See Santa's Reindeer at Christmas Candylane Through Jan. 1, 2023

For more than 25 years,  Santa's reindeer have made a special stop at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, and they've returned for another magical holiday season that kicked off on Nov. 12. All nine reindeer will continue to delight guests daily through Jan. 1, 2023. 

Christmas Candylane is the only place in the Northeast where guests can get an up-close look at all nine of Santa's reindeer, including Rudolph. Included with admission, this magical viewing experience is located in Santa’s Reindeer Stables in Pioneer Frontier Catering near Fahrenheit during all hours of operation. 

8 Fascinating Facts About Reindeer

Beyond their famous names and sleigh-pulling skills, how much do you really know about these fascinating animals? Check out some sweet facts about the reindeer that call Christmas Candylane home for the holidays. 

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. 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 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 Keepers 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. The ZooAmerica team takes care of Santa's reindeer inside Hersheypark during the holiday season. Trained reindeer helpers are on-site during all hours of Christmas Candylane operations to answer guest questions.
5. Reindeer have antlers. Baby reindeer can grow small spike antlers just two months after they are born. In general, reindeer lose their antlers every year, which is what makes them deer.
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.
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

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

• The most lights in Pennsylvania, with 5 million, including a dazzling NOEL light show with more than 250,000 dancing lights synchronized to Christmas music
• Select family-friendly rides and six thrilling coasters, weather permitting
• Interactive experience and photo opportunity with Santa through Dec. 24 with his elves entertaining guests while in line
• New Hershey Character Meet and Greet inside the heated Music Box Theatre
• TREEville trail with more than a dozen decorated trees that tell the stories of The Sweetest Place On Earth with a new falling snow entrance effect
• Signature hot chocolate, holiday King Size Shakes, other limited-time sweet treats, and new savory eats like a loaded potato bar 
• Holiday shopping in Hershey’s Chocolatetown region