13th Annual Reindeer Festival To Begin Nov. 26 In Greenwich

GREENWICH, CT — The 13th annual Reindeer Festival and Santa's Workshop returns to Greenwich on Nov. 26, and will run through Dec. 24 at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses.

The nursery is located at 437 North St. Parking is free.

Visitors (dogs included) will have the chance to have their photos taken with Santa, meet his live reindeer and also enjoy the new spacious Santa's Workshop, which will feature a Reindeer coloring station and a station where children can write letters to Santa.

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.

The event will also help honor health care workers from Greenwich Hospital, who have worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The return to an in-person Reindeer Festival is a testament to how well our Town and its residents responded to the pandemic," First Selectman Fred Camillo said in a news release. "The festival is an event that celebrates our community’s holiday spirit and this year, recognizes the efforts of our front-line healthcare workers who tirelessly cared for all of those affected by this disease."

A large Appreciation Art Mural sponsored by C. Parker Gallery and created by professional artist, Rick Garcia, will be unveiled Friday, Nov. 26 after Santa arrives during a very special "Thank You" ceremony beginning just after 12 p.m.

"Greenwich Hospital is very excited to participate in this year’s holiday event," said Greenwich Hospital President Diane Kelly in a news release. "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 mural, the public is invited to sign the piece of art and express their appreciation and gratitude through personal messages to Greenwich Hospital for their extraordinary care for the community during the pandemic.

After the festival concludes on Dec. 24, the mural will go to Greenwich Hospital.

"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 from Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses in a news release.

New this year will be a "Name The Baby Reindeer" contest. Earlier this year, one of the reindeer had a baby, and the calf will join the festivities this year with his mother.

Santa will chosoe the winning name on Dec. 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 Dec. 24.

For more details on the festival, including prices for photo packages with Santa, hours, and activities, go to the Reindeer Festival website.