Sensory & Inclusive Holiday Events in Massachusetts

Quincy, MA, Fall & Winter, 2024. Join Adaptive Sports New England for weekly wheelchair basketball practice for youth 5- 21. Adaptive Sports New England and Franciscan Children’s Wheelchair basketball program is a weekly program that[...]

Webinars, every Tuesday through 2024, with the Federation for Children with Special Needs in Massachusetts. Free. The Federation’s Transition team is working with Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to tell you about an innovative pilot project, NextGen[...]

Brockton, East Boston, Fall River, Gardner, Holyoke, North Adams, Worcester, November 2024 – March 2025, with the State of Massachusetts DCR Univeral Access Program and All Out Adventures.  Free. Lace up a pair of conventional skates[...]

Hope, Rhode Island, through December 31st, 2024. This is not a disability specific event. The Rhode Island Holiday Light Show™ is the longest running drive-through holiday light spectacular in the state of Rhode Island, its[...]

Attleboro, MA, November 23th, 2024 – January 1st, 2025. The walking tour, religion based, Annual Christmas Celebration of Lights. * Not a disability specific or sensory friendly event. * Find more than 400,000 lights with[...]

Stoneham, through January 5th, 2025. This event may have certain dates already sold out. Not a disability specific or sensory friendly event,  however the Stone Zoo is handicap accessible and standard wheelchairs may be rented.[...]

Carver, MA, through December 31st, 2024. This is not a disability-specific event. Christmas Festival of Lights with Edaville Railroad will feature the millions of lights you are used to and some new attractions. * Steam trains,[...]

Loudon, NH, November  28th, 2024 – January 5th, 2025. Enjoy 3.5 million twinkly LED lights for the 11th annual Gift of Lights display. Not disability specific or sensory friendly event. * The family tradition of driving through[...]

Lancaster, MA, through December 30th, 2024.  Drive-Through Light Show at the Lancaster Fairgrounds. Not a disability specific or sensory-friendly event. * Over 1 mile of roadway is transformed into a glittering display of over 1[...]

Marshfield, MA, through December 30th, 2024. A drive-through holiday light spectacular, featuring larger-than-life holiday themed displays for the entire family.  Not disability specific or sensory friendly. * Visitors are welcomed to bundle up in their[...]

Methuen, MA, through December 30th, 2024.  Drive-Through Light Show at the Lancaster Fairgrounds. Not a disability specific or sensory-friendly event. * Over 1 mile of roadway is transformed into a glittering display of over 1[...]

Mendon, MA, November & December 2024. Not disability specific or sensory friendly event. * Winter Wonderland and the Festival of Illumination will feature a Drive Thru tour through Southwick’s Zoo to view spectacular holiday lights[...]

Colonial Theater at Emerson, Boston, December 6th – 31st, 2024. . Six – The Musical– Emerson Stage Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII[...]

Newton, MA, December 12th, 2024, with Understanding Our Differences, Newton’s Commission On Disability and the Newton Free Library. Free and open to the public. A moderated audience discussion will follow the screening. The Ride Ahead, directed[...]

Boston, MA, December 12th, 2024, 2 p.m. performance only. Waking from hibernation in the Spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way. The two best[...]

Boston, December 12th, 2024, in partnership with the Jewish Arts Collaborative and Combined Jewish Philanthropies. Included with General Admission. * This is not a disability specific event, however The MFA offers a wide range of[...]

Northampton, MA, December 13th, 2024, 4 p.m. performance. A Sensory Safe performance for those with sensory processing disorders or with small children. It will feature a shortened runtime, reduced special effects, and general admission seating. The[...]

New Bedford, MA, with Deaf, Inc. Deaf, Inc.,  will explore different international cultures during the holiday party. Includes light refreshments, giveaways, games and crafts. * Please inquire about the appropriate ages for this event. Please[...]

Norwell, MA, December 13th, 2024.  The Arc of the South Shore will host an inclusive Holiday Dance for individuals over the age of 18 to celebrate various holiday and times of the year. * The goal[...]

Boston, MA, December 14th, 2024, 2 p.m. performance only. Waking from hibernation in the Spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way. The two best[...]

Sandwich, MA, November 17th – December 14th, 2024. Free. For ages 8 and up. This program  provides individuals of all ages and varying developmental and intellectual abilities to learning about singing, dancing and experiencing music[...]

December 14th, 2024, Burlington, Framingham, Methuen, North Dartmouth, and Tyngsboro – theater locations may not be showing any given movie. Please check with the site for more information. Sensory Friendly films provides a family friendly, accepting environment[...]

Boston, MA,  December 14th, 2024. Join Autism Eats for a very special brunch with Santa. * The group will have their own private room and delicious buffet. * This event like all Autism Eats events[...]

Leahy Holloran Community Center, Dorchester/Boston, MA, December 14th, 2024, with the Boston Special Education Parent Advisory Council.  Join in for festive fun and celebration. The event is free to all, and will feature food, activities[...]

