Santa Claus and his three live reindeer are coming to town.
One of Greenwich’s most beloved holiday traditions returns for its 18th magical year as the 18th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop presented by Jenny Allen & Kristen Studwell, Compass Real Estate, welcomes families from throughout Fairfield and Westchester Counties to beautiful Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, the “North Pole on North Street,” November 27 through December 24, 2026.
Reindeer festival. Contributed photo
“I cannot think of a better way to begin the holiday season here in town than the Greenwich Reindeer Festival,” Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo said. “As it gets ready to begin its 18th year, this has truly become a beloved holiday tradition for people all throughout Greenwich. Every year we see residents bringing family members of all ages, and it’s a destination for people from outside Greenwich who are either visiting family here or are coming here specifically to take part in this wonderful event. It is a fun and magical event every year and I can’t thank the Greenwich Reindeer Festival and my friends at Sam Bridge enough for all the work they put into it. Not only does this kick off the holiday season in a fun, festive way but the Kids in Crisis Giving Tree will once again help kids at a time of year when we all want to do a little bit more to be there for people in need.”
For 18 years, this cherished community celebration has brought generations of families together to experience the wonder of the holiday season, meet Santa’s LIVE reindeer, enjoy memorable Photos with Santa, and create lasting family traditions.
The expansive Santa’s Workshop features a variety of festive attractions and activities, including a Letter Writing to Santa Station sponsored by Greenwich Pediatric Dental Group, a Reindeer Coloring Station, the popular “Name the Baby Reindeer Contest,” and the opportunity to participate in Santa’s holiday raffles for two Mercedes-Benz Kids Electric Cars sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich. And new this year is the “Home for the Holidays” Raffle sponsored by Jenny Allen & Kristen Studwell to win two (2) roundtrip tickets on Avelo Airlines. The winning name will be drawn by Santa Christmas Eve.
A portion of every Photo with Santa order will once again benefit Kids In Crisis, the Greenwich-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing critical support and services to children and families in need.
For the 18th consecutive year, the Greenwich Reindeer Festival and Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses are proud to support this important community organization.
Parking and admission to visit the reindeer are FREE!
“WE’RE BACK PARTY DAYS” – NOVEMBER 27 & 28
The holiday excitement begins Thanksgiving weekend with the Festival’s popular “We’re Back Party Days,” Friday, November 27, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, November 28, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Santa Claus will make his grand arrival in his Mercedes-Benz promptly at 12 noon on Friday, November 27, followed by the traditional Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with event sponsors and local officials, officially opening Santa’s Workshop for the holiday season.
Santa’s three live reindeer will arrive Friday afternoon, bringing even more excitement to the opening celebration.
Families are invited to enjoy two festive days of holiday entertainment, children’s activities, special attractions, food trucks, participating community businesses, and seasonal treats as the Festival kicks off another wonderful year of holiday memories.
Additional details about opening weekend entertainment and participating vendors will be announced on the event website.
MEET SANTA’S LIVE REINDEER – INCLUDING IRIS!
A highlight of the Festival is the opportunity to meet Santa’s three LIVE reindeer, including the beloved Iris, who has become a favorite among visiting families.
Throughout the holiday season, the reindeer will make Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses their home, where children and adults can observe these beautiful animals up close and learn more about them.
Families can also participate in the popular “Name the Baby Reindeer Contest,” a special holiday tradition that gives visitors the opportunity to suggest a name for the baby reindeer. This contest takes place in
Santa’s Workshop while waiting for your Photo with Santa. Santa will draw the winning name Christmas Eve.
The winner will receive a Mercedes-Benz Kids Electric Car sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich.
The Festival’s reindeer attractions continue to provide a truly unique experience that families look forward to year after year.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA – AND DON’T FORGET YOUR DOG!
Families are invited to visit Santa’s Workshop for professional Photos with Santa throughout the Festival.
Children, parents, grandparents, and even family dogs are welcome to join Santa for a treasured holiday photograph.
Dogs are welcome for Photos with Santa ANYTIME Santa’s Workshop is open! Dogs must be kept on leashes.
Families bringing their dogs for Photos with Santa will receive a special Doggy Gift Bag, featuring items from Cornell University Veterinary Specialists, Get Joy Food, PetLabCo., and other generous pet-loving sponsors, while supplies last.
Families purchasing Photos with Santa will also receive a special Family Gift Bag, sponsored by Vineyard Vines and Citarella Gourmet Market, filled with gifts, special offers, magazines, and other items from participating Festival sponsors.
