Two New Reindeer Just Joined Santa’s Herd in Santa Claus, Indiana

Meet the Reindeer at Santa’s Reindeer Ranch in Santa Claus, Indiana

Nestled among the farmland of southern Indiana is a little town called Santa Claus. It’s home to Christmas-themed spots like Santa’s Candy Castle, Santa Claus Christmas Store, and the famous post office where Santa’s mail goes. His elves even answer letters from children all over the world. And of course, there’s Holiday World, the theme park where thrill seekers can celebrate all the holidays by riding roller coasters and splashing down water slides. Around here, we lovingly call it “Santa’s Summer Home.”

How the Reindeer Ranch Got Started

Santa Claus, Indiana, didn’t feel truly complete until 2019, when Tracy Haycox decided to convert her farm to a reindeer ranch.

At first, the reindeer weren’t available for public tours. The Haycox family would take them to local events instead. But that changed last year when the ranch began offering guided tours so visitors could meet the herd in person.

Growing the Herd at Santa’s Reindeer Ranch

When I first chatted with Tracy last summer, they had two female reindeer named Juniper and Eve, and two males named Blitzen and Comet. Sadly, Comet became ill over the summer. The family fought hard for him, even sending him to Ohio State’s Veterinary Center for treatment, but he eventually passed after a long battle.

It was a heartbreaking loss, but there was a silver lining. This past year, the Haycox family attended a reindeer expo in Alaska. (Yes, that’s a real thing!) Reindeer farm experiences are growing in popularity across the U.S., and while they were there, the family was offered two new female reindeer. They jumped at the chance to grow their herd.

Flying in New Reindeer from Alaska

They waited for the does to mature and then, on November 5, they were ready to pick them up. The family joked that “reindeer really do fly.” The two does had their antlers trimmed, were placed in wooden crates, and flown via FedEx from Alaska to Indianapolis, where the Haycox family picked them up.

The family named them Nova and Noelle. They’re currently in quarantine to make sure they’re completely healthy before joining the main herd. The family is hopeful they’ll welcome a couple of new babies this spring too.

How to Visit Santa’s Reindeer

If you want to meet the reindeer, you’ll need to book your visit in advance through their website. When you arrive, you’ll check in and join a small group of about 15 people. Each tour includes an educational presentation, feeding time, photo opportunities, a meet and greet with their wallabies and African crested porcupine named Quilly Nelson and a stop at the gift shop. It’s a fun, hands-on way to learn about these magical animals.

They also offer reindeer rentals where the reindeer will come to your office party, fundraiser, or other animal-friendly event.

Tracy says holiday tours fill up fast, so book at least a week ahead if you plan to visit in  November or December. Tours last under an hour, which makes this the perfect add-on for anyone spending the day in Santa Claus, Indiana.

Free Event in Santa Claus, Indiana

If you want to meet Santa's reindeer but a ranch tour just isn't in the budget, you can meet the girls at the FREE event in Santa Claus, Indiana. Eve and Juniper will be visiting Santa’s Toys on November 29th & 30th! You will need to pick a time to attend prior to the event and spots fill up fast. Bring the family to say hello, snap a photo, and don’t forget to whisper your Christmas wishes so they can pass them along to Santa himself.

More Reindeer Farms

Click here to see a full list of reindeer farms within driving distance of the tri-state.