The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and making memories. For families with children on the autism spectrum, however, holidays can bring challenges such as sensory overload, changes in routine, and stressful social situations. With thoughtful planning, holidays can still be fun and inclusive. By focusing on each child’s strengths, preferences, and comfort, families can create meaningful traditions together.
This guide highlights practical, autism-friendly holiday activities that parents, caregivers, and educators can use to create a season filled with warmth and connection.
Why Inclusive Holidays Matter for Children with Autism
Every child experiences holidays differently. Children with autism may have unique needs when it comes to sensory input, communication, and transitions. By tailoring holiday activities, families can:
- Reduce stress and meltdowns
- Encourage social interaction and bonding
- Support sensory regulation
- Create positive and lasting memories
Taking a proactive approach helps ensure children with autism feel comfortable, included, and celebrated during this special time.
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Get the Parent Holiday GuideTop Holiday Activities for Children with Autism
Below are holiday activities for children with autism that balance sensory-friendly fun with opportunities for creativity, learning, and connection.
1. Sensory-Friendly Decorations
Decorating can be magical, but flashing lights and loud sounds may be overwhelming. Instead, choose soft lights, textured ornaments, or calming colors. Involve your child in hanging decorations so they feel part of the tradition.
2. Holiday Crafts
Simple, structured crafts are wonderful for children with autism. Try making paper snowflakes, decorating stockings, or creating hand-painted ornaments. These holiday activities for kids with autism promote fine motor skills and provide a sense of accomplishment.
3. Baking Together
Baking cookies or simple holiday treats can be a fun, multisensory activity. Let your child measure, stir, or decorate using sprinkles. The smells, textures, and tastes make it a sensory-rich holiday activities experience.
4. Music and Singing
Many children enjoy holiday music. Keep the volume comfortable and consider using calming playlists. Singing together or using hand movements with songs adds a fun, interactive element.
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Read More: Summer Fun in New York for Children with Autism Spectrum
5. Story Time Traditions
Reading holiday-themed books with visual supports or social stories helps children prepare for new experiences. Choose interactive books with textures or flaps to keep them engaged.
6. Adaptive Holiday Movies
Watching movies at home is a cozy way to celebrate. Dim the lights, use captions, and give your child control over breaks if they need them.
7. Outdoor Winter Fun
Fresh air and movement are grounding. Activities like building a snowman, walking through a decorated neighborhood, or visiting a sensory-friendly holiday lights display are great low-pressure options.
8. Virtual Celebrations
If large gatherings feel overwhelming, connect with loved ones through short video calls. This allows your child to participate socially while staying in their comfort zone.
9. Sensory Bins with a Holiday Twist
Create bins filled with rice, beans, cotton balls (as “snow”), or small holiday toys. Sensory play supports regulation and can be both calming and joyful.
10. Quiet Time Spaces
Designate a calm holiday-themed space where your child can unwind. Include soft blankets, dim lighting, or fidget toys. This provides a safe retreat if celebrations feel overwhelming.
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11. Visit a Sensory-Friendly Santa
Many communities now host autism sensory holiday activities such as quiet Santa visits. These events are less crowded, calmer, and welcoming for children with autism.
12. Adapted Games and Puzzles
Games that encourage turn-taking, teamwork, and fun are wonderful. Modify rules or choose puzzles that align with your child’s interests and abilities.
Read More: Indoor Destinations in New York: Safe Spaces for Children with Autism
Holiday Tips for Parents of Children with Autism
In addition to activities, here are some supportive strategies for making the holidays smoother:
- Prepare with visuals: Use calendars or picture schedules to show what’s coming.
- Keep routines in place: Maintain mealtimes and bedtime as much as possible.
- Offer choices: Allow children to pick activities, decorations, or songs.
- Plan for breaks: Schedule downtime during busy days to help prevent overwhelm.
- Stay flexible: Not every activity will go as planned, and that’s okay.
These holiday tips for children with autism help families balance fun with predictability.
How ABS Supports Families During the Holidays
At Achievement Behavior Services (ABS), we understand the unique challenges and joys that holidays bring for children with autism. Our team of ABA therapists works closely with families to build skills in communication, social interaction, and emotional regulation tools that are especially helpful during seasonal transitions.
Let Them Shine This Holiday With Support
Access Our Holiday ToolkitIf you are seeking extra guidance this season, our experts are here to help you design inclusive routines and activities that meet your child’s needs.
Final Thoughts
Celebrating the holidays with a child on the autism spectrum may look a little different, but with thoughtful planning and autism-friendly holiday activities ideas, families can create beautiful and meaningful memories. The most important part is embracing flexibility and focusing on what brings joy and comfort to your child.
This holiday season, let’s celebrate inclusivity, connection, and the small moments that make the season bright.
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References:
1. 13 Tips to Make Halloween More Accessible and Inclusive
2. Use Visual Supports to Ease Transitions
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10001844
3. Plan Ahead for Holiday Changes