These special gifts are another way the Festival and its sponsors thank families for making the Greenwich Reindeer Festival part of their holiday traditions.
3RD ANNUAL REINDEER & SANTA COLORING CONTEST RETURNS WITH EXCITING PRIZES!
One of the Festival’s most popular children’s activities returns for its third year! The 3rd Annual Reindeer & Santa Coloring Contest invites children to showcase their creativity and holiday spirit for an opportunity to win exciting prizes.
The Coloring Contest features two age categories, each with its own specially designed holiday coloring page:
● Ages 4–6: A festive Santa-themed coloring page.
● Ages 7–10: A special Santa and Reindeer-themed coloring page.
Children may download their age-appropriate coloring page from www.GreenwichReindeerFestival.com or obtain a coloring page at Santa’s Workshop during the Festival.
Completed coloring pages may be submitted at Santa’s Workshop at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses throughout the event, November 27 through December 24, 2026.
A $5 suggested donation to Kids In Crisis is appreciated with each coloring contest entry, helping support the nonprofit’s important work in the community.
One entry per child is permitted. Children ages 11 and older are welcome to participate for fun but are not eligible for the competitive prizes.
Santa and his elves will select the winning entries on Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24. Winning artwork may also be featured on the Greenwich Reindeer Festival website, social media, and promotional materials.
The Contest’s generous sponsors and prize partners help make this creative holiday tradition an exciting opportunity for children and families throughout the region.
SANTA’S WORKSHOP HOURS AND VISITOR INFORMATION
Festival Dates: November 27 – December 24, 2026
Location: Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North Street, Greenwich, CT
Photos with Santa Hours:
● Mondays – Fridays: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
● Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
● Sundays: Closed
● Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The live reindeer are scheduled to depart Wednesday afternoon, December 23, but Santa will remain at his Workshop for photos on Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission to visit the reindeer and parking are free. Professional Photo with Santa packages are available for purchase. Visit www.GreenwichReindeerFestival.com for photo package pricing and additional details.
HELPING KIDS IN CRISIS FOR 18 CONSECUTIVE YEARS
Giving back to the community has always been an important part of the Greenwich Reindeer Festival.
For the 18th consecutive year, a portion of proceeds from Photos with Santa will benefit Kids In Crisis donated to the organization.
The Festival also features a Kids In Crisis Giving Tree, providing an additional opportunity for families and community members to support children and families in need during the holiday season.
The suggested $5 donation for each Reindeer & Santa Coloring Contest entry provides another meaningful opportunity to give back.
Through the generosity of participating families, sponsors, and community partners, the Festival continues its tradition of combining holiday magic with an important charitable mission.
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS
The 18th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop would not be possible without the generosity and continued commitment of its sponsors and community partners. Sam Bridge Nursery &
Greenhouses, Jenny Allen & Kristen Studwell with Compass Real Estate, Greenwich Pediatric Dental Group, Greenwich Braces, Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich, Avelo Airlines, Greenwich Hospital, Aquarion Water
Company, Face Foundrie, Go Green Dry Cleaners, MH Heaven Real Estate, Rising Starr Horse Rescue, Val’s Putnam Wines & Liquors, Cornell University Veterinary Specialists, Get Joy Food, PetLabCo., Citarella Gourmet Market, Vineyard Vines, The Mews in Greenwich, Interstate + Lakeland Lumber, Eagle Fence & Guardrail.
Special appreciation is extended to the Festival’s media partners, including Premier Media Sponsor; Greenwich Magazine/Moffly Media. Additional Media Sponsors: Best of CT Moms, CT Kids & Family,
Greenwich Moms, Greenwich Time/Hearst Media, Kidsoutandabout.com, Laura Sabia, Macaroni Kid, Natural Awakenings Magazine, News 12 CT, Westchester Family. The Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop presented by Jenny Allen & Kristen Studwell, Compass Real Estate is produced by TMK Event Marketing, LLC, located in Greenwich.
CELEBRATING FAMILY TRADITIONS FOR 18 YEARS!
Whether it’s a child’s first visit with Santa, a family returning for its annual holiday photograph, or a beloved pet joining in the festivities, the Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop continues to bring the magic of Christmas to life.
For 18 wonderful years, the Festival has offered families a special place to gather, celebrate, give back, and create holiday memories that last a lifetime.
The 18th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop presented by Jenny Allen & Kristen Studwell, Compass Real Estate is produced by TMK Event Marketing, LLC.
For more information, visit: www.GreenwichReindeerFestival.com
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