The countdown to Christmas officially began in Greenwich at the annual Reindeer Festival and Santa's Village kickoff.

Friday marked the first day of the 11th annual Reindeer Festival and Santa's Village at Sam Bridge in Greenwich. The nursery and greenhouse have been converted into a winter wonderland for the holiday season.

Children with wide eyes and big smiles waited patiently for the chance to meet Santa this Black Friday. Outside, boys and girls took a ride on the Polar Express and cheerfully welcomed Santa's reindeer.

“We saw the opportunity to really create something special for the Town of Greenwich,” says organizer Tammi Ketler. "It's really an opportunity for families to experience the holidays together."

Sam Bridge is a family-owned nursery.

"It's bigger and better than ever every year,” says Maggie Bridge, manager of sales and marketing. “It seems to grow a little bit which is really, really exciting."

Proceeds from the Christmas village go to Kids in Crisis, a nonprofit that helps at risk children get out of difficult situations.

“In a community like this, it's such a festive time for everybody to be involved,” says participant Robert Peterson.

The holiday cheer in Greenwhich continues its festivities until Dec. 24.