GREENWICH, CT — The 18th annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa's Workshop will run Nov. 27 through Dec. 24 at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North St., featuring three live reindeer, photos with Santa, children's activities and fundraising for Kids In Crisis.
Parking and admission to visit the reindeer are free. Professional photo packages are available for purchase.
"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 in an announcement.
"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.""
The festival's "We're Back Party Days" will take place Friday, Nov. 27, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 28, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Santa is scheduled to arrive in a Mercedes-Benz at noon Nov. 27, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony with sponsors and local officials to open Santa's Workshop. The three reindeer, including fan-favorite Iris, will arrive that afternoon.
Opening weekend will feature entertainment, children's activities, special attractions, food trucks, participating community businesses and seasonal treats. Additional details about entertainment and vendors will be announced on the event website.
Santa's Workshop will include a letter-writing station sponsored by Greenwich Pediatric Dental Group, a reindeer coloring station and the "Name the Baby Reindeer Contest." Visitors can suggest a name while waiting for their photos with Santa.
Santa will draw the winning name on Christmas Eve, and the winner will receive a Mercedes-Benz Kids Electric Car sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich.
Santa's holiday raffles will offer two Mercedes-Benz Kids Electric Cars, also sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich.
New this year, the "Home for the Holidays" raffle, sponsored by Allen and Studwell, will offer two round-trip tickets on Avelo Airlines. Santa will draw the winning name on Christmas Eve.
The reindeer will remain at the nursery until Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 23. Santa will stay for photos on Christmas Eve.
For the 18th consecutive year, a portion of every photo order will benefit Kids In Crisis, a Greenwich-based nonprofit that provides support and services to children and families in need.
Visitors can also support the organization through the Kids In Crisis Giving Tree.
Children, parents, grandparents and family dogs are welcome for photos with Santa. Dogs must be leashed and may visit whenever Santa's Workshop is open.
Families bringing dogs for photos will receive a dog gift bag with items from Cornell University Veterinary Specialists, Get Joy Food, PetLabCo. and other sponsors, while supplies last.
Families purchasing photos will also receive a family gift bag sponsored by Vineyard Vines and Citarella Gourmet Market, containing gifts, special offers, magazines and other items from festival sponsors.
The third annual Reindeer & Santa Coloring Contest will have two age categories: ages 4-6, with a Santa-themed coloring page, and ages 7-10, with a Santa and reindeer-themed page.
Coloring pages can be downloaded from the festival website or picked up at Santa's Workshop. Completed entries may be submitted at the workshop from Nov. 27 through Dec. 24. A $5 donation to Kids In Crisis is suggested for each entry.
One entry per child is permitted. Children 11 and older may participate for fun but are not eligible for prizes.
Santa and his elves will select the winning entries on Christmas Eve. Winning artwork may be featured on the festival website, social media and promotional materials.
Photo hours are:
Santa's Workshop will be closed Sundays.
The festival is produced by Greenwich-based TMK Event Marketing LLC, and presented by Jenny Allen and Kristen Studwell of Compass Real Estate.
For photo package pricing and additional information, visit GreenwichReindeerFestival.com. Updates are also available on Facebook and Instagram.
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