Bristol Santa House Named Best of Rhode Island for Second Consecutive Year

in

Rhode Island Monthly readers name the Bristol Santa House Best Local Event for 2026

Bristol, RI USA – 6/17/2026 – The Bristol Santa House has been named a Best of Rhode Island winner by Rhode Island Monthly for the second consecutive year, earning the 2026 Readers’ Poll award for Best Local Event in the East Bay.

For the James D. Rielly Foundation, which operates the Bristol Santa House, the back-to-back honors are especially meaningful because they recognize both the experience created inside the Santa House and the support it has received from the community.

“Being recognized once was incredibly special. To be named Best of Rhode Island two years in a row means even more,” said Michael Rielly, President and Chief Merriment Officer of the James D. Rielly Foundation. 

The Bristol Santa House was created in 2022 with a simple goal: to make the magic of Christmas accessible to everyone.

Throughout the holiday season, the Santa House welcomes the public free of charge while also providing private, sensory-friendly visits for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. These scheduled visits allow guests to experience Santa and Mrs. Claus in a quieter and more comfortable setting, without the long lines, crowds, and noise that can make traditional holiday experiences difficult.

Operated entirely by volunteers and supported by local businesses, organizations, donations, grants, and community partners, the Bristol Santa House has grown from a new holiday attraction into a destination for families from across Rhode Island and beyond.

“What makes this award special is that it belongs to a lot of people,” Rielly said. “It belongs to our volunteers, sponsors, and community partners. It belongs to the families who trust us to create a place where their children can experience Christmas on their own terms. And it belongs to Bristol, which has embraced this little house and helped turn it into something much bigger than we ever imagined.”

The 2026 Best of Rhode Island Readers’ Poll was conducted by Rhode Island Monthly during March, with readers voting for their favorites in statewide and regional categories. The Bristol Santa House was selected as the winner for Best Local Event.

The Bristol Santa House is located at 240 High Street in Bristol, Rhode Island, adjacent to the historic Bristol Statehouse.

For information about the 2026 season, public visiting hours, private visits, volunteer opportunities, or ways to support the Bristol Santa House, visit www.bristolsantahouse.org.