The monthlong Greenwich Reindeer Festival opened at Sam Bridge Nursery and Greenhouses on Friday, and the event kicked off with the annual “We’re Back” Party.
This is the tenth year of the festival, which was originally held at McArdle’s on Arch Street.
Sam Bridge’s spacious North Street location allows for not only reindeer, but also train rides through a Christmas village, a carousel and photos with Santa Claus.
Catering the opening event were three food trucks: the Melt Mobile, Three Little Pigs BBQ, and Wendy’s Weenies.
Maggie Bridge, the manager of sales and marketing at Sam Bridge, remarked that the event has been wonderful since it was first held at Sam Bridge three years ago.
“It’s a really fun family event that gets everybody super excited for Christmas,” she said.
New this year is Sam Bridge’s Christmas village featuring iconic locations in Greenwich such as Rinaldi’s Country Deli and the Bruce Museum. Guests can take train rides through the village on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday or come walk it any other day of the week.
In addition to the village, train rides, reindeer, and carousel, Sam Bridge sells Christmas items galore! Fresh Christmas trees from North Carolina are available for sale, with delivery and installation included free of additional charge. Sam Bridge also offers removal services anywhere in Greenwich. Stocking stuffers, holiday decorations, and ornaments are sold inside of the Sam Bridge Shop along with their poinsettias (grown at Sam Bridge).
Some of the proceeds from the event are donated to Kids in Crisis, and Sam Bridge also hosts a Toys for Tots drop box. New and unopened toys can be delivered to the drop box for donation.
Additional information about the event can be found at the Greenwich Reindeer Festival’s website.
Rinaldi’s Country Deli in the Christmas Village. Photo: Avery Barakett
Sam Bridge stands next to Santa as he prepares to cut the ribbon. Photo Avery Barakett
The train riding through the Christmas Village filled with iconic Greenwich buildings. Photo: Avery Barakett
The Christmas poinsettias at Sam Bridge
Returning this year is the “Pepsi Name the Reindeer Contest.” Children can submit their favorite reindeer names in a ballot box at Sam Bridge for consideration. The three winning names will by drawn by Santa on December 20th, and the names will be displayed at Sam Bridge Nursery and Greenhouse.
Photo packages with Santa are available for purchase. The package comes with a special Shop and Dine Greenwich gift bag with offers from participating stores in downtown Greenwich. The digital photos will be transferred to a USB drive with each package.
A young guest waits to have her photo taken with Santa Claus. Photo: Avery Barakett
Chunk, one of the Bridge family’s dogs, waiting for the reindeer to arrive. Photo: Avery Barakett
An assortment of Nutcracker statues at the Sam Bridge Nursery store. Photo: Avery Barakett
The shop at Sam Bridge Nursery and Greenhouse. Photo: Avery Barakett
The Christmas store at Sam Bridge Nursery and Greenhouse. Photo: Avery Barakett
Ornaments and decorations at Sam Bridge. Photo: Avery Barakett