The Bristol Christmas Festival has announced the 2023 Spirit of Christmas award winner, and it is none other than Santa himself — Michael Rielly.

When Michael was 4 years old his grandfather James D. Rielly, the “most remarkable Santa Claus from Rhode Island” per a US Senate Congressional Record, dressed him as a leprechaun and off he went to the Rhode Island State House and House of Representatives to present a pot-o-gold to then-Governor John Chaffee. “Fifty-six years later and I am still gluing whiskers on my face!” Rielly said.

The younger Rielly put on the red suit for the first time in a Christmas play at Byfield School at the age of 7. After the death of his grandfather, Rielly was determined to continue his legacy. In 2017, he founded the James D. Reilly Foundation, which focuses on the children and families of first responders, active military and veterans by bringing a bit of magic when they need it the most.

As an outreach of the James D. Rielly Foundation, Rielly spearheaded the creation of Bristol’s Santa House, which opened its doors last year to children of all abilities to experience the wonder of the holidays.

Michael Rielly is a community-spirited person, not only in his role as Bristol’s Santa Claus and his involvement with the James D. Rielly Foundation, the Santa House, and the Bristol Christmas Festival, but as an active member of many organizations including Bristol Knights of Columbus, the Bristol State House Foundation, and St. Mary’s Church. He also serves as Bristol’s Town Crier.

A lifelong Bristolian, Rielly and his wife Patricia have been married for 24 years and have two children, Sean and Meghan.

All are invited to kick off the holiday season and meet Michael at the Bristol Christmas Festival Reception on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. The event will be held at Borealis Coffee Company in Unity Park. Come enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and sweet treats and bid on silent auction items to raise money for this year’s Christmas Festival. Tickets are $50 and available at www.christmasbristolri.com/spirit-of-christmas-reception.

For information about the Bristol Christmas Festival, visit www.bristolchristmas.com.