MOXI to Offer Sensory-Friendly Noon Year's Eve
The Santa Barbara museum will host a reduced-capacity morning session on December 31 for guests who benefit from calmer surroundings.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Family
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MOXI, The Wonder Museum in Santa Barbara, announced a sensory-friendly edition of its Noon Year's Eve celebration on December 31, running from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. The session features reduced capacity, dimmed lighting, and controlled sound levels, with tickets going on sale November 10 at 12:00 PM PST.
Why it matters
MOXI's Noon Year's Eve is typically high-energy and crowded, which can be difficult for sensory-sensitive families. The separate morning session gives those visitors a calmer way to take part in the annual celebration.
The sensory-friendly session runs 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, an hour and a half earlier than the classic 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM celebration. Tickets are sold through moxi.org/nye2026 beginning November 10 at 12:00 PM PST.
The players
MOXI, The Wonder Museum
A hands-on science museum located at 125 State Street in Santa Barbara's Funk Zone, known for its interactive exhibits and family programming.
The details
The sensory-friendly session uses dimmed lighting and controlled sound levels to reduce overstimulation. MOXI's Quiet Cave on the 2nd floor and complimentary sensory backpacks at the front desk are available year-round, and all floor staff receive specialized accessibility training.
Timeline
November 10, 2026 at 12:00 PM PST: tickets for December 31 events go on sale.
December 31, 2026: sensory-friendly and classic Noon Year's Eve celebrations are held.
Family Trend
Sensory-friendly programming has spread across museums and family venues as more institutions adapt traditional holiday events for children with sensory processing needs. MOXI's separate morning session applies that same approach to its annual New Year's Eve celebration.
Families who need a calmer environment can book the 9:00-10:30 AM sensory-friendly session through moxi.org/nye2026 once tickets open November 10. Complimentary sensory backpacks are available at the front desk for use during any visit.
The takeaway
Families planning a holiday outing with sensory-sensitive children can look for quieter session options rather than skipping the event entirely. Booking early when tickets open November 10 may help secure a spot in a reduced-capacity session.
What happens next
Tickets for the December 31 sensory-friendly and classic sessions go on sale November 10, 2026 at 12:00 PM PST through moxi.org/nye2026. The Sock Skating holiday attraction runs November 21, 2026 through January 31, 2027.
Further reading
Explore more Family stories and family-focused events in Santa Barbara.
More information
Learn more about sensory-friendly visits on the MOXI accessibility and sensory-friendly visit information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Santa Barbara Independent.
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