Middletown, NY – Santa believes that every child deserves a magical Christmas, so he is working with Autism Speaks and Galleria at Crystal Run to create Sensory Friendly Santa Magic experiences. For some on the autism spectrum, experiencing certain holiday traditions can be overwhelming due to sensory differences, communication styles, and other environmental elements. Santa Magic is the holiday photo experience provided by Cherry Hill Programs (CHP), the industry leader in experiential photography who operates holiday experiences in hundreds of locations across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. On December 5, 2021 at participating locations, guests can celebrate Santa Magic in a sensitive environment. During the Sensory Friendly Events, CHP will limit the number of scheduled guests to lessen crowds and wait times, reduce music volume or have no music at all, and ensure the lighting is at a comforting level for all guests. Reservations should be made to limit the wait time and can be made at holidaymagiclive.createholidaymagic.com/.
“At Autism Speaks, we are working to create a kinder, more inclusive world for all people with autism. We are thrilled to have the support of Cherry Hill Programs once again to offer sensory-friendly experiences for all families to enjoy holiday traditions,” said Jennifer Schell Podoll, Autism Speaks senior vice president of constituent engagement. “Events like Santa Magic help us make a meaningful impact in communities by creating welcoming environments for everyone to feel understood and accepted.”
“There are few things in this World more uplifting and magical than the warmth of a Child’s smile,” said John Barbieri, Chief Strategy Officer of CHP. “To see the wonder in their eyes and the pure excitement they express during of a visit with Santa while also knowing that they’re a part of helping others makes me and the Cherry Hill family proud of the work we do.”
Additionally, guests can make a donation to Autism Speaks with the purchase of any photo package. Options include a “keep the change” donation or adding $1, $3, $5, or $10. This is available at participating Santa Magic photo experience locations throughout the holiday season. Visit autismspeaks.createholidaymagic.com for more information.
Santa is back in person this year, and thanks to CHP’s Santa Magic, families will once again experience the wonder of Santa’s Workshop and capture commemorative pictures with the man himself for Christmas 2021. Of course, Santa wouldn’t come if he didn’t think that it was safe to visit with each child. To create a safe, contactless experience, reservations and advance sales can be made online at whereissanta.com. Walk-up visits are available as space allows at most Santa Magic locations. At the Santa Magic photo experience, guests can expect and should prepare for all CDC recommended best practices to be required and include social distancing, face coverings and enhanced sanitization. CHP recommends reviewing the CDC Safety Guidelines before arriving at the Santa Magic experience.
Every Santa Magic photo package will come with $25 to shop Shutterfly (at participating locations) thanks to their partnership with Cherry Hill Programs. Packages run from $39.99 to $49.99 and, depending on the package, include digital downloads, access to an online gift shop at myholidaymoments.com, 6×8, 4×6, 3×5 and wallet size photo prints as well as a limited-edition postcard photo. There is also a fun opportunity for guests to snap a selfie while waiting to see Santa or to upload a photo to the My Photo Op Spot which allows guests to instantly appear in different holiday backgrounds, download and save and share with friends and family via social media with #myphotoopspot. Guests can take this photo creation fun one step further with the My Photo MAGIC PASS which includes access to My Photo SANTA MAGIC at half the cost! Available at 50% off with any photo package purchase, guests have complete access to virtual holiday photo fun through January 31, 2022.
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. To find resources, join an event or make a donation, go to www.autismspeaks.org. Learn more by following @autismspeaks on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Cherry Hill Programs:
Cherry Hill Programs captures the Magic to celebrate moments for a lifetime! In partnership with famous landmarks, attractions, signature retail venues, and hotel destinations, CHP is the industry-leader in experiential photography, providing virtual, digital, and live holiday + souvenir photography experiences in venues across North America. Through a combination of proprietary reservation software, innovative technology, accessible download portals and complete photography operation implementation – from recruiting and training to collaborative marketing – our mission is simple: to bring magic to every experience.