Three live reindeer will take up residence at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses on North Street when the 18th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa's Workshop opens Friday, Nov. 27.
The festival runs through Thursday, Dec. 24, at the nursery at 437 North Street. Parking and admission to visit the reindeer are free, and no tickets or reservations are required, according to the festival's website.
For the 18th consecutive year, a portion of every Photo with Santa purchase will benefit Kids In Crisis, the Greenwich-based nonprofit that provides support and services to children and families in need. The festival will also feature a Kids In Crisis Giving Tree where visitors can contribute directly.
First Selectman Fred Camillo called the festival one of Greenwich's best holiday traditions, in a statement reported by Greenwich Free Press.
"I cannot think of a better way to begin the holiday season here in town than the Greenwich Reindeer Festival," Camillo said. "Every year we see residents bringing family members of all ages, and it's a destination for people from outside Greenwich …"
Opening weekend
The festival begins with "We're Back Party Days" on Nov. 27 and Saturday, Nov. 28. Santa arrives by Mercedes-Benz at noon on Nov. 27, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony with sponsors and local officials.
Friday hours run noon to 6 p.m. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The three live reindeer arrive Friday afternoon.
Food trucks, children's activities and local vendors will be on-site for the opening weekend. Additional details about entertainment and participating vendors will be posted on the festival website.
What's inside Santa's Workshop
The workshop includes a letter-writing station, a reindeer coloring station and the "Name the Baby Reindeer Contest," where visitors can suggest a name for the baby girl reindeer. The winner, drawn on Dec. 24, receives a Mercedes-Benz kids electric car.
New this year is the "Home for the Holidays" raffle for two roundtrip tickets on Avelo Airlines.
Dogs are welcome for photos with Santa anytime the workshop is open and must be kept on leashes. Families bringing dogs Monday through Friday receive a free doggy gift bag while supplies last.
Meet Iris
Among the three reindeer is Iris, described by organizers as a favorite among visiting families. The reindeer will live at Sam Bridge Nursery through the season, departing the afternoon of Dec. 23. Santa stays for photos on Dec. 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A coloring contest for children returns this year with two age groups: ages 4–6 and ages 7–10. A $5 suggested donation to Kids In Crisis accompanies each entry. Winners are selected on Dec. 24, and winning artwork may be featured on the festival's website and social media.
Hours and details
Photos with Santa are available Monday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The workshop is closed Sundays. On Dec. 24, hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Photos are first-come, first-served.
Upcoming:
- Nov. 27: "We're Back Party Days" opening, noon–6 p.m., ribbon cutting at noon, Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North St.
- Nov. 28: "We're Back Party Days" continues, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Through Dec. 24: Festival open weekdays noon–6 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Closed Sundays.
