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The West Midlands is offering a variety of inclusive, relaxed Christmas events in 2024, ensuring that everyone can join in on the holiday cheer.
Here’s a guide to some of the best relaxed SEND Christmas experiences in the region.
SEND Christmas Experiences in the West Midlands [2024]
Severn Valley Railway - Relaxed Santa Train
SnowDome Winter Wonderland Relaxed Sessions
Blists Hill Victorian Town: Calm Christmas Grotto at Ironbridge
National Forest Adventure Farm: North Pole Adventure Autism-Friendly Session
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre: Beauty and the Beast Relaxed Performances
St Mary's Guildhall: Relaxed Session Storytelling with Father Christmas
Winter Funland Birmingham: Special Sensory Friendly Sessions
Scallywags Brierley Hill: SEN Santa's Grotto Visit
Dobbies Garden Centre: Quiet Grotto
Winter Glow: Santa Experience and Light Trail SEND Sessions
Birmingham Hippodrome: Dear Santa Relaxed Performances
Birmingham Rep: The Snowflake Relaxed Performance
Magic Alley: Once Upon a Christmas for Children Over 6 - SEN Session
Attwell Farm Park
Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery: A Fantastic Journeys Christmas
Quiet Visits with Father Christmas at the Rock Houses
The Wizard of Oz at The Old Rep: Relaxed Performances
Severn Valley Railway - Relaxed Santa Train
The Severn Valley Railway’s Relaxed Santa Train offers a more inclusive experience, aimed at families who may find traditional festive events overwhelming. Changes like reduced sound levels, consistent lighting, and a less-crowded train help create a calmer, more accessible environment. Passengers can enjoy a private compartment, scenic journey, a gentle Christmas show, and gifts for each child.
How much? A compartment for four people from £160 or a compartment for six people from £240. Click here to book.
When? 8th and 15th December 2024.
Where? Kidderminster Station, DY10 1QX.
SnowDome Winter Wonderland Relaxed Sessions
SnowDome’s Winter Wonderland Relaxed Sessions are designed to welcome children who require a more relaxed experience, offering a low-stimulation environment.
Adjustments include smaller group sizes, dimmer lights, and lowered sound levels throughout the snow play area, Santa’s village, and the theatre show. This session provides a welcoming atmosphere for all to enjoy a magical winter experience.
How much? Prices start at £18.95 per person. Click here to book.
When? 17th and 29th November 2024 and 3rd, 4th and 16th December 2024.
Where? SnowDome, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B79 7ND.
Blists Hill Victorian Town: Calm Christmas Grotto at Ironbridge
Blists Hill Victorian Town’s Calm Christmas Grotto offers a festive experience tailored for visitors who prefer a quieter, sensory-friendly environment. Visitors can explore the decorated Victorian streets, meet Santa in a tranquil grotto, and receive a traditional gift. This modified event embraces heritage Christmas charm in a supportive setting.
How much? £10 per child grotto entry fee plus normal site entry. Carers and under 5’s go free. Click here to book.
When? 20th to 22nd December 2024.
Where? Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, Shropshire, TF7 5UD.
National Forest Adventure Farm: North Pole Adventure Autism-Friendly Session
The National Forest Adventure Farm offers an autism-friendly version of its North Pole Adventure, featuring a quieter environment, adjusted lighting and sounds, and sensory-friendly activities like meeting a talking polar bear and decorating gingerbread with Mrs Claus. Guests receive Elf Coins to use in the Victorian High Street's sweet shop and other immersive experiences, culminating with a special visit to Father Christmas.
How much? £26 (adults) and £37 (children), with a £2.50 booking fee per transaction. Click here to book.
When? 6th December 2024.
Where? National Forest Adventure Farm, Tatenhill, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, DE13 9SJ.
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre: Beauty and the Beast Relaxed Performances
The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre presents a relaxed version of Beauty and the Beast, designed for individuals who benefit from a more informal theatre environment. Adjustments include gentler lighting and sound, an open-door policy, and a relaxed attitude to movement and noise, making the classic panto more accessible. The production maintains its enchanting sets and costumes, offering families a festive and inclusive entertainment option.
How much? Prices start at £16.50 per person. A £4 booking fee also applies. Click here to book.
When? 12th, 13th and 14th December 2024.
Where? Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1DE.
St Mary’s Guildhall: Relaxed Session Storytelling with Father Christmas
In a historical setting, St Mary's Guildhall hosts a relaxed storytelling session with Father Christmas, where visitors can enjoy Christmas tales in a sensory-friendly and calm atmosphere. The session includes reduced noise, smaller groups, and adapted lighting, allowing families with additional needs to feel comfortable while experiencing festive storytelling and meeting Father Christmas in a beautifully decorated medieval hall.
How much? £8 per adult, £18 per child. Click here to book.
When? 30th November 2024.
Where? St Mary's Guildhall, Bayley Lane, Coventry, CV1 5RN.
Winter Funland Birmingham: Special Sensory-Friendly Sessions
Winter Funland offers sensory-friendly sessions designed to accommodate visitors who benefit from a quieter environment. These sessions feature lower light levels, reduced noise, and smaller crowds to provide a comfortable, enjoyable experience for neurodiverse guests and families. Activities include ice skating, festive fairground rides, and an enchanting Santa's grotto, the venue ensures a memorable holiday experience.
How much? Adult and child tickets are £31.50 per person plus a £3.80 booking fee. Carers and under 3’s go free. Click here to book.
When? Two sensory-friendly sessions on 11th December 2024.
Where? NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT.
