• Ensure signage can be easily posted at the start and finish of the sensoryfriendly zone.

  
  

• Pick a sensory-friendly zone location that can easily be identified (on a map, when giving explantions, etc.)

  
  

• Get support from businesses/residents along the sensory-friendly zone. supportive?

  Santa Claus Parade Checklist

  1. Choose a sensory-friendly zone.

  1. List your Sensory Friendly Santa Claus Parade.

  -Submit your Sensory Friendly Santa Claus Parade to listings and directorys like our Sensory Friendly Finder.

  1. Prepare signs.

  
  

• Use words like “Sensory Friendly Zone” or “Quiet Zone.”

• Prepare at least eight signs.

• Signs should face both directions.

• Signs should be on both sides of the street.

• Pick a simple font.

• Make the writing and sign large.

• Use sentence case wr iting (not all CAPITALS or Upper C ase). Sent ence case is easier to read.

  
  

• Black print on a yellow background is easiest to read. Signs should be on both sides of the street.

• Signs should face in both directions.

  1. Let attendees know what to expect.

• Make public what changes will be enforced in the sensory-friendly zone.

• Call your parade a “Sensory Friendly Santa Claus Parade.”

• Mention it in press releases, across media like radio and print, and on social media platforms.

  
  

  1. Let floats and participants know about the

• Include information about the sensory-friendly zone with registration.

• Send floats and participants a reminder.

• Establish clear rules: E.g. Quiet zone means no sirens, no noise-makers, no loud noises, no sudden noises, no vehicle horns.

• Turn off background music.

• No music for this this zone.

• Turn off flashing lights.

• Turn off blinking lights.

• Turn of strobe lights.

• Turn off other bright lights if possible.

• Only keep lights on that are needed for safety.

  1. Let the community know.

• Tell your municipality.

• Share the news with local schools.

• Ask local disability organizations to let their networks know too.

  1. Put up the signs in advance.

  - Give people notice beforehand.

  1. Enjoy a Santa Claus parade that is inclusive to more children and families.

• Bonus idea: hand out ear plugs along the sensory-friendly zone.

Dear Reader,

Thank you for downloading the Santa Claus Parade Checklist.

Santa Claus Parades are busy, noisy and bright. That can be hard for many children and families to enjoy. Making some small changes can create space for all families and children to enjoy a Christmas parade.

I founded Sensory Friendly Solutions to help parents, families, and caregivers, who all struggle with everyday activities due to their child’s sensory challenges.

Including them in your parade makes all the difference in the world! I have adultonset hearing loss and experience sensory sensitivity and sensory overload too.

Sensory Friendly Solutions’ resources will help you learn more about sensory challenges and discover sensory-friendly solutions.

Join us on social media, download and subscribe to our podcast and visit our website to discover sensory-friendly solutions for everyday living.

With thanks, Christel Seeberger Founder & CEO

Sensory Friendly Solutions