Autism-Friendly Christmas Events Brighten North East Celebrations

Families in the North East can look forward to a range of autism-friendly Christmas events designed to create a more inclusive festive season. With many activities tailored for children with autism, these events provide a calmer atmosphere, allowing families to enjoy the holiday spirit without the usual overwhelming crowds. The North East Autism Society has compiled a list of such events, ensuring that everyone can partake in the magic of Christmas.

The guide highlights various activities across Newcastle, Northumberland, and County Durham, featuring quieter Santa grottos, relaxed pantomime performances, and special shopping hours. These sessions are specifically designed to accommodate children with autism, including adjustments to lighting and sound, smaller group sizes, and shorter queues. This approach helps ensure the comfort and confidence of participants.

Rebecca Weatherstone, from the North East Autism Society, expressed her enthusiasm about the inclusive events, stating, “The festive season should be a time when every family feels welcomed, valued and able to enjoy the magic of Christmas together.” She emphasized how important it is for families to feel at ease, highlighting the positive impact of understanding environments during community celebrations.

Families can find a variety of options, with several events already scheduled. The following is a selection of autism-friendly activities taking place in the region.

Upcoming Autism-Friendly Christmas Events

At the Discovery Museum in Newcastle, children can experience “A Canny Christmas Grotto” on December 7 from 14:00 to 17:30. Each 30-minute slot costs £18.99, with accompanying carers gaining free entry.

The Lanchester Garden Centre offers “Santa’s Adapted Enchanted Garden Grotto” on December 5 from 11:00 to 14:30. Tickets cost £17.95 per child and include two free adult admissions.

Another option is the Metrocentre in Gateshead, which will host SEND sessions for “Santa’s Elf Academy” on November 29, December 5, and December 11, priced at £10 for children and £5 for adults.

Families seeking a relaxed theatre experience can attend performances featuring sensory-friendly adjustments. For example, “Cinderella” will be staged at the Tyne Theatre on January 3 at 11:00, with tickets ranging from £34.50 to £40.50. Similarly, “Aladdin” will be performed at the Theatre Royal on December 7 at noon, with tickets starting from £37.

Other notable performances include “Sleeping Beauty” at Sunderland Empire on January 2 and “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” at Darlington Hippodrome on December 17 and December 26.

Accessibility and Community Support

In addition to festive events, local shopping centres have implemented initiatives to create a more accessible environment year-round. Many major retailers, such as Eldon Square and Metrocentre, have dedicated quiet hours where loud announcements and music are minimized. These efforts aim to provide a comfortable shopping experience for families with children who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Families interested in learning more about available resources can explore the North East Autism Society’s Facebook page, which provides information on more than 60 sites across the region, helping individuals with autism and their families access vital support.

As the holiday season approaches, families are encouraged to plan ahead and reserve their spots for these popular events. Many sessions may have limited availability and could sell out quickly. The North East Autism Society’s guide serves as a valuable resource for families seeking to enjoy Christmas in a more inclusive and supportive environment.