Santa's Reindeer at Hersheypark Cleared to Fly on Christmas Eve 2024

Date: December 23, 2024

Today, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Assistant State Veterinarian Dr. Erin Luley and PA Tourism Office Executive Director Kaitie Burger joined Santa Claus and his team of nine reindeer at Hersheypark amusement park to announce that the reindeer received a clean bill of health from the Department of Agriculture, speeding them on their way to make special deliveries across Pennsylvania tomorrow night.

"The magic that makes Santa's reindeer fly is a secret we'll never tell," Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. "But Pennsylvania's young and young at heart can nestle snug in their beds knowing the reindeer are healthy and ready to take flight."
 

Santa's reindeer - Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen, and Rudolph - received clearance to fly to Pennsylvania from Dr. Sarah Coburn, Alaska's state veterinarian. Pennsylvania State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg and Assistant State Veterinarian Dr. Erin Luley reviewed Alaska's Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and declared the team healthy to fly from rooftop to rooftop in all 67 Pennsylvania counties for the purposes of toy delivery to the children of Pennsylvania. These certificates are required as an assurance that contagious diseases are not carried across state lines.

See All Nine Reindeer at Hersheypark Through Jan. 1, 2025

For more than 40 years, Hersheypark Christmas Candylane has provided guests with unique holiday experiences like the most lights in Pennsylvania with 5 million, select family rides and coasters, and, of course, signature hot chocolate.

But what sets this USA TODAY 10Best Holiday Theme Park Event apart is that Santa has come to the town built on chocolate—and he brought Rudolph and his friends along with him. Hersheypark remains the only place in the Northeast where guests can get an up-close look at all nine of Santa’s reindeer.

New this year, Santa and his reindeer are in the same themed location called the Mary N. Bright Airfield. Guests can take a photo with Santa and tell him their list, dance with his elves and mingle with Mrs. Claus in the Yule Lounge. 

While enjoying Santa's favorite holiday stop, guests can also see his reindeer in Hangar 96. Since 1996, Santa has entrusted the ZooAmerica team to take special care of his reindeer during the holiday season by providing them with a healthy diet, exercise and spacious, clean stables to call home.

We wish Santa and his reindeer a safe and magical flight on Christmas Eve and look forward to welcoming the reindeer back to Hershey, Pa., for some much-deserved rest and relaxation. 

Guests can see Rudolph and his friends during all hours of operation through Jan. 1, 2025. 

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane 1-Day Any Day Tickets are currently $49.99 plus taxes and fees online. The tickets purchased during the offer are valid through Jan. 1, 2025. 

Current 2024 Season Pass Holders can enjoy unlimited visits to Hersheypark Christmas Candylane as part of their year-long perks. 2025 Season Passes are on sale now with a Season Pass+ option that includes unlimited visits and perks to Hersheypark for the remainder of the 2024 operating year and all of 2025 - a great last-minute gift idea, too! 

Top 5 Reindeer Facts

Beyond their famous names and sleigh-pulling skills, reindeer are fascinating animals. Did you know these facts?

1. The largest herds of reindeer are found in Alaska, Scandinavia and Russia, also known as Lapland. But, the most famous reindeer live at the North Pole.
2. Reindeer are well-equipped for the cold weather. They have two coats of fur on their bodies, plus fur on their noses, lips, and under their hooves.
3. In the wild, reindeer like to eat Lichens, the moss that grows on rocks and trees. The ZooAmerica team feeds the reindeer a pellet diet and plenty of their favorite snack called Beet Feed. The reindeer also love apples, so children can put out nine slices of apples for Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve instead of carrots.
4. Both male and female reindeer have antlers, which makes them different from deer. In general, they lose their antlers every year.
5. If you listen closely, you will hear the reindeer making 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.