Kris Kringle, Saint Nick, Father Christmas, and most commonly known as Santa Claus – is a fixture of the December holiday season for many. Seeing Santa Claus, his magical reindeer, and his hardworking elves is an annual tradition for many families; however, not all children are happy to visit Santa. Visiting Santa, whether at the mall, a community event, or another holiday celebration, can be an overwhelming experience for children.
For children with autism, a visit to Santa can be even more challenging. Many children on the autism spectrum have sensory sensitivities and a visit to Santa can be very overwhelming, filled with loud noises, bright lights, big crowds, long lines, and even sometimes smells. These things can make it extra challenging for parents to bring their child or children to visit Santa.
But just because your child has autism, it doesn’t mean they can’t visit Santa. Making things easier on parents and children with autism there are “Sensory-Friendly Santas” all across California!
Here are their locations for the 2023 Holiday Season.*
*Please be aware that many of the Sensory-Friendly Santa Claus events will be taking place on Sunday, December 3, 2023.
Greater Sacramento Area Sensory-Friendly Santa Claus Locations
- Sunrise Mall: Citrus Heights, CA (December 3)
- Bayshore Mall: Eureka, CA (December 3)
- Mt. Shasta Mall: Redding, CA (December 3)
- Westfield Galleria at Roseville: Roseville, CA (December 3)
- Weberstown Mall: Stockton, CA (December 3)
San Francisco Bay Area Sensory-Friendly Santa Claus Locations
- Sunvalley: Concord, CA (December 3)
- The Village at Corte Madera: Corte Madera, CA (December 3)
- Solano: Fairfield, CA (December 3)
- Great Mall: Milpitas, CA (December 3)
- Stanford Shopping Center: Palo Alto, CA (December 3)
- Stoneridge Shopping Center: Pleasanton, CA (December 3)
- Stonestown Galleria: San Francisco, CA (December 3)
- Westfield Valley Fair: Santa Clara, CA (December 3)
- Westfield Oakridge: San Jose, CA (December 3)
Central California Sensory-Friendly Santa Claus Locations
- Valley Plaza Mall: Bakersfield, CA
- Sierra Vista Mall: Clovis, CA (December 3)
- Fresno Fashion Fair: Fresno, CA (December 3)
- Vintage Faire Mall: Modesto, CA (December 3)
- Monterey Moose Family Center: Monterey, CA (December 17)
- Visalia Mall: Visalia, CA (December 3)
Southern California Sensory Friendly Santa Claus Locations
Los Angeles County
- The Shops at Santa Anita: Arcadia, CA (December 3)
- Westfield Topanga: Canoga Park, CA (December 3)
- SouthBay Pavilion: Carson, CA (December 3)
- Westfield Culver City: Culver City, CA (December 3)
- Citadel Outlets: Commerce, CA (December 3 & 10)
- Stonewood Center: Downey, CA (December 3)
- Glendale Galleria: Glendale, CA (December 3)
- Lakewood Center: Lakewood, CA (December 3)
- Northridge Fashion Center: Northridge, CA (December 3)
- South Bay Galleria: Redondo Beach, CA (December 3)
- Westfield Fashion Square: Sherman Oaks, CA (December 3)
- Del Amo Fashion Center: Torrance, CA (December 3)
Orange County
- Brea Mall: Brea, CA (December 3)
- Pacific City: Huntington Beach, CA (December 3)
- Irvine Spectrum: Irvine, CA (December 3)
- The Shops at Mission Viejo: Mission Viejo, CA (December 3)
- MainPlace: Santa Ana, CA (December 3)
Riverside County
- Moreno Valley Mall: Moreno Valley, CA (December 3)
- Galleria at Tyler: Riverside, CA (December 3)
- Promenade Temecula: Temecula, CA (December 3)
San Bernardino County
- Ontario Mills: Ontario, CA (December 3)
- Victoria Gardens: Rancho Cucamonga, CA (December 3)
- Inland Center: San Bernadino, CA (December 3)
- The Mall of Victor Valley: Victorville, CA (December 3)
San Diego County
- The Shoppes at Carlsbad: Carlsbad, CA (December 3)
- Chula Vista Center: Chula Vista, CA (December 3)
- Otay Ranch Town Center: Chula Vista (December 3)
- North County: Escondido, CA (December 3)
- Westfield Plaza Bonita: National City, CA (December 3)
- Fashion Valley: San Diego, CA (December 3)
- Mission Valley: San Diego, CA (December 3)
Santa Barbara County
- La Cumbre Plaza: Santa Barbara, CA (December 3)
- Santa Maria Town Center: Santa Maria, CA (December 3)
Ventura County
- The Oaks: Thousand Oaks, CA (December 3)
- Pacific View: Ventura, CA (December 3)
