Free Santa visits for children with autism and other special needs

Are you ready for some Santa magic?

Autism Speaks has partnered with Cherry Hill Programs to provide sensory-friendly Santa experiences nationwide.

In Illinois, Santa will be spreading joy and holiday cheer on Dec. 5 and 12.

Join Santa in a calmer, more subdued environment. He is planning stops in communities that include:

• Aurora
• Champaign
• Chicago
• Gurnee
• Moline
• Northbrook
• Orland Park
• Peoria
• Rockford
• Rosemont
• Schaumburg
• Springfield
• Vernon Hills

These sensory-friendly Santa experiences are free. Keepsake photo packages are available to buy.

You can reserve your spot for the Santa experience online. (The organizers strongly encourage reservations.)

For more upcoming holiday events for children with special healthcare needs in Illinois, be sure to check our Special Events page often.

Free Santa Experiences welcome children of all ages and abilities!

Autism Speaks is once again partnering with Cherry Hill Programs this holiday season to provide free, sensory-friendly Santa Experiences for families across the country.

All families of children with autism and other special needs can enjoy a visit with Santa in a more subdued and calm environment.

Santa stops in Illinois begin Nov. 24 and are scheduled for communities including:

• Aurora
• Champaign
• Chicago
• Chicago Ridge
• Fairview Heights
• Gurnee
• Joliet
• Lombard
• Moline
• Northbrook
• Oak Brook
• Orland Park
• Schaumburg
• South Barrington
• Springfield
• Rosemont
• Vernon Hills
• West Dundee

You can visit the Autism Speaks website to search for Santa Photo Experiences in your area and reserve your spot.

Sensory-friendly Santa events are free and keepsake photo packages will be available for purchase.

If you have questions or problems registering, email autismspeaksu@autismspeaks.org.

For more Santa visits and other holiday events for children with special healthcare needs in Illinois, be sure to check our Events page.

Free Easter Bunny visits for people of all ages and abilities.

Individuals with special needs and their families are invited to sensory-friendly Easter Bunny photo sessions scheduled throughout Illinois.

Autism Speaks is partnering with Cherry Hill Programs this spring to provide the special events.

The Bunny will welcome people of all ages and abilities at several locations across Illinois. The visits will take place in a more subdued and calm environment with extra effort to support visitors’ sensory, physical and developmental needs.

The Bunny Experiences are free, and photos will be available for purchase at each event.

The Illinois Bunny visits are scheduled for the following cities and dates:

• Aurora, April 7
• Bourbonnais, April 7
• Calumet City, April 14
• Chicago Ridge, April 7
• Fairview Heights, April 7
• Gurnee, April 7
• Joliet, April 7
• Lincolnwood, April 7
• Lombard, April 7
• Orland Park, April 7
• Peoria, April 7
• Schaumburg, March 31 and April 7
• Springfield, April 7
• West Dundee, April 7

Reservations are limited. Visit the Autism Speaks website for the full list and to reserve your spot.

For more family-friendly spring activities for children with special healthcare needs, be sure to check out our Events page.

Free Santa Experiences welcome children of all ages and abilities!

Autism Speaks is once again partnering with Cherry Hill Programs this holiday season to provide free, sensory-friendly Santa Experiences for families across the country.

All families of children with autism and other special needs can enjoy a visit with Santa in a more subdued and calm environment.

Santa stops in Illinois begin Dec. 2 and are scheduled for communities including:

• Aurora
• Chicago Ridge
• Fairview Heights
• Gurnee
• Joliet
• Lincolnwood
• Lombard
• Orland Park
• Peoria
• Schaumburg
• South Barrington
• Springfield
• Rockford
• West Dundee

Go to the Autism Speaks website for the full list of Cherry Hill Programs Santa Photo Experiences in Illinois and to reserve your spot.

Sensory-friendly Santa events are free and keepsake photo packages will be available for purchase.

For more Santa visits and other Christmas-related events for children with special healthcare needs in Illinois, be sure to check our Events page.