8 Fun Facts About Santa's Reindeer at Hersheypark

Date: December 16, 2025

For more than 25 years, all nine of Santa's reindeer have made a special stop at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. Guests visiting the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania over the holidays can see Rudolph and his friends in the Mary N. Bright Airfield during all hours of operation through Jan. 4, 2026.

During their stay in Hershey, the reindeer are cared for by the ZooAmerica team inside Hersheypark. The Zoo Reindeer Specialists compiled a list of eight fun facts about the reindeer. Beyond their famous names and sleigh-pulling skills, how much do you really know about these fascinating animals? Read on to find out!

Trivia About Santa's Reindeer at Hersheypark

1. Reindeer are native to the Arctic areas of Europe, Asia and North America. 
The largest herds of reindeer are in Alaska, Scandinavia and Russia, also known as Lapland. But, the most famous reindeer live at the North Pole.

2. Reindeer like to eat Lichens, the moss that grows on rocks and trees. 
It's a tough life for reindeer in the wild. Finding food can be difficult in the winter, with snow on the ground and very little vegetation. Reindeer mostly survive on Lichens, also called Reindeer Moss. Lichens are rich in vitamins and give them energy. But Santa's reindeer don't have the same struggles. The reindeer at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane eat a pellet diet that is great for antlered animals. They also get plenty of their favorite snack, Beet Feed (dried nutritious and sweet beets). 

On Christmas Eve, Santa feeds them special food that makes them fly called “Magic Dust.” The Reindeer Specialists at Hersheypark are not allowed to feed the herd Magic Dust, or there would be flying reindeer all over Hershey!

3. Reindeer and caribou differ according to where they live. 
People in North America call them caribou, but people in Europe and Asia call them reindeer. Their size also varies depending on their location.

4. Reindeer have distinct personalities. 
Just like people, each reindeer has its own unique personality. Trained reindeer experts are on-site during all hours of Hersheypark Christmas Candylane operations to answer guest questions and talk to guests about the sweet (and sassy) characteristics.

5. Reindeer have antlers. 
Both male and female reindeer have antlers, which makes them different from deer. In general, they lose their antlers every year. Baby reindeer can grow small spike antlers just two months after they are born.

6. Reindeer have two coats of fur. 
The bottom layer of the fur is like lamb’s wool, and it twists around the upper coat, which is long and coarse. Wind and water cannot penetrate it. Reindeer also have fur on their noses, lips and under their hooves on the pad. They are well-equipped for cold weather in Central Pennsylvania. 

7. Reindeer make a clicking noise when they walk. 
The tendons in their feet make a snapping sound that they use in the wild to keep in line. This noise is where “Up on the rooftop, click, click, click” originates.

8. Santa's one reindeer is named Donder, not Donner. 
Santa was speaking Dutch when he named his reindeer. Donder means Thunder and Blitzen means Lightning, which are also the names of our dueling coaster cars on Lightning Racer!

Other Unique Holiday Experiences at Hersheypark

In addition to the majestic reindeer, Hersheypark Christmas Candylane also features many only-in-Hershey experiences, including:  

• The most lights of any amusement park in Pennsylvania, with five million, including a dazzling NOEL light show synchronized to holiday music
• Select family-friendly rides and seven thrilling coasters, weather permitting, including the first winter for the new Twizzlers Twisted Gravity Screamin' Swing
• NEW Twinkling Thru Time holiday show inside the heated Music Box Theatre (first holiday stage show since 2019)
• Interactive experience and photo opportunity with Santa through Dec. 24
• Holly Jolly Sweet Greets with the Hershey Characters in their coziest winter apparel
• TREEville Trail, located around East Coast Waterworks in The Boardwalk water park, with more than 25 uniquely decorated trees sharing stories of The Sweetest Place On Earth
• Limited-time festive eats and seasonal sips, including new variations of fan-favorite King Size Shakes and festive Holi-dogs hot dogs, and various hot chocolate offerings
• Holiday shopping at more than one dozen retail locations 

A holiday tradition for more than 40 years, Hersheypark Christmas Candylane runs on select dates through Jan. 4, 2026, with daily operations starting Dec. 18 (closed Christmas Day). We hope to see you!