MANHATTAN, KAN. – This Sunday Manhattan Town Center will host a special event to offer sensory-friendly photo sessions with Santa exclusively for families of children with special needs.
This compassionate, sensory-friendly event allows families with children of special needs across all spectrums to experience the time-honored tradition of a Santa visit, in a comforting environment prior to public hours. Accommodations are made to support the sensory, physical, and developmental needs of this special audience.
“This is one of our favorite events of the year,” said Jeff Sutton, Manhattan Town Center marketing manager. “We open the mall early and make it a sensory-friendly event from beginning to end. Instead of waiting in line, families can hang out and do arts and crafts before their visit with Kris Kringle.”
The sensory-friendly Santa photo event is scheduled for this Sunday, December 5 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Visits with Santa are free. Space is limited and families are encouraged to reserve a time in advance by calling (785) 539-4441 or emailing [email protected]. Times are limited and reservations close at 4 p.m. this Friday. Keepsake Santa photo packages will be available for purchase during the event.
Patrons are also invited to bring their pets in for photos with Santa every Monday until Christmas, beginning at 5 p.m. each Monday.
Manhattan Town Center is currently holding its Holiday Performing Arts Festival featuring performances from area musicians, singers, and dancers. Many regional elementary, middle and high schools will perform on the mall’s East Court stage during the season.
The festival kicked off Saturday, Nov. 27 with a performance from award-winning saxophonist JhaVelle and continued Monday with a show from the K-State Dance Team’s “Nut/Cracked.”
Spotlight performances include Manhattan Silent Singers (Dec. 7 with music in American Sign Language), Little Apple Aerials (Dec. 3, 9, & 16), and Manhattan Tuba Christmas on Dec. 11. It features 55 tubas sharing holiday music.
Later this month, Manhattan Town Center will begin expanded hours. Normal operating hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Beginning Saturday, December 18, the mall will begin closing an hour later, with Christmas Eve closing at 5 p.m. Manhattan Town Center is closed on Dec. 25, although AMC IMAX theatre will be open on Christmas Day. Mall anchors Dillard’s and JCPenney, along with restaurants Applebee’s and HuHot Mongolian Grill, may have separate operating hours.