Discover Low Sensory and Relaxed festive experiences in the Windsor area

Child watching Theatre Royal Windsor's pantomime, image Kevin Cruise Foundation/Alm Creative

The magic of Christmas should be enjoyed by everyone. Across the borough, a range of relaxed and low sensory festive events has been specially designed to create welcoming, inclusive environments for visitors who may prefer a calmer experience.

From festive shopping and illuminated trails to magical theatre performances, these events offer all the wonder of the season with thoughtful adjustments to lighting, sound and visitor numbers, ensuring everyone can celebrate Christmas comfortably and confidently.

Theatre Royal and Windsor Royal Shopping

The festive season should be enjoyed by everyone, and this year Theatre Royal Windsor and Windsor Royal Shopping are working together to provide a special Low Sensory Day on Tuesday 24 November, creating a more accessible and welcoming experience for individuals who may find traditional Christmas environments overwhelming.

A low sensory environment is designed to reduce overstimulation, helping individuals feel safe, calm and in control. These environments can be particularly beneficial for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, anxiety disorders and those living with dementia.

Entrance to Windsor Royal at Christmas time, image VisitWindsor

Low Sensory Day at Windsor Royal Shopping

From 9am to 4pm, retailers throughout Windsor Royal Shopping will reduce noise levels and make adjustments to create a quieter, more comfortable shopping experience. The initiative aims to provide an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the festive atmosphere and Christmas lights while avoiding the busier periods traditionally associated with seasonal shopping.

Relaxed Performances of Jack and the Beanstalk

To complement the shopping centre's efforts, Theatre Royal Windsor will present a Relaxed Performance of its annual pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, at 1.30pm on the same day, Tuesday 24 November.

Relaxed performances are specially adapted for families with children on the autism spectrum, individuals with sensory and communication disorders, those with learning disabilities, and anyone who may benefit from a more relaxed theatre environment, including very young children.

The performance will be carefully tailored to reduce potential anxiety and encourage self-expression, ensuring an enjoyable and inclusive experience for all audience members.

During the performance, lighting will be adjusted to avoid bright flashes, with house lights remaining on at a low level throughout. Sound levels will be reduced where possible, and any particularly loud or startling effects softened or removed. Audience members are free to enter and leave the auditorium as needed, and there is no expectation to remain silent, with vocal responses and movement welcomed. Additional staff will also be on hand to provide support and assistance.  

Audience members listening to audio description of the Theatre Royal pantomime, image Kevin Cruise Foundation/Alm Creative

On Wednesday 6 January 2027 at 6pm, the Kevin Cruise Foundation and Theatre Royal Windsor will bring five access formats together at the same relaxed showing: British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation, captioning, live audio description, limited pre-show touch tours and relaxed performance conditions.

Special offer tickets for Relaxed Performance of Jack and the Beanstalk, 24 November

Theatre Royal Windsor is offering a special price of £15.50 per ticket for anyone booking for the 1.30pm Relaxed Performance on Tuesday 24 November using the special promotion code of RELAXED1550 [This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, applies to the 1:30 performance on 24 November only and excludes seats in the Row H of the Royal Stalls and boxes; the code cannot be used retrospectively and must be used at the time of booking.  Tickets are subject to availability].

Windsor Great Park Illuminated, image Giles Smith

Low Sensory Evening at Windsor Great Park Illuminated

Following its successful debut, the Low Sensory Evening returns to Windsor Great Park Illuminated on Tuesday 24 November 2026.

This dedicated session has been designed to provide a more comfortable and inclusive experience for those who may find traditional festive attractions overwhelming. Softer lighting will be introduced to help reduce the impact of the installations, sound levels will be lowered, and visitor capacity will be limited to create a calmer environment throughout the trail.

Returning from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, Windsor Great Park Illuminated invites visitors to experience a new trail design where light brings stories to life. Journey through enchanting woodland, discover spectacular installations, immersive projections and festive moments, all set within the magical surroundings of Windsor Great Park.

Whether attending the Low Sensory Evening or another date throughout the season, guests can look forward to a memorable winter experience complete with seasonal food and drink, cosy rest stops and a warm welcome for the whole family.

The Last Baguette presents: Twinkle Twinkle | all performances are relaxed

Twinkle Twinkle is a nocturnal journey for early years, inspired by The Star by Jane Taylor, being performed at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts.

It’s the longest night of the year and it’s hard to sleep. Gazing at the stars, surprising things start to happen…

As the sun sets and the stars come out to shine, join the woodland animals as they gather together to celebrate the solstice.

Together we will discover the light that shines in the darkness. Featuring original music, puppetry, joyful jokes, a host of woodland animals and lots of starlight. All performances are relaxed.