Bristol’s own ‘Santa House’ exudes Christmas spirit

BRISTOL, R.I. (WPRI) — Santa Claus has moved into America’s most patriotic town. The so-called “Santa House” magically appeared in downtown Bristol just after Thanksgiving. It’s the brainchild of Michael Rielly, a lifelong Bristolian and founder of the James D. Rielly Foundation.

“Folks all know Bristol for the Fourth of July, but it’s also very much a Hallmark-type location,” Rielly explained.

Rielly, who has also dubbed himself the chief merriment officer, said the Santa House offers children of all ages and abilities the chance to celebrate the holidays.

“What we’re trying to do here is create a place where kids with special needs and their families can come and share Christmas their wishes with Santa,” Rielly explained. “We really wanted to create a place just for them. It’s going to be open for other kids and it’s going to be open to the public, but this is the real purpose of the Santa House.”

https://www.wpri.com/news/street-stories/bristols-own-santa-house-exudes-the-spirit-of-christmas/