It’s that magical time of year again when Santa and his LIVE reindeer, Dasher Dancer, Prancer and Blitzen, return to McArdle’s Florist & Garden Center, 48 Arch Street, in Greenwich, Conn, for the 4th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival and Santa’s Workshop, November 23 through Christmas Eve, December 24, 2012.
On Friday, November 23 at approximately 2 p.m., Santa will lead his LIVE REINDEER down Greenwich Avenue, accompanied by town officials, event sponsors and the Greenwich Police and Fire Department. Starting at First Presbyterian Church, they will make their way to McArdle’s, where the reindeer will reside for one month. There, young and old can marvel at the reindeer and learn more about these special animals. The Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop officially opens and Photos with Santa begin at approximately 3 p.m. Holiday refreshments will be provided for all at McArdle’s by Avenue Café, which recently opened on Greenwich Avenue.
Inside, McArdle’s will be transformed into Santa’s Workshop, an unforgettable holiday wonderland where families, children, corporate groups and even pets can have their photo taken with Santa. Photo packages begin at $29.99 and include special coupons to shop at participating downtown Greenwich stores and restaurants. This year’s festival will feature a new component – Reindeer Fun Facts - educational information about the animals, the mystery of their antlers, eating and sleeping habits and more.
“It’s wonderful to have an event like this in downtown Greenwich to drive economic development for the merchants and showcase this beautiful town,” said Peter Tesei, First Selectman. “And since we’ve been through some challenging times recently, it’s nice to have something enjoyable for the community this holiday season. I look forward to seeing everyone at the Greenwich Reindeer Festival and Santa’s Workshop and at the upcoming Greenwich Holiday Stroll Weekend on December 1 and 2.”
“We are thrilled to continue to host this highly anticipated holiday tradition again this year,” said James McArdle, Jr. of McArdle’s Florist & Garden Center, who enjoys seeing the smiles and wonder of the children when they see live reindeer for the first time and talk to Santa about their holiday wishes. Last year, over 800 photos with Santa were taken and many more are expected this year.
The 4th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa's Workshop will take place Monday through Friday, noon to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reindeer feeding times will take place daily at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The reindeer will head to the North Pole around 1 p.m. on December 23, but Santa will remain until 4 p.m. Christmas Eve before beginning his busy night.
The 4th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa's Workshop is created and produced by TMK Sports & Entertainment, a Greenwich-based event marketing company, and is made possible by the following sponsors: Reindeer Stable Sponsor: Pepsi, Reindeer Sponsors: Jeremy Boz, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and M.H. Heaven Real Estate. Premier Media Sponsors: Greenwich Magazine, The Advocate/Greenwich Time and Brooks Community Newspapers. Additional Media Sponsors include News 12 Connecticut, WEBE 108 and Fairfield Parent Magazine. Event partners include Give Me Five Party Rental and Catering, Greenwich Chamber of Commerce, Eagle Fence and Guardrail, Interstate Lumber Lakeland, John Tkac & Mike Glinski Builders, Greenwich Garden Design LLC, Ray & Sons Landscaping and the Town of Greenwich Parking Services.
For more information, visit www.GreenwichReindeerFestival.com
