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Chester's first Santa experience designed by SEN parents comes to Storyhouse
Reframe Productions CIC, a Chester community interest company, is bringing An Accessible Santa Experience to Storyhouse's Garret Theatre on Saturday 5th December. It is billed as the first Santa experience in Chester designed by parents of children with special educational needs.
The event offers three 90-minute sessions (10:00am-11:30am, 12:00pm-1:30pm and 2:00pm-3:30pm). Instead of a queue and a few minutes with Santa, each family has a relaxed session to use as they need. Children can leave the room and come back whenever they want. Santa is in the room throughout, and children can chat with him and have a photo if they wish, or simply enjoy the space without any pressure.
Alongside Santa, the Garret Theatre will host a make-your-own Christmas decoration station, a make-your-own Christmas card station, a free play area and a sensory area. Every child will receive a gift to take home, wrapped or unwrapped.
The event uses a pay-as-you-feel model. Families choose £8.00, £4.00 or nothing for each child's place, and every child has exactly the same experience. Parents and carers attend free of charge and stay with their children throughout.
The idea came from Reframe Productions co-founder Jen McAndrew, a mother to an autistic son, who found that existing SEN Santa events in the city did not meet his needs.
Jen McAndrew, Director, Reframe Productions CIC, said:
“As a parent, I wanted to create a Santa visit where nobody is rushed, nobody is on show and every child can take part in whatever way feels right to them. This isn't an existing event adapted after the fact. It has been designed around accessibility from the very start. We are so grateful to everyone who has helped make it possible.”
Storyhouse has donated the use of the Garret Theatre and is supporting the event with ticket sales and publicity. The event is also made possible by the generosity of sponsors JB Corrie and London Camera Exchange, Chester, Pars Kahve and Frankies Bar whose support will help fund free places for children.
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Read MoreFrequently asked questions
- What is the Accessible Santa Experience?
It’s a Santa visit with no queue, no countdown and no pressure. Created by SEN parents for children who need things done a little differently, it gives your family 90 minutes to enjoy a festive visit in whatever way works best for you.
- When and where is it?
Saturday 5 December 2026, in the Garret Theatre at Storyhouse, Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR.
- What are the session times?
There are three sessions to choose from: 10am to 11.30am, 12pm to 1.30pm, and 2pm to 3.30pm.
- What happens during a session?
Inside the Garret Theatre, children can make a Christmas decoration to take home, create a Christmas card for someone special, play with toys and building activities in the free play area, or take some time to explore and unwind in the sensory area. Santa is in the room for the whole session.
- Does my child have to meet Santa?
Not at all. Your child can say hello, have a chat or have a photo if they want to, or simply enjoy the room. Watching from a distance is a perfectly good visit.
- Can we take a break if things get too much?
Yes. You’re welcome to come and go as you need, including leaving the room and coming back later in your session.
- Will my child receive a gift?
Every child receives a gift to take home. You can choose whether it’s wrapped or unwrapped, which helps if your child finds surprises tricky.
- How much does it cost?
It’s pay what you can, because the organisers want every family to be able to come. When you book, you choose what to pay for each child: £8 covers the full cost of one child’s visit, £4 is a contribution towards the cost, or you can choose a free place with no explanation needed. Every child receives exactly the same experience, whichever option you pick.
- How are the free places funded?
Families who pay £8 help fund free places for others, alongside support from the event’s sponsors.
- Do adults need a ticket?
No. Parents and carers come for free and don’t need to book. Children must be accompanied by an adult (18+) throughout the session.
- How do I book?
Book through the Storyhouse website. For any questions, you can email info@storyhouse.com or call 01244 409113.
- Where can I find access information about Storyhouse?
Storyhouse has an access register you can join, plus a downloadable visual guide to help you plan your visit. Both are available on the Storyhouse access page.
- Who is running the event?
The Accessible Santa Experience is presented by Reframe Productions CIC at Storyhouse, with thanks to supporters including JB Corrie, London Camera Exchange Chester, Pars Kahve and Frankies.