Sturbridge, MA, December  14th, 2024, with Seven Hills South Valley Support Center. Join their annual Holiday Gathering at a local venue.The $10 entrance fee covers pizza, drinks, and a holiday craft with Rick and Judy.[...]

Brockton, MA, December 14th, 2024, with the Arc of Greater Brockton. Step into a magical Winter Wonderland at The Arc of Greater Brockton, Joina a day filled with holiday cheer and fun activities. * Hallways[...]

Hopkinton, MA, December 14th, 2024, with the Hopkinton Lions Club. Free. This event may be sold out – please check with the host. Accessible indoor location. *  The Hopkinton Lions club will host a Santa’s[...]

Leominster, MA, December 14th, 2024, with the Leominster Special Education Parent Advisory Council. Free. An event exclusively for families with children who have a disability or specific sensory needsmaking it difficult for them to access[...]

Holyoke, MA, December 14th, 2024, with Jericho Bureau of Exceptional Children and Adults. You are invited to the Bureau of Exceptional Children and Adults at Jericho for their 2024 Sensitive Santa Party. This annual event[...]

Needham, MA, December 14th, 2024, with Bierman Autism Centers. Enjoy a calm, welcoming atmosphere where your child can meet Santa, take free photos, and participate in festive activities designed with their unique needs in mind.[...]

Florence / Northampton, MA, December 15th – 23rd, 2024, at Look Park. This is not a sensory or disability event. Low sensory Holiday experiences will be held on December 18th and 24th. * Celebrate the[...]

Bernardston, MA, December 15, 2024, at Kring Candle. Specially designed for individuals with sensory needs. Free however appoints are required. For your child and family members with sensory and other special needs that would benefit[...]

Beverly, MA, December 15th, 2024. This program offers dedicated time slots with a reduced number of guests and quieter sensory friendly environment. Any family that would benefit from a limited capacity visit is welcome. * Enjoy[...]

December 16th, 2024, Manchester, New Hampshire. *This family event is NOT a sensory-friendly or disability specific event. * It’s time for hot chocolate, golden tickets, and comfy jammies and a visit from Santa. * The Polar[...]

Worcester, MA, December 18th, 2024. Sensory Performance at 4 pm only. ASL Performance – December 22nd. Adapted by the president and CEO Troy Siebels and featuring the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ, this annual production returns to[...]

Boston, MA, December 18th, 2024. This is the Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale performed as a musical as it comes to life on stage. Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and[...]

Boston, MA, December 18th, 2o24.  How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musicial will feature the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he[...]

Florence / Northampton, MA, December 18th, 2024. Please confirm times with the event host. Free. Join other local special-needs families to for a Santa’s Train for a reduced sensory afternoon at the Garden House at[...]

Florence / Northampton, MA, December 24th, 2024.  Please confirm times with the host. Free. Join other local special-needs families to for a Santa’s Train for a reduced sensory afternoon at the Garden House at Look[...]

Webinar, December 18th, 2024, with the Arc of Massachusetts.  Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) is a brain-based visual impairment and a common cause of blindness and low vision, yet it is poorly understood and often underdiagnosed. Less[...]

Middleboro, MA, December 19th, 2024, with Middleboro Elks Club and The Heart in Art: Inclusive Holiday Dance for Teens and Adults with Disabilities. There will be: * refreshments * socializing Fees applyy, RSVPs required to[...]

Attleboro, MA, December 20th, 2024, 5 – 7, with Thompson Realty Group. Join a Sensory-Friendly Santa Experience – the host is offering a special visit with Santa in a calm, welcoming setting. Designed for families[...]

Fitchburg, MA, December 21st, 2024. Celebrate the season with The Arc of Opportunity’s  In-House Holiday Party. Kick off the festivities with a holiday lunch, followed making your own festive ornaments. Please inquire about the appropriate ages[...]

Littleton, MA, Epping, NH, December 21st, 2024. For families affected by Autism or other disabilities. See a movie on the big screen with no loud noises and higher house lights for better visibility. * O’Neil[...]

Worcester, MA, December 22nd, 7 pm only. Sensory-Friendly Performance – December 18th. Adapted by the president and CEO Troy Siebels and featuring the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ, this annual production returns to the main stage with[...]

Worcester, December 24th, 2024, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free. This is not a disability-specific event but the venue does have accessibility, see the end of this post for more of the museum’s accessibility options.[...]

Springfield, MA, December 25th, 2025, with the Springfield JCC and the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts. Free and open to the public. Not a disability specific event. Celebrate the light and miracle of the first[...]

North Andover, MA, December 26th & 27th, 2024. See the gardens aglow with enchanting light displays. What makes this time “Sensory-Friendly?” A gentle, less crowded, supported experience geared towards individuals with sensory needs. Each time slot will[...]

