Greenwich resident Victor Samuelsen is originally from Norway, and there’s something about his accent that makes his Santa alter ego plausible. But it’s his sweet ride, a 1965 Cadillac DeVille, that results in a double-take as he cruises around town.
Whether he’s driving down Greenwich Avenue or looping around the park at Tod’s Point, the response is always joyous.
“Santa, Santa!” people cried out on Saturday when they got a glimpse of the jolly man in a red hat and white beard.
A friend takes Santa’s photo while waiting for the light to change on Sound Beach Ave. Dec 19, 2020 Photo: Leslie Yager
Along Greenwich Avenue, families paused on the sidewalk to take in the sight of Santa in his Cadillac.
In fact, Cadillac Santa is Samuelsen’s Instagram handle. Invariably when people pulled out their cell phones for photos, Santa pointed to his Instagram handle printed on the side of his car.
The most enthusiastic reactions were from drivers on I-95. As the Cadillac cruised from Byram toward Old Greenwich, truck drivers pumped their fists out open windows, horns honked, and passengers recorded the moment on cell phones.
Stopping by the concession at Tod’s Point, a crowd formed around Santa’s Cadillac, and more photos were taken.
“I love your car,” was the typical reaction.
“If I can give a little joy to a couple hundred people, it’s all worthwhile,” Samuelsen said. Indeed.
Santa cut through the Whole Foods parking lot, with Second Congregational Church in the distance.Dec 19, 2020 Photo: Leslie YagerGreenwich Police patrolling the Ave on bicycles waved at Santa. Dec 19, 2020 Photo: Leslie YagerPedestrians outside the YMCA Greenwich waved at Santa. Dec 19, 2020 Photo: Leslie YagerOutdoor dining patrons at Little Beet Table waved at Cadillac Santa. Dec 19, 2020 Photo: Leslie YagerFriends greet Samuelsen outside Michaelangelo on Greenwich Ave. Dec 19, 2020 Photo: Leslie YagerA friend takes Santa’s photo on Sound Beach Ave.Dec 19, 2020 Photo: Leslie YagerWaving to Santa on Greenwich Ave. Dec 19, 2020 Photo: Leslie YagerK Dong greets Santa outside his restaurant Miku Sushi. Dec 19, 2020 Photo: Leslie YagerSanta tosses a piece of candy to a boy on Greenwich Ave outside Ginger Man. Dec 19, 2020 Photo: Leslie YagerGliding down Greenwich Avenue in his Cadillac DeVille. Dec 19, 2020 Photo: Leslie YagerSanta is welcomed at the gatehouse at Tod’s Point. Dec 19, 2020 Photo: Leslie YagerKayaks in the snow at the Old Greenwich Yacht Club. Dec 19, 2020 Photo: Leslie YagerSanta waves to friends at the beach. Dec 19, 2020 Photo: Leslie YagerWaving to Santa at Tod’s Point. Dec 19, 2020 Photo: Leslie YagerTaking in the view of Long Island Sound at Tod’s Point. Dec 19, 2020 Photo: Leslie YagerSanta passes through the village of Old Greenwich. Dec 19, 2020 Photo: Leslie YagerSanta passes through the village of Old Greenwich. Dec 19, 2020 Photo: Leslie YagerTag Samuelsen on Instagram at Cadillac_Santa Photo: Leslie Yager
