Christmas Cheer on Wheels

by Gemma Foord, Communications Volunteer

As we head into the festive season, there is just enough time to share some wheelchair-friendly, helpful tips to navigate outings over Christmas and New Year. 

If you’re inspired to share some of your accessibility tips and solutions for other wheelchair users, feel free to tag us in your posts and photos on social media and spread some festive cheer!

Top tips for an accessible day out over the festive season

Navigating cold and wet weather

One drawback of festive outings is often the Great British weather! It’s highly recommended to bring lots of layers and accessories with you to keep warm, since you naturally get colder more quickly when sitting. You can get poncho-style raincoat covers for wheelchairs, which help to avoid damp clothes when out and about. Thermal wheelchair gloves are also a thing!

Ask for help if you need it

Bring a family member, parent or friend with you if need be. Uneven pavements are hard to navigate at the best of times; let alone when it’s damp or icy.

Be careful around crowds

As a wheelchair user, you are naturally at a lower height being in a seated position. Make sure you have enough space around you, so that other people are aware of you and so you can secure a great view of the festivities. (Nobody goes out over Christmas with a goal of seeing the backs of people’s heads.) Most venues will have specific wheelchair seats/spaces, but these can be notoriously difficult to book. If you are unsure, speak to the event team. 

Consider travel and the weather

Leave yourself enough time to travel. Think about if and how the weather affects your plans.

Safety first

If you have any doubts or concerns, speak to somebody about what you want or need.

Plan ahead

As time-consuming as it may be, emailing ahead of time can help an event to accommodate your needs as best as possible. 

Consider discounts, freebies and reduced prices

These include disability discounts for travelling on the bus or train. Concessions and carer’s tickets can vary in different scenarios; most of the time they require proof (such as a Blue Badge) in order to purchase them, but in some cases you might get a discounted ticket for yourself and a person who is assisting you. Some places have their own ways of doing this, like a CEA card for the cinema or the Nimbus Access Card for different events such as theatre shows. We’d advise checking online or contacting a company ahead of time in order to understand their policy.

Send or give a compliment

Many events or businesses receive complaints, but if you really enjoy what you do over the festive season, contacting a venue to say thanks makes a nice change. Compliments are rare – so you never know what will come out of it!

Why making events accessible helps everyone

1. Easy and hassle-free – everyone can benefit from adaptations made, not just wheelchair users
2. Inclusive – everyone is included and considered in all stages, from planning right up to the event itself
3. Sociable - everyone has a chance to experience the fun and excitement of the festive season.

Thank you for your incredible support of Whizz Kidz this year. Your generosity has meant the world to the young people and families we support.

Wishing everyone an excellent festive season! Here’s to more incredible fundraising in 2026!