Santa's Reindeer at Hersheypark Cleared to Fly on Christmas Eve 2025

Date: December 23, 2025

Today, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Pennsylvania State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg, and PA Tourism Office Executive Director Kaitie Burger joined Santa Claus and his magical team of nine reindeer at Hersheypark amusement park to announce that the team has received clearance from Department of Agriculture veterinarians to embark on their Christmas Eve journey across Pennsylvania.

“This time of year is filled with the magic and spirit of the holidays,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “Pennsylvanians near and far can nestle snug in their beds knowing the reindeer are healthy and ready to take flight tomorrow night.”

Santa’s nine reindeer — Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder (the Pennsylvania Dutch spelling of Donner) Blitzen, and Rudolph — received the all-clear approval from Dr. Sarah Coburn, Alaska’s state veterinarian to fly to Pennsylvania. 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, allowing them to fly from rooftop to rooftop for the purposes of toy delivery to the well-behaved children of Pennsylvania. These certificates are required as an assurance that contagious diseases are not carried across state lines.

“Despite the team’s long journey and sleigh full of packages,” Dr. Hamberg said, “Santa’s reindeer have received excellent care from Santa’s herd manager at the North Pole, and from Hersheypark’s team during their stay here, and they are all clear to spread joy across Pennsylvania.”

“After a full safety check and a little extra cocoa, I’m happy to report that Santa’s reindeer are officially cleared for flight,” said Executive Director Kaitie Burger. “Pennsylvania truly shines during the holidays, and there’s no better place to feel the magic of Christmas than right here in the Keystone State. From cozy small towns to the sparkle of Hersheypark, this is where festive traditions, sweet treats, and unforgettable holiday memories take flight.” 

See All Nine Reindeer at Hersheypark Through Jan. 4

"For more than 40 years, Hersheypark Christmas Candylane has provided only-in-Hershey experiences that have become beloved holiday traditions," said Quinn Bryner, Director of Public Relations for Hershey Entertainment & Resorts. "As the only amusement park to have five million lights, family rides and coasters, and all nine reindeer, we invite all Pennsylvanians to enjoy the holiday season at Hersheypark through Jan. 4, 2026.”

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 to the themed Mary N. Bright Airfield. 

Hersheypark is one of the only places in the Northeast where guests can get an up-close look at all nine of Santa’s reindeer. 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. 4, 2026.

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane 1-Day Any Day Tickets are currently $50.99 plus taxes and fees online. The tickets purchased during the offer are valid through Jan. 4, 2026. Current 2025 Season Pass Holders can enjoy unlimited visits to Hersheypark Christmas Candylane as part of their year-long perks. 2026 Season Passes are on sale now - 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.