Canton, MA, December 26th & 27th, 2024. A a gentle, less crowded, supported experience geared towards individuals with sensory needs. Each time slot will have a smaller number of tickets available, meaning you’ll have more[...]

Dover, MA, December 27th, 2024. About Sensory-Friendly Walk and Learn: This program offers a reduced number of guests and a quieter sensory-friendly environment. Any family that would benefit from a limited capacity visit is welcomeNature’s[...]

Springfield, MA, December 30th, 2024, with the Springfield JCC. New Year’s Eve Dance Party for Kehillah families and friends ages 11+. * Celebrate the beginning of the New Year with your friends and family at[...]

Worcester, December 31st, 2024, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. This is not a disability-specific event but the venue does have accessibility. See the end of this post for more of the museum’s accessibility options. *[...]

Stoneham, MA, January 3rd, 2025, 4:00-6:00 p.m. only. Guests are welcome to stay past 6 p.m., but please note that lights and sounds will be adjusted for regular event by 6:15 p.m. * This event[...]

Medfield, MA, January 3rd, 2025. About Sensory-Friendly Winter Scavenger Hunt. This program offers a reduced number of guests and a quieter sensory-friendly environment. Any family that would benefit from a limited capacity visit is welcome. *[...]

Littleton, MA, Epping, NH, January 4th, 2024. For families affected by Autism or other disabilities. See a movie on the big screen with no loud noises and higher house lights for better visibility. * O’Neil[...]

Webinar, January 7th, 2025, with Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, MA. This workshop is part one of their four-part Janaury 2025 Transition Centers Series on Housing. Speaker: Denise D. Resnick, Founder & President/CEO,[...]

Webinar, January 14th, 2025, with Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, MA. This workshop is part two of their four-part Janaury 2025 Transition Centers Series on Housing. Part Two: Accessing Affordable Housing – talk[...]

Online, January 14th – March 20th, 2025, with Deaf Inc of Boston. DEAF, Inc. offers American Sign Language (ASL) classes for adults interested in learning the language and Deaf culture in the United States and[...]

Webinar, with the Boston Childrens Hospital Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement Family Education and Advocacy Team. “Transitioning to High School: Support and Tips for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students and Their Families”. Topics include: Academic, social[...]

Webinar January 21st, 2025, with Perkins School for the Blind of  Watertown, MA. Part of their series of family workshops designed for parents and professionals to learn the many aspects of transition planning for young[...]

Webinar, January 21st, 2025, with Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, MA. This workshop is part three of their four-part Janaury 2025 Transition Centers Series on Housing. Part Three – take a a closer[...]

Virtual Group, January 25th, 2025. The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress and the Boston Children’s Hospital Down Syndrome Program are co-hosting a quarterly support group for families of children with Down syndrome and special health care[...]

Webinar, January 28th, 2025, with Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, MA. This workshop is part four of their four-part Janaury 2025 Transition Centers Series on Housing. Part Four: Dive into housing options that[...]

Virual Event, February 26th, 2025, with Work Without Limits at UMass Chan Medical School of Shrewsbury. The Work Without Limits Virtual Career Fair For Individuals with Disabilities connects job seekers with disabilities with inclusive employers.[...]

Boston College, Boston, MA, April 4th, 2025, with Campus School at Boston College Campus School. Conference for Families and Professionals – Perspectives on Parenting Children with Extensive Support and Medical Needs. SPEAKERS * Nancy Frates –[...]

Westborough, MA, April 4th, 2025, with the The Massachusetts Association of Approved Special Education Schools.  This is a professional conference for networking and informational purposes, not intended for students and families. MAAPS is the association[...]

Medfield, MA, April 5th, 2025.  Free. Massachusetts Miss Amazing provides opportunities for girls and women with disabilities across Massachusetts to build self-esteem. The mission of Miss Amazing is to give girls and women with disabilities[...]

Theater on the Mount, at Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA, April 12th, 2025, 11 a.m. performance.  The sensory-friendly performance is specially catered to children and adults with sensory input disorders, autism, or other developmental,[...]

Marlborough, MA, in person on May 5th, Virtual Session, May 6th, 2025. Open to caregivers and professionals such as Early Interventionists, Early Childhood Educators, Nurses, Physical and Occupational Therapists, Special Education Teachers, Psychologists, Social Workers,[...]

Online, June 17th – 26th, 2025, with Deaf Inc of Boston. DEAF, Inc. offers American Sign Language (ASL) classes for adults interested in learning the language and Deaf culture in the United States and abroad.[...]

Online, July 7th – August 7th, 2025, with Deaf Inc of Boston. DEAF, Inc. offers American Sign Language (ASL) classes for adults interested in learning the language and Deaf culture in the United States and[...]

Online, September 16th – November 20th, 2025, with Deaf Inc of Boston. DEAF, Inc. offers American Sign Language (ASL) classes for adults interested in learning the language and Deaf culture in the United States and[...]