Santa Claus and his three live reindeer are coming to town, as they return to Greenwich for the much anticipated 13th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop presented by Jenny Allen/Compass Real Estate, “the North Pole on North Street,” Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North Street in Greenwich, from November 26 to December 24, 2021.
The cherished town tradition continues for the thirteenth consecutive year at this expansive nursery where visitors can have their photo taken with Santa, meet the reindeer and also enjoy the new spacious Santa’s Workshop, which features a Reindeer Coloring Station and Letter Writing to Santa Station for children while families wait in line for their photo with Santa to create special holiday memories. A portion of all photos with Santa will benefit Kids In Crisis, a non-profit organization based in Greenwich.
A Kids In Crisis Giving Tree will also be available for people to support their important mission. This all takes place just minutes from downtown Greenwich.
Parking is free.
“The return to an in-person Reindeer Festival is a testament to how well our Town and its residents responded to the pandemic,” said Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo. “The festival is an event that celebrates our community’s holiday spirit and this year, recognizes the efforts of our front-line health care workers who tirelessly cared for all of those affected by this disease.”
The community is invited to Sam Bridge for the “We’re Back Days,” Friday, November 26, 12:00pm to 6:00pm, when Santa’s Workshop officially opens for photos with Santa and the excitement continues Saturday, November 27, 9:00am to 6:00pm. While waiting for the reindeer to arrive Friday afternoon and then Saturday, everyone can enjoy special refreshments and other special activities featuring vendors such as, Jenny Allen / Compass Hot Chocolate Station, The Long Ridge School’s Reindeer Craft Station, Super Coffee, The Vital Stretch, The Sew Queen and LeafFilter. Throughout the four weeks, the reindeer will make Sam Bridge their home, thanks to Reindeer Sponsors Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, Greenwich Hospital, ONS / Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists, and The Long Ridge School.
Children, adults, and pets (on leashes) can have their photo taken with Santa at Santa’s Workshop. Please check the website, www.Greenwichreindeerfestival.com, for all pricing for all photo packages. Hours for the Photos with Santa, are Monday through Friday, 12:00pm to 6:00pm and Saturday 9:00am to 6:00pm.
Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses is closed on Sundays. The reindeer will depart on Wednesday, December 22 but Santa will remain for photos through Christmas Eve, Friday, 9:00am to 3:00pm.
“We are so excited to welcome back both the reindeer and photos with Santa. This has become a time honored tradition not only for the community but for our own family as well. Santa and his reindeer bring such a warm feeling of holiday cheer to Christmas at Sam Bridge and we truly enjoy hosting them. We cannot wait to share this holiday spirit with our community and friends,” said Maggie Bridge, Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses.
This year’s event will celebrate our healthcare and frontline heroes from Greenwich Hospital. A large Appreciation Art Mural sponsored by C. Parker Gallery and created by professional artist, Rick Garcia, will be unveiled Friday, November 26 after Santa arrives during a very special thank you ceremony beginning just after 12:00pm.
“Greenwich Hospital is very excited to participate in this year’s holiday event,” said Diane P. Kelly, DNP, RN, president, Greenwich Hospital. “We are honored to be the recipient of the Appreciation Art Mural sponsored by C. Parker Gallery to thank our hospital staff. COVID-19 challenged our team over the past 18 months, but the Greenwich Hospital staff courageously and compassionately cared for our patients and families throughout and greatly deserve this wonderful recognition.”
After the unveiling of the Art Mural, the public is invited to sign the Art Mural and express their appreciation and gratitude through personal messages to Greenwich Hospital for their extraordinary care for the community during the pandemic. After the month-long event, the Art Mural will ultimately make its home at Greenwich Hospital. Please sign the Art Mural to thank the entire Greenwich Hospital team.
Earlier this year, one of the reindeer, had a baby reindeer, a calf. The calf will be joining the festivities this year with his mother. Since the calf has not been named, a “Name The Baby Reindeer Contest” will take place.
Santa will chose the winning name on December 24. The winner will receive a Mercedes-Benz Kids Pedal Car. A second Mercedes-Benz Kids Pedal Car will be a part of a Raffle for everyone who has their Photo with Santa, which will also be chosen by Santa on December 24.
Bring your dog for photos with Santa anytime they’re open, but for an added incentive to visit Santa with your dog when we’re not so busy, you’ll receive a DOGGY GIFT BAG compliments of Cornell University Veterinary Specialists every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the four weeks.
The new and spacious Santa’s Workshop will feature a Reindeer Coloring Station sponsored by Jenny Allen Compass Real Estate and a Letter Writing to Santa Station sponsored by Greenwich Pediatric Dental Group.
Thank you to our sponsors Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, Jenny Allen/Compass, Greenwich Pediatric Dental Group, Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich, Greenwich Hospital, ONS / Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists, The Long Ridge School, Cornell University Veterinary Specialists and Citarella Gourmet Market in Greenwich. Premier Media Sponsors Greenwich Magazine/Moffly Media, WC & FC Business Journals and WAG Magazine. Additional Media Sponsors include CT Kids & Family, Fairfield County Mom, Greenwich Time/Stamford Advocate, IN Greenwich, Kids Out And About, Macaroni Kid, Money Mailer, Natural Awakenings Magazine, News 12 CT, Jen Danzi, WEBE 108, and Westchester Parent / NYMetroParents.com. The Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop presented by Jenny Allen / Compass is produced by TMK Event Marketing, LLC, located in Greenwich.