Hollandia Nurseries in Bethel, Connecticut

If you want to see Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus this holiday season, I suggest you head over to the Gift and Garden Center of Hollandia Nurseries in Bethel, Connecticut. Fairfield County’s largest premiere garden center, it was founded in a small 2-car garage by Hans & Sally Reelick in April of 1964. Now it has over 20 acres of Farm and Nursery as well as a Gift and Garden Center.

With the last few years being marred by the pandemic, this was our four year old’s first visit with Santa. When asked what he wants for Christmas, he said monster trucks and was surprised to find Santa Claus well-versed in the various types of trucks on his list.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus were both perfect and our kids loved them. There was live music and an array of Christmas decorations, ornaments, gingerbread houses, candy canes, gnomes, nutcrackers, mischievous elves and bright red poinsettias that will remind you of the finest Christmas markets in the world. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be the reindeer buddies in matching outfits on the ski-lift high up over our heads. The staff is lovely, they pack your purchase with care, you get popcorn and cider as you walk in and you walk out feeling joyous.

If you want to read more about our little town of Bethel, head over here.