A holiday event focused on providing a sensory-friendly experience of the holidays took place on Saturday in Canfield, hosted by the Abilities Unite Foundation of the Mahoning Valley. 

The 4th Annual Winter Wonderland featured a sensory room, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a trip to Whoville with the Grinch and Cindy Who as well as a visit to the Ice Castle with Frozen's Elsa and The Snow Gang. 

''It gives everyone a chance to come together, celebrate all of the special elements of the season in a safe a supportive setting," Stephania Champlin, executive 

Santa and Mrs. Claus kept busy with Mrs. Claus's Sweet Shop & Hot Cocoa Bar as well as special presents in Santa's Sensory Toy Shop. 

"Events like this are so important for our families because it gives everyone a chance to get together. They have a shared mindset, and it's a really understanding and supportive place for individuals of all ages to get together and celebrate the season," Champlin said.

The Hearts for Music and the John Reese Trio provided live Christmas music while guests spent time making gifts and crafts and reading books from the North Pole Library.

According to the Abilities Unite Foundation of Mahoning Valley, the annual event has quadrupled in size since its start, with over 1,400 guests expected across all of the Dec. 6 events.

The Abilities Unite Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, previously known as the Fairhaven Foundation, serves over 4,500 individuals receiving services under the Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana County Boards of Developmental Disabilities. In the last 25 years, their mission has grown and continues to work toward enhancing their members' quality of life by creating opportunities, providing resources and promoting community awareness.

The event took place at Waypoint 4180 in Canfield.