Santa hosting ‘quiet’ grotto this Friday for kids with additional needs

Santa is set to host a special ‘quiet’ grotto experience this Friday at Dobbies’ Livingston store, specifically designed for children with additional needs. The sensory-friendly Quiet Grotto experience aims to reduce anxiety and provide a customised environment for these children, ensuring that every family has a magical grotto experience. To create a more suitable environment, lighting, sound, and visual effects will be minimised, allowing children to have a cherished moment with Santa.

The session times for this special grotto experience are extended to provide a slower, more relaxed visit, and families will even receive a photograph of the grotto in advance to help prepare the children for the visit. The new Little Seedlings train-themed Grotto at the Livingston store promises to spread Christmas joy to families in the area. Children can look forward to a warm welcome from the elves at Sleighbell Station, snowy scenes, woodland characters, hidden nutcrackers, and, of course, the opportunity to share their Christmas wishes with Santa.

Ayesha Nickson, Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, is excited to welcome children to the brand-new Little Seedlings train-inspired Quiet Grotto experience, aiming to create magical moments for children who might not enjoy a typical grotto experience. Families are encouraged to book in advance for the Christmas events at Dobbies’ Livingston store to avoid disappointment. The Quiet Grotto event will take place on 6 December at £12.99 per child, while Santa’s Grotto will run from 28 November until 24 December, also priced at £12.99 per child.

For more information about the Christmas events at Dobbies’ Livingston store and to make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events.

Insights:
This initiative by Dobbies’ Livingston store to host a ‘quiet’ grotto experience for children with additional needs is a heartwarming gesture towards inclusivity. Providing a sensory-friendly environment for children who may find traditional grottos overwhelming ensures that every child can enjoy the magic of Christmas. As more businesses and organisations adopt such thoughtful approaches, it contributes to creating a more inclusive and supportive community for children with diverse needs. Such initiatives not only benefit the children and families involved but also promote awareness and understanding of different abilities within society.