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The holidays are a magical time for many children, from the visits with family and holiday treats to an abundance of lights everywhere. For some other children, these same attributes can be stressful and cause anxiety.

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Kidsburgh recently put together a list of sensory-friendly activities and events taking place in the Pittsburgh region that are aimed at ensuring that all attendees are able to enjoy them comfortably.

The list includes:

• Holiday Magic at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Through Sunday, January 4) – The conservatory will offer sensory-sensitive hours through a partnership with the Autism Connection of Pennsylvania. The holiday-themed gardens include a poinsettia showcase and a Winter Light Garden.
• Holiday Lights at Kennywood Park – The amusement park will offer a variety of accommodations for those with disabilities or special needs. The park will put up millions of lights, host a meeting with Santa Claus, and keep more than 25 rides open.
• Santa at the Heinz History Center – The museum offers sensory-friendly accommodations, such as sensory bags and quiet spaces. All children ages 17 and below will get in for free.
• Santa Trolley at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum – There will be a special sensory-friendly Santa Trolley on Sunday, November 30 and the museum has sensory accommodations available at every event. Attendees will be able to meet Santa Claus before taking a ride on an antique streetcar.
• Sensory-friendly shopping hours at the Handmade Arcade Holiday Market – The market at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center runs from Friday, December 5 to Sunday, December 7. Sensory-friendly shopping hours will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, during which stimulation will be reduced for a less overwhelming shopping experience.
• “The Nutcracker” at the Benedum Center for Performing Arts – The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will hold a sensory-friendly performance of the holiday classic on Sunday, December 7. The performance is aimed at those with autism spectrum disorder, sensory sensitivity, or other individual needs.
• A Very Yinzer Christmas – This performance on Saturday, December 8 at the Benedum Center for Performing Arts will feature more than 25 Pittsburgh musicians. Proceeds will benefit Band Together Pittsburgh, a local organization that creates music programs for those on the autism spectrum.
• Sensory-friendly hours at the National Aviary – The aviary will offer a sensory-friendly version of its “Passport to Parks” presentation on Wednesday, December 10 that is designed to avoid dysregulation. It will include a sensory guide, quiet zones, and sensory tools.
• “A Musical Christmas Carol” at the Byham Theater – This adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel is set to seasonal music and will run from Thursday, December 11 to Monday, December 22. A sensory-friendly performance will be held on Sunday, December 21 at 10 a.m.
• Holiday Pops at Heinz Hall – The Pittsburgh Symphony, Mendelssohn Choir and guest vocalist Blaine Alden Krauss will perform during this holiday music event, which runs from Friday, December 12 to Sunday, December 21. A sensory-friendly version of the show will take place on Sunday, December 21 with tickets priced at $15.

For more information on these holiday-themed, sensory-friendly events, read the entire Kidsburgh article.