10 Things You Didn't Know About the Reindeer at Hersheypark

It's the most wonderful time of the year in Hershey, Pa., as Hersheypark Christmas Candylane is open to the public on select dates through Jan. 3, 2021 (daily starting Dec. 4). From the millions of twinkling lights to unique ride offerings and an all-new experience with the big man himself, the seasonal celebration is sure to put guests in the holiday spirit. But that's not all! Santa's nine reindeer are also making a special stop at Christmas Candylane this holiday season. 

Hersheypark is the only place in the Northeast where guests can get an up-close look at Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen and even Rudolph! Before you take a sleigh ride down to Hersheypark, check out these 10 interesting facts about reindeer.

Facts About Reindeer

1. Reindeer were first domesticated over three thousand years ago in Siberia and Scandinavia.
2. Reindeer are the only members of the deer family in which both males and females grow antlers. 
3. The bulls weigh up to 375 pounds, the cows up to 200 pounds.
4. Reindeer make grunting sounds, but much of their communication is by physical gestures.
5. Reindeer are herbivores. They eat grasses, leaves and birch, so be sure to leave some vegetables out for them on Christmas Eve. During the winter, reindeer dig through the snow to find and eat lichens, a type of moss that grows on the rocks.
6. Reindeer have two layers of fur, allowing them to withstand temperatures well below 0⁰ F. Their undercoat is wooly and warm; their topcoat consists of hollow air-filled hairs to insulate and keep them buoyant when swimming.
7. Reindeer have large cloven hooves with pads that act as built-in snowshoes.
8. Reindeer can run up to 50 MPH. A newborn reindeer can outrun a human when they are one day old.
9. “Up on the rooftop, click, click, click” comes from the noise made when tendons snap over the bones of their feet. 
10. Rudolph can turn his red nose on and off, and only turns it on when Santa needs his help.

See Live Reindeer

The reindeer are located in Santa’s Reindeer Stables next to Fahrenheit. Guests can get see the reindeer in a newly expanded viewing area and ask questions to the reindeer helpers during all hours of operation.