MANHATTAN, KAN. – This Sunday Manhattan Town Center will host the third annual Santa Cares event to offer sensory-friendly photo sessions with Santa exclusively for families of children with special needs.
Santa Cares is held in partnership with Autism Speaks and welcomes children of all ages and abilities. 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.
“Santa Cares is one of our favorite events of the year,” said Jeff Sutton, Manhattan Town Center marketing manager. “We open the mall before hours 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.”
Santa Cares is scheduled for this Sunday, December 9 from 10 a.m. to noon. Visits with Santa are free. Space is limited and families are encouraged to reserve a time in advance at https://www.manhattantowncenter.com/event/santa-cares/2145517899/. Keepsake Santa photo packages will be available for purchase during the event.
Manhattan Town Center is currently holding its Holiday Music 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.
This Saturday, December 8, the Manhattan Tuba Christmas will perform at 3 p.m. 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 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Beginning Saturday, December 15, the mall will open an hour earlier and close and hour later, with Christmas Eve closing at 6 p.m.
Manhattan Town Center expanded holiday hours
(not including AMC, Dillard’s, JCPenney and restaurants)
December 15: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
December 16: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
December 17: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
December 18: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
December 19: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
December 20: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
December 21: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
December 22: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
December 23: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
December 24: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
December 25: Mall closed
December 26: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.