By James Bonney
Families kicked off the holiday season in style this weekend as Santa made his 17th annual arrival at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses. Santa arrived alongside First Selectman Fred Camillo, who helped welcome residents and officially open the Greenwich Reindeer Festival and Santa’s Workshop.
The event drew a crowd, with families bundled up, children buzzing with anticipation, and cameras ready to capture the moment Santa stepped from his sleigh to Sam Bridge grounds. From babies meeting Santa for the first time to older kids running up for a yearly photo, the greenhouses were filled with cheer, laughter and a bit of holiday magic.
Later in the afternoon, Santa’s reindeer arrived. Visit them anytime during open hours, 8:30-6:00pm Monday – Saturday, through Dec 22, 2025.
Photos with Santa from Nov 28 through Dec 24, 2025
Monday – Friday: 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Saturdays: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Christmas Eve: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Santa arrives at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses joined by First Selectman Fred Camillo. Nov 28, 2025. Photo: James Bonney
Santa cut the ribbon, marking the official opening of Santa’s Workshop for photos with Santa at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses. Nov 28, 2025. Photo: James Bonney.
In addition to Santa’s arrival, local businesses and organizations set up tents throughout the area, turning the event into a mini winter market.
Staff from Adopt-A-Dog greeted visitors with information about dogs looking for new homes and The Dough Girls food truck served fresh bites and treats to counter the chilly November air. Also joining the festivities were staff from Rising Starr Horse Rescue, based in Wilton, who brought miniature horses and shared information about their important work of rescuing horses across the United States.
Parents and kids explored the displays, visited the vendors, and enjoyed the festive decorations while waiting for their turn to meet Santa. The staff at Sam Bridge helped keep everything running smoothly, continuing their long-standing commitment to creating a warm and welcoming holiday experience.
The 17th annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop is presented by Jenny Allen & Kristen Studwell at Compass Real Estate. It runs from November 28 to December 24, 2025 at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, located at 437 North Street, Greenwich, CT.
Tamara Ketler and Santa greet a child at the kick off for the 17th Reindeer Festival and Santa’s Workshop at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses. Nov 28, 2025 Photo: James Bonney
Tamara Ketler and Santa arrive for 17th Reindeer Festival and Santa’s Workshop at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses. Nov 28, 2025 Photo: James Bonney
Staff from Adopt-A-Dog, including Bobby Caldwell and Brian Gordiski, greeted visitors with information about fantastic adoptable dogs available for adoption. Nov 28, 2025 Photo: James Bonney
Rising Starr Horse Rescue, based in Wilton, brought miniature horses, and shared information about their important work of rescuing horses across the United States. Nov 28, 2025 Photo: James Bonney
Rising Starr Horse Rescue, based in Wilton, brought miniature horses, and shared information about their important work of rescuing horses across the United States.
Families at the official opening of Santa’s Workshop for photos with Santa at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses. Nov 28, 2025. Photo: James Bonney.
Louise Joseph’s “Dough Girls” food truck was a welcome sight at the kick off to the Reindeer Festival and Santa’s Workshop at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses. Nov 28, 2025 Photo: James Bonney
Sam Bridge, event organizer Tamara Ketler, First Selectman Fred Camillo and Santa at the kick off for the 17th Greenwich Reindeer Festival and Santa’s Workshop at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses. Nov 28, 2025 Photo: James Bonney