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December in Greenwich, CT: Shopping, Eating and Reindeer
Normally, I have a firm “no-Christmas-decorations-before-Thanksgiving-has-come-and-gone” policy in our house. To my mind, November is no time for Santas and snowmen to be dotting lawns and rooftops. But this year, with the late Thanksgiving and early Hanukkah, I have to admit…I’ve been in the holiday mood since before Thanksgiving (I’ll deny it if asked).
If you too are in the holiday mood, hop in the car and head to Greenwich, for Greenwich is a town that knows how to do Christmas right. Christmas lights down their idyllic Avenue? Check. Beautiful churches with crèches? Check. Fun way to spend time with the kids in Fairfield County? Check. Fantastic shopping? Check and doublecheck. For more fun things to do in December in CT check out our December Go List.
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If you are planning on heading to Greenwich this month, your first stop has to be McArdle's Nursery. No, not for just the pointsettas. For the reindeer! That’s right….THE REINDEER! Santa’s sleigh drivers are at McArdle's through December 23rd. Go visit the reindeer (keep in mind that feeding times are at 9am and 4pm) and have pictures taken with Santa, who will also be there. 48 Arch Street, Greenwich, CT, 06830, 203.661.5600
For some holiday cheer, don't miss out on this Family Concert by award winning vocalists on December 21st.
If your kids are worried that Santa won’t be overly generous this year (no one can be on the nice list EVERY year, right?), you may want to do some shopping on your own. Greenwich Avenue has a wide array of stores – both chains and independents – that will help you with your list. A few of my favorites:
Polarn O. Pyret: For kids clothing, this is always my first stop. The prices are reasonable, and the distinctly Swedish clothing is adorable. It is particularly great for outerwear.
243 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT, 06830 203.629.7677
Giggle: Looking for toys and baby gear? Head to Giggle. Their modern, fun and functional baby gear makes me think about having one more newborn. My husband has banned me from this store for that very reason.
102 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT, 06830, 203.622.6775
Two's Company: When I need gifts – and who doesn’t in December? – I always stop at Two’s Company. From cute lip balms to photo frames, they seem to have something for all ages.
68 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830, 203.622.8967
Shopping makes me hungry. Family favorites for dining in Greenwich include the Boxcar Cantina and My Favorite Place. The Boxcar features Mexican food in a relaxed atmosphere. My Favorite Place has lots of kid friendly classics - like Mac and Cheese bites - as well as more adventurous little bites such as Thai Chicken Peanut Lettuce Wraps. Other dining favorites are Aux Delices, and, of course, DiMare Pastry Shop.
Once the sun sets, it is well worth taking the time to head over to the Belle Haven area of Greenwich, where resident Paul Tudor Jones annually bedazzles his house with a breathtaking display of holiday lights and music. What a way to greet the holiday season!
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