Santa was up bright and early Sunday morning to give some children the opportunity to meet him who typically wouldn’t have the chance.

A trip to Millcreek Mall is challenging for children with special needs, especially around the holiday season. To make the experience less stressful, the Barber National Institute hosted “Sensory Friendly Time With Santa” before the mall opened Sunday morning.

There’s no hustle and bustle, no music, just a calm atmosphere with no lines and lots of fun.

“[My favorite part is] just the look of happiness on the children’s faces and on the parents faces too because so often if you have a child that has challenges you are reticent to take them to a Millcreek Mall kind of situation,” executive vice president of the Barber National Institute Dr. Maureen Barber-Carey said.

Along with their visit with Santa, the kids enjoyed face painting, holiday crafts and games.