The holiday season brings opportunities to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. From holiday light displays and visits with Santa to community festivals and seasonal activities, these experiences can be exciting for the entire family.
However, crowded spaces, loud music, bright lights, unfamiliar environments, and changes in routine can create challenges for individuals with disabilities, sensory sensitivities, or additional support needs.
With thoughtful preparation and flexibility, families can make holiday outings more accessible, comfortable, and enjoyable for everyone.
1. Research Before You Go
Not every event advertised as family-friendly is necessarily accessible or sensory-friendly.
Before attending, review the event's website or contact the organizer to ask about:
Wheelchair-accessible entrances, pathways, and restrooms
Sensory-friendly hours or quiet spaces
Loud music, flashing lights, and crowd sizes
Accessible parking and accommodations for waiting in lines
Caregiver or support-person access
Thrive Tip: Look beyond the words "inclusive" or "accessible." Ask about the accommodations that matter most to your family.
2. Prepare for the Experience
Knowing what to expect can help reduce uncertainty and support a more positive experience.
Consider looking at photos of the venue, discussing planned activities, or creating a simple visual schedule.
For example:
Arrive → Check In → Explore Activities → Take Breaks → Go Home
Social stories and visual supports can also help individuals prepare for unfamiliar experiences.
Thrive Tip: Preparation should build familiarity, not pressure. Remind individuals that plans can change and they have choices.
3. Pack a Holiday Comfort Kit
Having familiar supports available can make busy environments easier to navigate.
Consider bringing:
Noise-reducing headphones
Sunglasses or a hat
Fidgets or comfort items
Water and familiar snacks
Communication devices or visual supports
Necessary personal care or mobility supplies
Thrive Tip: Encourage individuals to help choose what goes into their comfort kit to support independence and self-advocacy.
4. Choose the Right Time & Plan for Breaks
Timing can significantly impact an individual's experience.
Whenever possible, attend during sensory-friendly sessions, less crowded hours, or times when the individual is typically well-rested.
Build flexibility into your plans by:
Identifying quiet areas before arriving
Taking breaks before sensory overload occurs
Alternating stimulating and calming activities
Allowing extra time for transitions
Having a plan to leave early if needed
Watch for signs of discomfort, such as withdrawal, frustration, fatigue, or changes in communication.
Thrive Tip: A shorter, positive experience is more meaningful than pushing through every activity. Taking a break or leaving early is not a failure.
5. Encourage Choice & Independence
Holiday outings provide natural opportunities to practice communication, decision-making, and social skills.
Encourage individuals to make choices about their participation, such as:
Selecting which activities to explore
Choosing whether to take a photo with Santa
Communicating when they need a break
Ordering a snack or making a purchase
Deciding when they are ready to leave
Remember, participation does not have to look the same for everyone. Watching from a distance, waving instead of taking a photo, or choosing a quieter activity are equally meaningful ways to participate.
Thrive Tip: Independence means having opportunities to make choices and communicate needs—not necessarily doing everything without support.
6. Celebrate Participation, Not Perfection
Meaningful holiday experiences don't require perfect schedules or participation in every activity.
Maybe your family enjoys a holiday light display for just 20 minutes. Maybe your child prefers watching a celebration rather than joining every activity.
These moments still matter.
Focus on connection, enjoyment, confidence, and creating positive experiences that reflect each individual's abilities and preferences.
Thrive Tip: Celebrate small successes, new experiences, and moments of connection rather than measuring success by how much was accomplished.
Creating Holiday Traditions That Work for Your Family
Inclusion isn't about expecting everyone to participate in the same way. It's about creating opportunities that honor individual abilities, preferences, and support needs.
Whether your family enjoys large community celebrations, sensory-friendly events, or quieter traditions at home, there is no single right way to celebrate.
The most meaningful traditions are the ones where everyone feels comfortable, connected, and included.
Explore Adaptive & Inclusive Holiday Events in Arizona
Looking for accessible holiday experiences?
A Place to Thrive has created a 2026 Adaptive & Inclusive Fall/Winter Events Guide, featuring sensory-friendly celebrations, adaptive recreation activities, and inclusive community events throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Explore the guide to discover opportunities for individuals and families of all abilities to connect and celebrate this season.
Remember to confirm event details, registration requirements, and available accommodations directly with organizers.
Wishing you and your family a joyful, connected, and inclusive holiday season!
A Place to Thrive
Empowering individuals of all abilities to thrive.