Holiday lights will return to Greenwich Avenue and downtown Cos Cob during Thanksgiving week, staying lit through the end of January 2027.
The Greenwich Community Foundation (GCF) announced the return of its "Let There Be Lights" initiative with a new wrinkle for 2026: the Greenwich Association of Realtors (GAR) will match community donations dollar for dollar, up to $10,000. The matching program gives donors a chance to double their contribution to the entirely community-funded effort.
No Town of Greenwich money supports the displays, according to the foundation. The project relies on donations from residents, local businesses and private donors, as Greenwich Free Press reported.
The lights will illuminate Greenwich Avenue, East Putnam Avenue from Church Street to Greenwich Avenue, and downtown Cos Cob.
Brian Amen, president of the Greenwich Association of Realtors, said the group hopes the match inspires more giving. "We hope this inspires residents and businesses to join us in giving and doubling the impact of their support," Amen said in a statement.
GAR is already a gold sponsor of the initiative. Interactive Brokers is the 2026 presenting sponsor.
Kimberly La Du, one of the owners of Famille Jewelers, said the lights draw shoppers and diners downtown and give the community a festive atmosphere.
The tradition dates to the 1970s. Alyssa Keleshian-Bonomo of the foundation said her father, Harry Keleshian, first brought holiday lights to Greenwich Avenue as a local merchant. Continuing that legacy is "especially meaningful to me," she said in a statement.
Sebastian Dostmann of the Greenwich Community Foundation said the Office of the First Selectman, the Greenwich Police Department and the Parks & Recreation Department all provide behind-the-scenes support.
Other sponsors include Sotheby's International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage, Restoration Hardware, Gabelli Funds, Saks Fifth Avenue, Vineyard Vines and Miller Motorcars, among dozens of local businesses and families. A full donor list is available at gwchavenue.org.
Residents who want to contribute can donate online at gwchavenue.org or mail a check to Greenwich Community Foundation, PO Box 7791, Greenwich, CT 06836. Donations made through the GAR matching program are matched until the $10,000 cap is reached.
