Santa And His Live Reindeer To Return For 17th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival: Here's What To Know

GREENWICH, CT — Santa Claus and his live reindeer will return to Greenwich for the 17th annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival and Santa’s Workshop, opening Friday, Nov. 28, at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North St.

The event runs through Dec. 24 and is presented by Jenny Allen and Kristen Studwell of Compass Real Estate.

The holiday tradition, dubbed the "North Pole on North Street," features photo sessions with Santa for families and pets, opportunities to meet Santa’s reindeer, and an expanded Santa’s Workshop offering activities for children.

Attractions include a Reindeer Coloring Station sponsored by Compass Real Estate, a Letter Writing to Santa Station sponsored by Greenwich Pediatric Group, a raffle and a “Name the Baby Reindeer” contest. Winners of both contests will receive a Mercedes-Benz kids’ electric car.

A portion of proceeds from photos with Santa will again benefit Kids In Crisis, a Greenwich-based nonprofit that provides emergency shelter and support to children and families in need. A Kids In Crisis Giving Tree will also be displayed for visitors who wish to contribute directly.

"For 17 wonderful years, the Greenwich Reindeer Festival has been an annual event that celebrates our community’s holiday spirit and brings everyone together," said First Selectman Fred Camillo in a news release. "I consider this to be the kickoff to the holiday season in Greenwich and it’s always a lot of fun for the whole family. This event has also been a way every year to boost the important work at Kids In Crisis."

The "We’re Back Party Days" will take place Nov. 28–29, featuring Santa’s arrival at noon Friday, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and vendors including food trucks, craft stations and live performances. Rising Starr Horse Rescue of Wilton will bring four miniature horses to the festivities.

New this year is the second annual "Reindeer & Santa Coloring Contest." Two winners will receive round-trip tickets courtesy of Avelo Airlines.

Photos with Santa will be available Mondays through Fridays from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Santa staying until 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The reindeer will depart Dec. 23.

Dogs on leashes are welcome and will receive gift bags provided by Cornell University Veterinary Specialists and other local sponsors.

"We are so excited to celebrate the 17th year of this important community event," said Maggie Bridge of Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses in a news release. "It’s become a wonderful tradition that our entire family looks forward to. We love the way it brings the community together."

Admission and parking are free.

Details, including photo package pricing and contest rules, are available at www.GreenwichReindeerFestival.com.