Sensory-friendly holiday party brings families together at Marcus Ridge Cinema 🎄🎁

NEW BERLIN, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Hundreds of families got in the holiday spirit Saturday, Dec. 6, over at Marcus Ridge Cinema in New Berlin. 

Marcus Theaters and Variety - The Children's Charity of Wisconsin, came together to host a sensory-friendly holiday party for families in the 'Variety' program.

Variety is a nonprofit organization serving Wisconsin children with disabilities. 

Saturday's event ensured they had a safe space to just be themselves while celebrating the holidays. 

One dad tells us these gatherings are special because families know everyone around them will be understanding. 

"The big thing is just to be able and come in as a family and just to relax," said Lane Sunwall, Mequon resident. "You don't have to feel 'oh no we're making a lot of extra noise or we're getting really excited or maybe a little upset'. There's lots of other friends around just like Even and we aren't disturbing anybody. We can just be a family together."

More than 430 people attended Saturday's holiday celebration. 

They met Santa, received early Christmas presents and ate popcorn while watching "Abominable."