Scallywags Brierley Hill: SEN Santa's Grotto Visit
The Santa's Grotto at Scallywags offers a relaxed, inclusive experience aimed at SEN visitors and their families. Children can meet Santa in a low-pressure setting. Scallywags ensures families can enjoy their time with Santa without feeling rushed, creating a supportive festive experience.
How much? £8.50 per child which includes entry into soft play. Adults and carers go free. Click here to book.
When? 11th December 2024.
Where? Scallywags Indoor Play Centre, Level Street, Brierley Hill, DY5 1UA.
Dobbies Garden Centre: Quiet Grotto
Dobbies Garden Centre’s Quiet Grotto provides a sensory-friendly Santa visit tailored for children and families who prefer a calm environment. Adjustments include subdued lighting and quieter surroundings, allowing guests to enjoy an intimate festive experience with Father Christmas. Each child receives a small gift and a chance to take photos in a peaceful setting.
How much? £12.99 per child. Click here for details.
When? 6th December 2024.
Where? Various Dobbies locations across the UK; please check your nearest Dobbies Garden Centre for specific availability.
Winter Glow: Santa Experience and Light Trail SEND Sessions
Winter Glow, located at Malvern Showground, offers SEND-friendly Santa Experience sessions and a Light Trail designed for families seeking a quieter environment. These sensory-friendly sessions feature lower lighting and reduced sounds, making the experience more comfortable for all attendees. The immersive Santa Experience includes an enchanting winter wonderland with visits to Santa, Mrs Claus’ Bakery, and a magical village.
How much? Base ticket £48.50 to £60 (one adult and one child), additional child £19-£22, additional adult £14.95-£17.95. Click here to book.
When? Sensory-friendly sessions on 24th November, 6th December, 17th, and 18th December 2024.
Where? Malvern Showground, Worcestershire, WR13 6NW.
Birmingham Hippodrome: Dear Santa Relaxed Performances
The Birmingham Hippodrome presents relaxed performances of Dear Santa, designed for children and families who may benefit from a gentler theatre experience. This adaptation of Rod Campbell’s beloved story combines festive spirit with gentle adjustments like softened lighting and sound, creating a welcoming environment for all. The story, based on a young girl’s letter to Santa, promises a heart-warming and joyful experience.
How much? £14.50 per person. Click here to book.
When? 16th December 2024.
Where? Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Birmingham, B5 4TB.
Birmingham Rep: The Snowflake Relaxed Performance
The Birmingham Rep offers a relaxed performance of The Snowflake, a charming tale that captures the beauty of the holiday season with warmth and whimsy. Adapted for audiences who prefer a more relaxed setting, this performance includes adjustments to sound, lighting, and an open-door policy. The Snowflake promises a magical theatre experience, perfect for young families and first-time theatregoers.
How much? From £10 per person. Click here to book.
When? 4th January 2025. Other access sessions are available.
Where? Birmingham Rep, Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EP.
Magic Alley: Once Upon a Christmas for Children Over 6 - SEN Session
Magic Alley offers a specialised session for children over six with special educational needs. Set in a magical winter wonderland, children will enjoy sensory-friendly storytelling, festive puzzles, and a meeting with Father Christmas. The relaxed environment includes no loud sounds or flashing lights, with performers following the child's comfort level to enhance the experience.
How much? Adults and children from £15 each. Carer tickets from £7.50 each. Click here to book.
When? 30th November 2024 and 11th December 2024.
Where? Magic Alley, Bell Court, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6EX.
Attwell Farm Park: Christmas for SEND
Attwell Farm Park's Christmas event is designed specifically for children with special educational needs and disabilities, featuring quieter sessions with reduced crowds. Children can meet Santa, enjoy festive animal encounters, and engage in sensory activities in a relaxed, inclusive setting. The park aims to provide a welcoming, calm atmosphere for families to enjoy the holiday celebrations.
How much? TBC. Click here for updates.
When? 22nd November 2024 and 18th December 2024.
Where? Attwell Farm Park, Beoley, Redditch, B98 9DB.
Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery: A Fantastic Journeys Christmas
A music and movement session. More details coming soon.
How much? TBC.
When? 7th December 2024. Click here for updates.
Where? Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery, Holyhead Road, Wednesbury, WS10 7DF.
Quiet Visits with Father Christmas at the Rock Houses
Families can enjoy a peaceful visit to Father Christmas in his Rock House Grotto. Children can also create magic reindeer food, a bird feeder, and receive a small gift.
How much? £10.50 per child (entry included for adults); regular admission applies for non-National Trust members. Click here to book.
When? 30th November 1st December, 7th-8th December, and 14th-15th December 2024.
Where? Holy Austin Rock Houses, Compton Road, Kinver, near Stourbridge, Staffordshire, DY7 6DL.
The Wizard of Oz at The Old Rep: Relaxed Performances
The Old Rep Theatre’s production of The Wizard of Oz includes relaxed performances tailored to welcome audiences with sensory sensitivities or additional needs. In this accessible environment, adjustments are made to lighting, sound, and audience movement to create a comfortable space while maintaining the joy of this classic story.
How much? £22.50 per adult and £20 per child. Click here to book.
When? 5th and 27th December 2024.
Where? The Old Rep Theatre, Station Street, Birmingham, B5 4DY.
The West Midlands offers an impressive variety of relaxed, sensory-friendly Christmas experiences for families with SEND children in 2024. From serene Santa visits in the natural setting of Kinver’s Rock Houses to sensory-friendly performances like The Wizard of Oz at The Old Rep, these events ensure that all families can enjoy the festive season in a welcoming, adapted environment. Whether you’re exploring immersive experiences at Winter Glow or experiencing inclusive theatre at Birmingham Hippodrome, there’s something magical for everyone to enjoy this Christmas.
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