Greenwich Reindeer Festival returns for 18th year with Santa and live reindeer

Greenwich Reindeer Festival in Greenwich, Connecticut november & December 2026

Santa Claus and his live reindeer return to Greenwich for the 18th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop, running Nov. 27 through Dec. 24, 2026. The event, presented by Jenny Allen and Kristen Studwell of Compass Real Estate, takes place at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North Street. Parking and admission to visit the reindeer are free.

The festival opens with “We’re Back Party Days” on Friday, Nov. 27, from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 28, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Santa arrives in his Mercedes-Benz at noon on Nov. 27, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony with sponsors and local officials. Santa’s three live reindeer, including favorite Iris, arrive that afternoon, and the weekend also includes food trucks, children’s activities and participating community businesses.

Santa’s Workshop features professional photos with Santa, a letter-writing station sponsored by Greenwich Pediatric Dental Group and a reindeer coloring station. Children and adults can also take part in the “Name the Baby Reindeer Contest” while waiting for their photo with Santa. The winner receives a Mercedes-Benz Kids Electric Car, and Santa draws the winning name on Christmas Eve.

Santa’s holiday raffles include two Mercedes-Benz Kids Electric Cars, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich. New this year is the “Home for the Holidays” Raffle, sponsored by Allen and Studwell, for two round-trip tickets on Avelo Airlines. Winners will be drawn on Christmas Eve.

Dogs on leashes are welcome for photos with Santa anytime the workshop is open. Families with dogs receive a Doggy Gift Bag while supplies last, and families who purchase photos receive a Family Gift Bag sponsored by Vineyard Vines and Citarella Gourmet Market. Photo packages are available for purchase, and pricing is posted at GreenwichReindeerFestival.com.

Photos with Santa are available Monday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The workshop is closed Sundays. The live reindeer depart Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 23, but Santa remains for photos on Christmas Eve, Thursday, Dec. 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The third annual Reindeer & Santa Coloring Contest returns with two age categories: ages 4 to 6 with a Santa-themed page, and ages 7 to 10 with a Santa and reindeer page. Coloring pages can be downloaded from the festival website or picked up at Santa’s Workshop, where completed entries are accepted through Dec. 24. A $5 donation per entry is suggested, with each child limited to one entry, and winners will be chosen on Christmas Eve.

A portion of every photo order benefits Kids In Crisis, the Greenwich-based nonprofit that supports children and families in need, for the 18th consecutive year. The festival also hosts a Kids In Crisis Giving Tree, and coloring contest donations go to the organization as well. The festival is produced by TMK Event Marketing, LLC, of Greenwich.

“As it gets ready to begin its 18th year, this has truly become a beloved holiday tradition for people throughout Greenwich,” First Selectman Fred Camillo said.

Don’t Miss

• Kings of Leon announce North American tour with stop in Bridgeport
• Fairfield Theatre Company weekly round up: 5 shows announced, including Church of Cash
• Space Ballroom weekly round up: 5 shows announced, including Clouds Nothing

••••••• Message center – Connecticut savings and messages from our sponsors •••••••

Learn to cook this fall with AMG Catering & Events

Upgrade your autumn entertaining with AMG Catering & Events’ fall cooking class series. This season’s schedule features fun new themes—including Dolly Parton favorites and game-day tailgating—alongside popular returning favorites like Oktoberfest and Sushi & Dumplings. Plus, get ready for the festive season with specialized classes focused on Friendsgiving dishes and holiday appetizers paired with cocktails.

Registration is live! Explore the complete class schedule below to secure your spot.

11/18 – Friendsgiving
12/1- Holiday Apps with Cocktail

To register, click here. Gift certificates are also available by clicking here.

Real food, clean ingredients, zero seed oils – just burgers built your way.

Good food shouldn’t be complicated. That’s why we keep it simple: clean ingredients and flavor you can actually taste. Our beef is grass-fed and pasture-raised, our chicken is cage-free, and everything’s made with care — right down to our homemade sauces. We even skip the seed oils, cooking with Zero Acre oil instead. Whether you’re a burger purist or keeping it vegetarian or vegan, there’s something for you at Press Burger. Build it your way, pile on the toppings, and enjoy real food that just tastes good.

