FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Debbie Detweiler
NOVEMBER 16, 2018 EMAIL: d.detweiler@qic.com
PHONE: 813-994-4010
CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS SHARE A MAGICAL MOMENT WITH SANTA AT THE SHOPS AT WIREGRASS DURING SENSORY-FRIENDLY SANTA EVENT
The Shops at Wiregrass presents sensory-friendly photo sessions with Santa exclusively for families of children with special needs
WHAT Santa welcomes children of all ages and abilities! This compassionate, sensory-friendly event allows families with children with all spectrums of special needs 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.
WITH Sensory-Friendly Santa is held in partnership with Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.
WHEN December 2, 2018, 10:00 - 11:30 am
COST Visits with Santa are free. Space is limited and families are encouraged to reserve a time in advance at: www.autismspeaks.org/santa2018. Keepsake Santa photo packages will be available for purchase during the event.
WHERE Center Court
The Shops at Wiregrass
28211 Paseo Drive, Suite 100
Wesley Chapel, FL 33543
About The Shops at Wiregrass: Since 2008, with over 100 shops, restaurants and services, The Shops at Wiregrass brings a unique experience to shopping, dining and entertainment. Located at State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Wesley Chapel, The Shops at Wiregrass is pedestrian and pet friendly and has an inviting atmosphere where guests are encouraged to relax, socialize and stay awhile. For more information, visit www.theshopsatwiregrass.com.
HOLIDAY EVENT SCHEDULE
www.theshopsatwiregrass.com/events
Now - Dec. 24, 2018 - Mason Dixon’s Christmas Wish Fund Presented by Signarama
Since 1992, Mason Dixon’s Christmas Wish Fund has helped families in need in the Tampa
Bay area. The Shops at Wiregrass is a proud supporter and provides three ways to help make
the season brighter:
● Bring an unwrapped gift to the Signarama Gift Box, located in the Macy’s Courtyard.
Donations accepted until Dec. 20.
● Purchase a Shops at Wiregrass Savings Coupon Book at Guest Services for a $5
donation with all proceeds benefiting the fund.
● Visit Guest Services to donate a Shops at Wiregrass Gift Card.
Now - Dec. 24, 2018 - Santa’s Village with the Wiregrass Express
Visit Santa’s Village in Center Court and take a ride on the new Wiregrass Express train by
True American Classic. This handmade, state of the art train is equipped with real steam, a
whistle, illuminated wheels and has an ADA accessible caboose for all guests to enjoy.
Now - Dec. 24, 2018 - Photos with Santa
Come see Santa at Santa’s Village in Center Court and get your family holiday photo taken
every day from 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. now through Dec. 24. Pets can get their photos taken on
Monday nights through Dec. 3 from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. For hours and reservations, visit
www.theshopsatwiregrass.com/events .
Dec. 2, 2018 - Photos with Santa Cares Sensory Santa
In partnership with Autism Speaks, Santa Cares Sensory Santa will be visiting The Shops at
Wiregrass to provide a sensory-friendly photo opportunity. Enjoy a calm environment and
spend time with Santa on Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. For hours and reservations, visit
www.theshopsatwiregrass.com/events .
Now - Dec. 31, 2018 - Symphony in Lights Nightly Shows
Every hour on the hour at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m., enjoy lights, sounds and snow
throughout the holidays. The dazzling light shows feature seasonal favorites by the
Trans-Siberian Orchestra that will get you in the holiday spirit.
Now - Jan. 6, 2019 - Synthetic Ice Concepts Ice Skating Rink & Slap Shot Challenge
Synthetic Ice Concepts gives visitors a chance to experience a festive outing for the whole
family. Guests can enjoy ice skating every day though Jan. 6. Prices and hours may vary.
Skates are provided. Located on Piazza Avenue near The Shops at Wiregrass dining.
Dec. 1-23, 2018 - Community Holiday Performances
Join The Shops at Wiregrass during the month of December as the community comes
together for an assortment of holiday performances. During the hours of 6:15 p.m., 7:15 p.m.,
and 8:15 p.m., visitors can enjoy amazing local talent and entertainment. Visit
www.theshopsatwiregrass.com/events for more details.
Dec. 1-24, 2018 - Holiday Gift Wrapping
Complete your holiday shopping and gift wrapping at The Shops at Wiregrass. Holiday gift
wrapping available on select dates, visit www.theshopsatwiregrass.com/events for details.
Dec. 9, 2018 - Chanukah Celebration
Join Chabad at Wiregrass for the Chanukah Street Fair. Beginning at 5 p.m., outside of
Dillard’s, there will be food, fun activities for the whole family and the Grand Menorah
Lighting Celebration. Visit www.chabadatwiregrass.com for details.
Holiday Hours: The Shops at Wiregrass will be closed on Thanksgiving and will reopen Black
Friday at 7 a.m. The mall will be open on Christmas Eve 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., but will be closed on
Christmas Day. Visit the store and restaurant directory to call for additional holiday hours.
About Cherry Hill Programs
Cherry Hill Programs represents over 94 years of combined experience and thought leadership from two of the most respected pioneers in the experiential photo industry. They bring the magic with authentic Santas for the young and young-at-heart. Cherry Hill Programs operates in hundreds of premier retail and entertainment venues across the U.S. and Canada during the Christmas and Easter season, utilizing innovative technology and authentic characters. Their mission is: Delivering a magical experience. Every time. Visit www.cherryhillprograms.com
# # #