Content
Skip to Main ContentAccessibility Help
Calgary

For those who find mall Santa too overwhelming — this jolly elf takes lists in quiet, calming environment

If your kids — or you — find the hustle, bustle and noise of waiting among mall crowds to be too much, you might want to check out "Relaxed Santa."

Families can book private photo sessions with Father Christmas at Eau Claire Market

Rachel Ward · CBC News ·
Visiting Santa is a tradition for many families but can be difficult for some to manage the crowd. The Santa pictured, at Macy's Herald Square Santaland, sees thousands of kids each year. (Diane Bondareff/The Associated Press)

Santa is coming to Calgary to visit with kids who might find mall crowds overwhelming. 

The jolly head elf will be at Eau Claire Market this weekend for an event called Relaxed Santa. The idea is to provide an accessible, sensory-friendly experience so all kids can be comfortable with sharing their toy requests.

The hustle, bustle and noise of waiting at the mall can overwhelm many kids, said Col Cseke, artistic director for Inside Out Theatre, which organized the event.

"It's a very calm experience that we have. You come in, there's some snacks and crafts to do and people are able to sign up for spots so there's also not the stress of waiting in line," he told the Calgary Eyeopener.

Each family has 10 minutes with Santa in a private room. They can take the time to warm up and get their picture taken.

The area will reduce loud music and noises, have no flashing lights and offer a few treats.

Relax and reset

The program is pay-what-you-can, because the theatre believes in financial accessibility, too.

"If even in the relaxed environment, if it's getting a little much, there's like a couple quiet rooms kids or families can go to to relax and kind of reset, and then come back and join whenever they're ready," Cseke said.

Families interested in taking part can sign up on the website, insideouttheatre.com/relaxed-santa.

Any family with sensory concerns, learning disorders, autism spectrum disorders, dementia or small babies — as well as anyone who finds the mall Santa experience challenging — is welcome.

The program is an extension of Inside Out Theatre's work to make theatre accessible to participants and viewers.

​With files from the Calgary Eyeopener.

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices|About CBC News
Corrections and clarifications|Submit a news tip|

Related Stories