa Cares’

WAYNE, NJ – Willowbrook Mall is offering kids with disabilities a chance to visit with Santa Claus in a calmer setting.

Families with special needs children are invited to meet and have their photo taken with the man in the red suit in a sensory-friendly environment.

Willowbrook Mall has teamed up with Autism Speaks on "Santa Cares," an event that features dimmed lights and music set to a lower volume, along with a Santa specially trained to take cues from parents on interacting with children who have special needs.

According to the mall, the event is geared towards children and adults with special needs and abilities who would like additional assistance, extra time or a quieter, less stressful environment in which to visit with Santa. Professional photography is available, with a selection of packages.

More than 700 sensory-friendly Santa events are planned at 580 malls across the country this holiday season, according to DisabilityScoop.com.

Two dates are available at Willowbrook - Nov. 24 and Dec. 8, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. both days.

Reservations are required and a complimentary tickets are available can be found here.