Hockey is back in Hartford

Catch Hartford Wolf Pack hockey live at PeoplesBank Arena this November! The Pack returns home for four action-packed games, with tickets available now online and at the box office. Secure your seats early for the best lower-level views, promotional giveaways, and fast-paced AHL action in downtown Hartford. Bring your friends and family out to support the team as they kick off the season. Check the schedule and get your tickets today!

Click here to purchase tickets.

November events at Fairfield Theatre Company

11/10 – Evening of Honor and Service
11/11 – John Splithoff
11/12 – Willie Nile
11/12 -Marshall Crenshaw
11/14 – FTC Encore Gala 2026
11/15 – Alejandro Escovedo & The Electric Saints
11/17 – Cheese Fries & Chili Dips
11/18 -An afternoon with Broadway Veteran Frank Mastrone
11/18 -Warren Miller’s: Days Off
11/18 – Jesse Roper
11/19 – FTC Short Film Festival
11/19 -Back to Back to Black: The Amy Winehouse Celebration
11/20 – Jamie McLean Band
11/21 – Bad Animals
11/22 – Crystal Bowersox
11/25 – Funksgiving!
11/27 -Jake Swamp and the Pine
11/27 – Mullett
11/28 – Faster Things Band
11/28 – Talkpeck Soundsystem
11/28 – The Christmas Express
11/29 – A Journey with Elvis
11/29 – Gary Hoey’s Ho Ho Hoey Rockin’ Holiday Tour

Click here for more information & to order tickets.

November events at PeoplesBank Arena

11/13 – UConn Men’s Basketball vs Ohio State
11/14 – UConn Men’s Ice Hockey vs Northeastern
11/14 – Springfield Thunderbirds vs Hartford Wolf Pack
11/17 – Charlotte Checkers vs Hartford Wolf Pack
11/20 – UConn Women’s Basketball vs Seton Hall
11/21 – Milwaukee Admirals vs Hartford Wolf Pack
11/22 – Springfield Thunderbirds vs Hartford Wolf Pack
11/27 – Springfield Thunderbirds vs Hartford Wolf Pack
11/29 -Springfield Thunderbirds vs Hartford Wolf Pack

Click here to purchase tickets.

November events at Pratt & Whitney Stadium

11/14 – UConn vs James Madison
11/21 – UConn vs Old Dominion
11/27 – 1/2 – Magic of Lights

Click here to purchase tickets

Connecticut Merch

Finding Connecticut’s patriotic merch celebrates state pride and American spirit, just in time for the lead-up to America 250. Featuring classic red, white, and blue style, the collection is a nod to where we’ve been and where we’re headed. As the nation prepares to mark 250 years in 2026, these pieces are an easy way to show pride in both Connecticut and the broader American story—past, present, and future.

Click here to shop • Shop App • Tiktok Shop

Your ad here

The Message Center on Finding Connecticut appears on every post across the site, giving your message maximum exposure to a statewide audience. Whether you’re promoting an event, business, product, or service, your message will be seen by thousands of engaged readers exploring Connecticut content every day. Placement runs monthly, making it an ideal option for consistent visibility without the need for daily management. With prominent positioning and a streamlined setup process, the Message Center offers an affordable, effective way to get your message in front of locals—right where they’re already paying attention. Reserve your spot today to get noticed. Click here for more information on Message Center ads. Click here for more advertising opportunities.

Gourmet Cookies

Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!

Save on CBD!

My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding Connecticut. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.

Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code Findingconnecticut35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. And don’t forget, returning customers can use code Findingconnecticut20 to save 20% on orders. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.

Products we use here at Finding Connecticut include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops • Pet Treats

Let’s create with Victory Designs

Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.

Connecticut with us!

Stay informed with daily news directly in your inbox! Our service is completely free, and we guarantee your privacy – your email and information will never be shared, traded, or sold.

Stay connected with us on social media

Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok • X • Newsbreak • Bluesky • Substack
Join our Reddit community

Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram

Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page

Don’t miss our reviews

Concert reviews • Restaurant reviews • Family restaurant reviews

Looking for the latest news by region, topic, and events

Foxwoods announces November entertainment lineup featuring Night Ranger, Paul Anka and more

ICYMI: The top 5 stories that Connecticut is reading this week

Greenwich Reindeer Festival returns for 18th year with Santa and live reindeer