The nine reindeer that travel around with Santa Claus every year, remain the stuff of legend around the world – and rightly so!
They embody the spirit of teamwork, adventure and the wonder that defines Christmas Eve, without them, Father Christmas would struggle to travel around the globe. Santa Claus’s reindeer are incredibly important!
On Christmas eve, the eight reindeer travel behind Rudolph, who leads Santa’s sleigh around the globe. It’s a huge task, but one they always complete. For the Reindeer, they have to spend a lot of time preparing and training for this adventure, and we’ve got some insight into how these magical reindeer do just that!
Meet The Team
Each member of the team is unique, and brings their own personality and skills to the team!
Dasher
Dasher is known for his incredibly speed and agility and he is always at the front when quick take offs are needed.
Dancer
Graceful and nimble, Dance is light on her feet. As a female reindeer, her love on movement helps the sleigh soar smoothly through the sky.
Prancer
Prancer is the most confident reindeer! He has pride, elegance and is quite impressive to watch!
Vixen
Vixen is the most clever and creative one. As the problem solver of the group, they’re often coming up with solutions mid flight! What would they do without her!
Comet
Comet is the calm on in the team. With a steady mind, he is able to keep cool and navigate well under pressure.
Cupid
Full of warmth and love, Cupid is the one the boosts morale, spreading joy and happiness throughout the long night.
Donner
Donner has a thunderous energy that powers the sleigh through rough conditions.
Blitzen
Blitzen in lighting fast, bringing an electric energy to the team.
Rudolph the Red Nosed reindeer
Rudolph had a bit of a unique journey into the gang, he started as an outsider with his glowing nose seen as a flaw. But on one foggy Christmas eve, his nose became his, and the teams, greatest strength.
What Does Reindeer Training Look Like with Santa Claus?
Being Santa’s reindeer is no easy task. All year long, these reindeer undergo rigorous training. They practice flying at great heights, often over the arctic regions like Alaska and the North Pole, where St. Nicholas and his elves prepare for their annual trip.
Reindeer training involves fitness routines to build stamina and magical skill development to ensure they can handle harsh weather and remain invisible to humans.
A key part of their preparation is teamwork exercises. The reindeer must work together to pull Santa’s sleigh and ensure they are synchronized during their long journey. Even Rudolph undergoes special night-vision training to make sure his nose can guide the team through any winter storm.
What do Reindeer’s do on Christmas Eve?
On Christmas Eve, Santa’s reindeer take center stage in one of the most magical journeys in the world. Before the night begins, they are carefully harnessed to Santa’s sleigh at the North Pole, ready for the long trip ahead.
The elves make sure the sleigh is packed full of presents, while the reindeer, having spent weeks in preparation, are fed and energised for the flight. Rudolph, with his famous bright red nose, stands ready to lead the team if visibility becomes a challenge due to fog or snow.
As the reindeer take flight, they are powered by the Christmas spirit and Santa’s magic dust, enabling them to soar across the sky at incredible speeds. They travel across the globe, starting from one corner of the world and visiting millions of homes, all in a single night. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph work together, navigating treacherous skies and ensuring they arrive at every home in time for Santa to deliver presents to children.
Throughout the night, the reindeer face various challenges, such as snowstorms, strong winds, and dense fog. However, their rigorous training and natural magical abilities help them overcome these obstacles. Rudolph’s bright red nose is particularly useful when visibility is poor, lighting the way for the entire team. The reindeer also rely on their ability to remain invisible to humans, so as not to reveal Santa’s secrets.
During Santa’s brief stops at each home, the reindeer get short moments to rest. They snack on carrots and other treats that children leave for them, giving them bursts of energy to keep going through the night.
Reindeer’s Favourite Food
In addition to typical reindeer favorites like carrots and reindeer moss, Santa’s reindeer eat energy-packed meals prepared by the elves. Children often leave out treats like carrots or magic oats on Christmas Eve, which helps keep the reindeer energised as they travel across the world.
Throughout the year, Santa makes sure his reindeer maintain a balanced diet to stay in top shape for long winter flights. Their diet ensures they have enough strength and magic to cover the enormous distance and carry all the presents.
How do Reindeer’s fly?
How do Santa’s reindeer fly? The answer lies in the Christmas spirit. A combination of magic dust and the collective joy of children around the world powers the reindeer to soar across the night sky. Their flight abilities are also enhanced by the unique environment of the North Pole, where magic seems to be a natural part of life.
Kris Kringle (another name for Santa Claus) ensures that his reindeer’s magical abilities stay intact by regularly checking in with them, encouraging their sense of adventure and reminding them of their vital role in delivering joy to the world.
Fun Facts About Santa’s Reindeer
Real reindeer vs. Santa’s reindeer: While real reindeer live in arctic regions and are known for their endurance, Santa’s magical reindeer can fly and travel around the world in a single night.
Male vs. female reindeer: It’s interesting to note that male reindeer shed their reindeer antlers in winter, but female reindeer keep theirs. Given that Santa’s reindeer are often depicted with antlers on Christmas Eve, some speculate that they might all be female!
