Happy Holidays!

With the year coming to a close, we wanted to take time to wish all of you a holiday season filled with joy and love. All of us at Gateway are so grateful for children who inspire us and put a smile on our faces every day. We’d also like to extend a big thank you to all our families who put in so much effort throughout the year to make it to each session, collaborate with therapists, and work hard to give their child a positive and successful therapy experience.

If you’re looking to get out and enjoy some events in the community, there are a variety of organizations hosting fun holiday events for people of all ages and abilities. Here is a list of events and links for you and your family to explore:

OU Cares Holiday Party
Dec. 1st 7-10
Oakland University will be hosting an adolescent holiday party for individuals that are 15 and older. Come enjoy food, games, and dancing from 7:00pm – 10:00pm but make sure to pre-register first by calling 248-370-2424 or on their web, OUCARES

Caring Santa
Dec. 2nd 9:00am – 10:30am
Briarwood Mall is providing an opportunity for persons with special needs to visit Santa in a sensory-friendly environment. Select December 2nd on their website located here

Wharton Sensory-Friendly Performances
Dec. 3rd 5:30pm – 6:30pm
The Pasant Theatre in Lansing will hosting an open house for anyone looking to learn more about sensory friendly performances. This would include a view of the theater space, speaking with a management team, and learning more about their accommodations. For more information take a look at their website: Wharton Center

Menorah in the D
Dec. 6th 3:00pm – 8:00pm
This is the 5th annual Detroit even celebrating the holidays! There will be a 26-foot menorah lighting up the sky along with food, dancing, and fun activities for all age groups. For additional information and to register click on the following link: http://www.menorahinthed.com/rsvp

Sensory-Sensitive Santa Visits
Dec. 7th 4-6
Huron Valley Recreation and Community Education invite you to come watch a holiday movie, enjoy crafts, and visit with Santa when they hold a sensory-sensitive holiday night. Preregister at www.hvs.org

Ho Ho Holiday Dance
Dec. 7th 6:30 – 9:00
RARA Recreation is putting on a festive holiday evening with music by Dazzle Do Time! This evening is designed for persons with special needs. Register by visiting rararecreation.org.

Wonderland of Lights
Dec. 11 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Falconers is hosting a light experience in addition to cookies and crafts at the Potter Park Zoo on December 11th. You can find more information and preregister by clicking this link: FALCONERS

Chanukah Wonderland
Dec. 10th – Dec. 13th
Orchard Mall will be providing a four-day event for families and kids in the area. They will have a bounce house, and much more. For more information and times take a look at this website.

Holiday Party
Dec. 13th 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Located at the Century Banquet Center, AS-MSC has funded a Christmas party allowing participants an opportunity to take pictures with Santa, listen to music, eat dinner, and complete crafts. To RSVP fill out a this Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation form and email it to [email protected]

Friday Frolic Dance
Dec. 14th 7:00 – 9:00
Troy Community Center will be providing a night for dancing along with refreshments! There is more information located on their cite, rec.troymi.gov

Nanou Djiapo Kwanzaa Celebration
Dec. 15th 6:00pm
Come out and enjoy an evening of dance and music when Master drummer Assane Mbaye comes to celebrate a pre kwanzaa party. There is additional information located at Detroit.eventful.com

Kwanzaa Celebrations
Dec. 26th – Jan. 1st
The Charles Wright Museum is hosting a Kwanzaa celebration from December 26th – January 1st. Included in this celebration will be drumming, dancing, and other performances to recognize the seven principles. To take a look at days and times available click on the following link: metroparent.com