The Bristol Santa House is Coming to Town
Kick off the holiday season at the Bristol Santa House with the 2023 Spirit of Christmas Award recipient, Michael Rielly.
Bristol, Rhode Island, is like the capital of Christmas in the Ocean State. The quaint coastal town is home to the Bristol Santa House and the Bristol Christmas Festival.
The Bristol Santa House opened on November 12, and it’s welcoming children of all abilities to experience Christmas magic in a sensory-friendly environment. The venue has been relocated to 240 High St., adjacent to the historic Bristol Statehouse, for better accessibility and to strengthen the community spirit. The inclusive space offers an opportunity for everyone, regardless of physical, mental and financial challenges, to share wishes, meet Santa and create lasting memories.
Introduced by Michael Rielly, president and “Chief Merriment Officer” of the James D. Rielly Foundation, the Bristol Santa House gained popularity last year as a beloved holiday attraction, drawing support from visitors across the state and beyond. The full schedule for the Bristol Santa House can be found here.
Created in memory of Michael’s grandfather, James D. Rielly, who served as Bristol’s first Santa for sixty-two years, the house is one of many good deeds done by the James D. Rielly Foundation. This foundation is committed to spreading Christmas joy to children and families of first responders, active military and veterans.
In recognition of his contributions to the Bristol community, Michael Rielly has also been named as the 2023 Spirit of Christmas Award recipient. He will be honored at the Bristol Christmas Festival reception on Friday, November 18 at Borealis Coffee Company in Bristol from 6-9 p.m.
Separately, as part of the Bristol Christmas Festival, for which Rielly is vice chairman, Santa will also join the Bristol community in transforming downtown at the Grand Illumination, December 2 at 5:30 p.m. Local students and artists will perform as Santa Claus lights the Bristol town tree, officially marking the start of the Christmas season.
The following weekend, Santa returns to greet guests at the Bristol Christmas Festival on December 9 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and December 10 from 12-6 p.m.
The festival includes a European-style Christmas market with live entertainment and an opportunity to support local businesses through purchasing a variety of holiday gifts, crafts, pastries and wine.
Families can participate in wreath decorating, and children can show off their creativity with do-it-yourself crafts. All events are free to the public. Visit the website for more details on the events.
