You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen … but have you ever met them in real life? When it comes to Christmas, the reindeers are just as important as Santa. And this year, there are plenty of places around Indianapolis to visit Santa’s reindeer. Here are some places around Indy where you can meet and greet reindeer this holiday season!
Where to Meet and Greet Reindeer Around Indianapolis
Holiday in the Arts District
Along with meeting Santa’s reindeer, visitors can experience the wonder of the holidays with elves, carolers, trolley rides, a visit from Santa, special activities and more surprises!
When: December 3
Where: Carmel Art & Design District
Time: 2-5 p.m.
More Info: carmel.in.gov
Cost: Free
Meet Santa’s Reindeer
Santa’s Reindeer are at Clay Terrace in Carmel on three Saturdays in December! Hurry before they head back to the North Pole!
When: December 3, 10 & 17
Where: The Village Green in Clay Terrace, Carmel
Time: 10 am-1 pm
More Info: clayterrace.com
Cost: Free
Holly Jolly Jamboree
Jingle John of Silly Safaris will present his Animals of the North Pole program, which will include several animals that like the cold weather, including a reindeer! Crafts and cookies will also be available. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for pictures throughout the program.
When: December 10
Where: Cool Creek Nature Center
Time: 2-4 pm,
More Info: hamiltoncounty.in.gov
Cost: Free
Silly Safari Show: Animals of the North Pole
The Arctic Circle is one of the coldest, harshest environments on the planet. Technically it is a giant frozen desert and the animals that live there have specific adaptations for survival in the Biome. Jingle John from Silly Safaris will be bringing mammals, a reptile, a bird, a frog, and of course some bugs to teach you about life at the pole. He will also be discussing light cycles, temperature changes, migration, and hibernation. Best of all… this program includes a real LIVE REINDEER! This is a 50 minute show with an opportunity to have your picture taken with the reindeer after the show!
When: December 10
Where: Westfield Washington Public Library
Time: 10:30-11:30 am
More Info: wwpl.lib.in.us
Cost: Free
Reindeer on Main
Meet Santa’s reindeer before they head back to the North Pole and step inside Penny Lane’s vintage VW photo bus and enjoy a complimentary holiday family photo. Gourmet hot cocoa and freshly roasted holiday nuts will be available for purchase.
When: December 17
Where: Main Street Greenfield
Time: 8 am-11 pm
More Info: greenfieldmainstreet.org
Meet a Reindeer at the Indianapolis Public Library
Meet a reindeer and learn about the Sami, indigenous reindeer herders from the Lapland region of Scandinavia.
When: December 19, 6-7 pm @ West Perry Branch Library
When: December 20, 4:30-5:30 pm @ Martindale-Brightwood Branch Library
More Info: indypl.org
Cost: Free
Reindeer Farms Worth the Drive
If you’re up for a little road trip, these farms around Indiana are great for seeing and meeting reindeer around the holidays!
Jingles All the Way Reindeer Farm
Auburn, IN
Join Santa and Mrs. Claus, the reindeer, and all their friends at Jingles All the Way Reindeer Farm this holiday season. Meet the reindeer and all of Santa’s furry friends. While on the farm you can snap a picture with Santa, enjoy a stroll through the farm, warm up with a hot cup of cocoa and a cookie, pick up a holiday gift in the craft shop, and make lasting family memories with photo opportunities throughout the property.
Reindeer Ridge
Guilford, IN
While visiting Reindeer Ridge, you can meet and learn all about reindeer, have many photo opportunities in a real sleigh and in front of the Christmas tree, shop for festive treasures in our Holiday Barn, visit with Santa and more!
Whitetail Acres Tree Farm
Brookville, IN
Reindeer encounters at Whitetail Acres Tree Farm include a talk around the bonfire to learn about these magical creatures, then meet and interact with the reindeer while you take a picture with them.
