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For many of us, visiting a busy holiday market, a dazzling light display, or a winter carnival packed with Christmas decorations is pure joy – the kind of magical experience that always leaves you with cherished memories.
Unfortunately, this kind of experience isn’t universal. Many folks – including seniors, people with disabilities, and people with certain health conditions – find these bright, crowded spaces a real challenge.
When spaces aren’t as accessible as they could be, people miss out on the holiday cheer that so many others enjoy. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
At Classic Displays, we believe that everyone deserves to experience the magic of the holidays. We know you feel the same way! So, let's look at simple and practical ways to make your Christmas decorations and holiday venue welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.
To most people, benches seem like just another part of the scenery. But to people with limited mobility, stamina, or certain health conditions, benches are a must!
Benches offer a welcome break for those who have trouble standing or walking for long periods. Think about seniors, people with arthritis or back pain, and those recovering from injuries. To them, knowing there are places to rest can make the difference between visiting your venue or having to skip it altogether.
Benches also provide a place to escape the hustle and bustle for a moment. People with sensory sensitivities or anxiety can use them to take a breather from the crowds and stimulation, which lets them stay and enjoy the festivities longer.
Plus, benches don’t have to be boring! Check out our Frosty Friends, Polar Bear Buddies, Ginger Bench, and Rococo Throne for options that add to the festive flair. And, of course, all of our benches meet AODA, municipal, and national accessibility standards.
Here are a few extra tips to make sure your benches are truly accessible and user-friendly:
Place benches along walkways and paths, in natural gathering spots (like entrances and exits, and near food vendors and restrooms), and anywhere people need to wait.
Sturdy armrests on both sides make it easier for everyone to sit and stand, especially seniors. Armrests also make wheelchair transfers easier. And don't forget about backrests! They provide essential lumbar support for added comfort.
Allow for plenty of space around benches. A minimum of 60 inches in front allows for wheelchair access, and at least 36 inches of side clearance makes transfers easier. Remember that people who use walkers also need space to rest their walker beside the bench.
Always place benches on stable, level ground, away from any hazards like steps, curbs, or overhanging branches.
Safety and accessibility go hand-in-hand! Permanent bollards are a great way to prevent vehicles from parking in front of accessible entrances or blocking ramps. They also act as a safety barrier, protecting pedestrians from vehicles.
Bollards are a great solution year-round, but now’s the time to start thinking about them. If you start planning today, you’ll be one step ahead come spring.
For seasonal events, removable or retractable bollards are a great way to manage the crowds. You can use these bollards to create orderly lines, or carve out a buffer zone around accessible washrooms, which both help give people using mobility aids the space they need to navigate.
Just be sure to consider bollard placement carefully! You don't want to create obstacles or hazards. Avoid placing them in the middle of walkways or in a place that blocks access to benches or other amenities.
We all know how tricky winter weather can be, but for people with disabilities, snow and ice can be even more challenging.
Snow and ice make it incredibly difficult for people with mobility impairments to get around. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can get stuck in snow or lose traction on icy surfaces. People who are unsteady on their feet, or use canes or walkers, face a higher risk of slips and falls. Even those who drive might struggle with snow-filled accessible parking spaces, icy ramps, and blocked entryways.
To keep your holiday venue accessible all winter long, make sure to clear snow and ice on a regular basis. This means shoveling and salting sidewalks, curb ramps, and pathways, and keeping accessible parking spaces and entryways clear.
It takes a little extra work, but it makes a world of difference!
Here's how to make your outdoor holiday display safe and accessible, no matter the weather:
When setting up an outdoor display, choose a spot that's easily accessible for snow removal equipment. Avoid narrow pathways or areas with obstacles that would make clearing snow difficult.
Set a regular schedule for snow and ice removal, especially after heavy snowfall or freezing rain. Don't let snow and ice buildup and become a problem.
Apply de-icing agents like salt or sand to prevent ice from forming on walkways and surfaces around your display. Keep a sturdy salt storage bin nearby for quick and easy access. (Psst! Our sturdy salt bins come in both bright and neutral colours to complement your display!)
Post signs to warn visitors of potential hazards, such as slippery surfaces or falling ice.
For some, the bright lights, bustling crowds, and loud, festive music can get a bit overwhelming.
This is the case for many folks with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorder.
However, it doesn't that mean they and their families don't want to take part in the festivities – they just benefit from a more accommodating environment. With a little extra consideration, you can make those accommodations happen.
One way to create a more inclusive experience is to offer sensory-friendly hours with softer lighting, less or no background music, and limited attendance for smaller crowds. Many malls have rolled out sensory-friendly Santa experiences to great success!
You can also consider creating a designated ‘quiet zone’ or ‘calm zone’ at your venue. This means providing a space for people to take a break from all the sensory stimulation and recharge. Plus, quiet zones aren't just for people with sensory sensitivities – they benefit anyone who needs a moment of peace away from the hustle and bustle.
Even the decorations themselves can impact a person's sensory experience! Here are some simple ways to make your holiday display more sensory-friendly:
Avoid Christmas decorations with intensely flashing or strobing lights. Instead, choose decorations with static or slower-moving lighting sequences.
Include a variety of decorations, some with lights and some without. This adds visual interest and means your display is appealing even when the lights are dimmed or turned off.
Designate your venue as a scent-free zone. Avoid using artificial scents like holiday-themed air fresheners, which can be irritating or trigger sensitivities for some people.
If possible, provide information about light and sound intensity online so visitors can prepare and plan ahead. Knowing what to expect can really help.
Your helpers are the heart of your holiday venue! They're the ones interacting with visitors, answering questions, and making sure everyone has a positive experience. Their actions go a long way to making your venue accessible and fun.
A friendly greeting, a patient explanation, or a genuine willingness to help can make visitors feel welcome and respected. This is especially important for individuals with disabilities, who may require a bit of extra help or understanding.
Here's how you can empower your staff to create a truly inclusive holiday experience:
Teach your team about different types of disabilities, including visible and invisible ones. Help them understand how these disabilities might affect a person's experience at your venue.
Train staff on how to interact with visitors with disabilities in a respectful and considerate manner. Encourage them to offer help without being patronizing or intrusive. A simple, "Is there anything I can help you with?" goes a long way.
Make sure your staff are familiar with all the accessibility features of your venue. This includes accessible entrances, restrooms, pathways, and seating options. They should be able to confidently guide visitors to these amenities.
Making your holiday venue accessible is fantastic, but don't keep it a secret!
Knowing what to expect helps visitors with accessibility concerns plan their visit and feel confident about their ability to participate. It takes the guesswork out of attending your event, which means more visitors and holiday cheer to go around.
Let everyone know about the steps you've taken to create a welcoming and inclusive experience. Here are some tips:
If there's been a big snowstorm or freezing rain, let people know you've cleared the snow and ice – or give them an ETA on when it will be done. This helps people with mobility challenges plan their visit accordingly.
Spread the word about any sensory-friendly hours well in advance so families can plan their visit. The holidays are a busy time, and this is something many families won't want to miss!
Share photos of your benches and other seating areas on social media and your website. Let people know there are places to sit down and rest.
Mention other accessibility features you offer, such as ramps, accessible restrooms, and quiet zones.
Whether it's providing ample seating, clearing pathways, offering sensory-friendly options, or training your staff, every step towards accessibility helps create holiday experiences that are truly fun and inclusive for all.
Classic Displays offers a wide range of accessible amenities, including benches, bollards, salt bins, and, of course, stunning holiday displays that everyone can enjoy. Contact us to make your next holiday season fun for everyone!
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