Focus Birmingham brings festive magic with city’s only purpose built sensory Santa’s Grotto
Caption: A staff member at Focus Birmingham explores Christmas presents in front of the charity’s fully accessible Santa’s Grotto, designed for people with sight loss and complex needs.
Focus Birmingham, a local charity supporting adults with visual impairment and complex needs, is once again sprinkling a little festive magic across the city as it opens the doors to Birmingham's only purpose-built sensory-adapted Santa’s Grotto. Created especially for children and adults with visual impairments and additional needs, the grotto offers a Christmas experience where everyone can feel comfortable, excited and included.
This year’s festivities will be even more special. Visitors to the Christmas Fair will be able to meet real reindeer, bringing the wonder of the season to life and adding an extra touch of enchantment to the day. The fair is free to attend for everyone to attend, not just the people the charity supports, and grotto visits priced at £5 can be booked via the Focus website.
The grotto has become a much-loved destination for families who often find that traditional Christmas events can be inaccessible and overwhelming. Every detail has been designed with care. Soft lights that avoid glare, gentle sounds that can be adjusted, clearly defined textures to explore by touch and festive scents all help visitors with sight loss and different sensory needs understand and enjoy their surroundings.
There is also a quiet area for anyone who needs a moment to pause and reset.
Cate Burke, CEO at Focus Birmingham, said: “The best part is seeing the joy on visitors’ faces when they meet Santa in a space designed just for them. For many families, it’s the first time they can fully enjoy a festive experience without worry. Moments like these are incredibly rewarding because they show that everyone - regardless of their care and support needs - has the opportunity to live a full life.”
The grotto was introduced in 2023 after Focus Birmingham recognised that families struggled with many festive events. Each year the team carries out sensory checks on lighting, sound and layout, and timed sessions prevent queues and crowding. Every visit can be adapted to individual needs, and Santa’s helpers are trained to communicate in a calm and inclusive way, including makaton.
Cate Burke added: “Some grottos in the region offer ‘toned-down’ sensory sessions, which is great, but ours goes one step further. It has been designed to be a truly sensory experience that caters to all needs, so that everyone can enjoy the magic, feel included, and take part in a festive experience that celebrates their potential.”
One parent said: “It was such a relief to find somewhere my son could really enjoy Christmas without being overwhelmed. The Focus team was amazing. So patient and understanding.” Another said: “The grotto was magical. My daughter still talks about Santa months later. It meant the world to us.”
The Sensory Santa’s Grotto will be part of Focus Birmingham’s Accessible Christmas Fair on Saturday 6 December 2025, where visitors can book a timed slot to meet Santa in a relaxed, festive setting. The fair also includes:
Real Reindeer: Guests can meet and feed the friendly festive reindeer.
Crafts and Stalls: A range of local and handmade gifts, ideal for last-minute shopping.
Live Entertainment: Choir performances and music from Focus Birmingham’s resident keyboard player.
Tombola and Games: Fun activities for all the family, with plenty of chances to win.
Cakes and Treats: A bake sale, bake-off and a selection of festive food for everyone to enjoy.
Raffle: Exciting prizes including tickets to Dudley Zoo, Cadbury World and The Rep.
The charity is inviting the community and businesses to help make this year’s grotto (and next year’s) even better through generous donations. Every bit of support helps Focus Birmingham bring the joy of Christmas to even more people with sight loss and complex needs.
For more information or to book your place this year, visit: https://www.focusbirmingham.org.uk/event/christmas-fair-2025
If you can’t make it, people can still donate to Focus’ Christmas campaign, here: https://www.focusbirmingham.org.uk/Appeal/focus-christmas-appeal-one-journey-twice-the-impact
PR by Reeves Birmingham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne.