Bristol Santa House Opens November 21 for Annual Santa Claus’ Party
Bristol Santa House Opens November 21 for Annual Santa Claus’ Party
Free opening day celebration welcomes families of all abilities to kick off the 2026 holiday season with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Bristol, RI USA – 10/29/2026 – The James D. Rielly Foundation is pleased to announce the return of the Bristol Santa House™ for the 2026 holiday season. The annual Santa Claus’ Party and Opening Day Celebration will take place on Saturday, November 21, from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m., at 240 High Street, next to the historic Bristol Statehouse.
Now in its third year, the Santa Claus’ Party has become a festive community tradition, bringing families together to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus back to Bristol. The free celebration will feature holiday music, entertainment, seasonal treats, and an opportunity to step inside the Bristol Santa House to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
“Our opening day party is one of my favorite nights of the year,” said Michael Rielly, president and Chief Merriment Officer of the James D. Rielly Foundation. “It brings the entire community together and reminds us what the Santa House is all about. Every child and adult deserves the chance to experience a little Christmas magic, regardless of ability or circumstance.”
Founded in 2022, the Bristol Santa House provides free, inclusive holiday experiences for children and adults with disabilities and their families. Throughout the Christmas season, the Santa House offers both public visiting hours and private appointments designed for guests with disabilities who may find traditional holiday events overwhelming.
All visits are free of charge. No appointment is necessary for public visiting hours. Private appointments are reserved for eligible children and adults with disabilities who cannot attend regular public visits.
Operated entirely by volunteers, the Bristol Santa House has welcomed thousands of visitors and received recognition from across Rhode Island and beyond, including being named a Best of Rhode Island Editors’ Choice winner by Rhode Island Monthly for two consecutive years.
2026 Season Sponsors
This year’s Santa Claus’ Party is presented by Coca-Cola Northeast and Morrissette Construction. Their generous support helps make this special community celebration possible.
The James D. Rielly Foundation also gratefully recognizes the following 2026 Bristol Santa House season sponsors:
- AVTECH/ROOM Alert
- Bristol Living
- Bristol Marine
- Bristol Statehouse Foundation
- Cardi’s Furniture
- Digital Wave New England
- Ferreira Electric
- Fogarty Foundation
- GreenTree Healthcare
- Lahna Son-Cundy
- Lawrence Air
- MAH Consults
- MOO
- Onsite Portable Restroom
- Rhode Island House of Representatives
- RINewsToday
- Safeway Auto Center
- St. Alban’s Lodge No. 6
- Superior Comfort
The Foundation also extends its sincere thanks to the many volunteers, businesses, community organizations, and individual donors whose generosity makes the Bristol Santa House possible each year. The Santa Claus’ Party is free and open to the entire community. The rain date is Sunday, November 22.
For the complete 2026 visiting schedule, information about private appointments, or ways to support the Bristol Santa House, visit: www.bristolsantahouse.org
