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The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s Zoo Access for All program is designed to encourage families and individuals of all backgrounds to visit our world-class organization to build lifelong and multi-generational memories.
Sensory-Friendly Santa will be set up in the Picnic Shelter area, which has been transformed into Santa’s Village! In addition to Santa’s meet & greet, there will be gingerbread houses and holiday decorations. Families have the option to purchase photos taken by the Zoo’s photography team.
2026 Sensory Santa Dates
Sensory-Friendly Santa will be at the Zoo from 1:00pm-3:00pm, before crowds arrive, on November 21, 22, 28 & 29, and December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20. Reservations are required.
Reservations go live in early October!
- Nov. 21 & 22
- Nov. 28 & 29
- Dec. 5 & 6
- Dec. 12 & 13
- Dec. 19 & 20
*Admission not included with reservation. Valid admission ticket or membership required for entry to the zoo.
- Reserved times to help families avoid standing in line and waiting
- Holiday music volume is lowered and bright lights are dimmed or turned off
- Only one family has access to the area at a time to avoid additional distraction or stimulation
- Santa received training from Dr. Jen Smith (Children’s LEND Program) for tips and information on interacting with visitors with different abilities.
- Families visited Santa and the Zoo before the Festival of Lights crowds arrive, and before it’s dark (for those with holiday light sensitivities)
- For families wishing to visit Santa during the Festival of Lights, the Zoo has the Access Pass. Using the Access Pass, visitors will wait the same length of time as the line, but outside of the traditional physical line. To use an Access Pass, ask an employee at the Welcome Center.
Sensory Santa Sponsored by:
