Full Guide to Reindeer Encounters this Christmas in Michigan
Pet a Reindeer this Holiday Season
Make Christmas extra magical for your children with a special experience of meeting and petting real live reindeer. Visit a reindeer farm and add this fun tradition to your holiday schedule. There are also many one day Holiday events occurring throughout Michigan where you can visit with Santa and pet live reindeer for a one-of-kind experience. Although they might not be Rudolph, Dancer or Prancer, these reindeer are real. Check out the map of reindeer farms and Christmas events in Michigan to find one close to you. Start planning your Michigan day trip to these family-friendly locations and start your own annual Christmas tradition.
Reindeer Ranch | Kalamazoo
Address: 2921 N 6th St, Kalamazoo
When: Times & Days Vary, Nov 23, 2024- Jan 4, 2025
Cost: $15
Not only does Reindeer Ranch, have a herd of real live reindeer, but during your visit you can stroll though a festive lit trail through the woods. Pet the reindeer, feel real antlers and pose for a holiday picture. On select days Santa even comes to greet visitors. Additionally, you can warm up at the fire with some hot chocolate as you explore this family owned reindeer farm. Sign up ahead of time for your tour here.
Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farm | Clare
Address: 2706 E. Stevenson Lake Rd, Clare, MI
When: Hours Vary
Cost: $11.00
It’s easy to get into the holiday spirit at this family owned reindeer farm. The Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farm in Clare Michigan specifically has been breeding and raising reindeer for the last 20 years. With a herd of 20 reindeer, they train these magnificent creatures and bring them to holiday events, gatherings and even for movies. With kid’s train rides, a cafe and a holiday playground, this farm is definitely worth the drive. Check out the schedule of all the fun happenings occurring from Frozen Day to Santa parachuting out of an airplane - it promises to be a magical time at Rooftop Landing. They even have a sensory friendly day so that every child can participate in the activities.
Visit Santa’s Reindeer Farm at Grandpa Tiny’s Farm | Frankenmuth
Address: 7775 Weiss Rd Frankenmuth, MI
Cost: $17.25, Children 4 years and under are free with adult ticket
When: Weekends, Saturday & Sunday, November 16/17- Dec 21/22 12-4, 2024, Fridays 5-8pm
Bring your family to Grandpa’s Tiny’s Farm to encounter Santa, his elves and reindeer as they prepare for the Christmas season. During the holiday this historic farm transforms into a Christmas Wonderland. Bring your Christmas wish list for Santa, make an ornament and chat with the elves during your stay. Tickets tend to sell out quickly, so purchase online. Check out this Holiday trip guide with additional Christmas activities occurring in Frankenmuth this season.
One Day Special Reindeer Events in Michigan
Sparta Reindeer Night | Sparta
When: Friday, Dec 13, 5-8pm
Where: Downtown Sparta
One night only for this special event. Head downtown Sparta to meet Santa and his reindeer. See the reindeer, roast a marshmallow in Sparta Town Square, take a holiday hayride and savor some treats. Check out all the holiday events occurring here.
Meet Santa and his Reindeer | Battle Creek
When: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 4-7pm
Where: Willard Library
Willard Library is hosting a special evening with Santa Claus and his reindeer. Bring your Christmas letter for Santa, make a holiday craft and stay to watch a movie. Check additional details here.
Sand Bar's Reindeer Rendezvous | Middleville
When: Saturday, November 30th 1- 5pm
Where: Sand Bar Beer Garden
Come visit the Sand Bar Beer Garden for a holiday event with Santa’s reindeer. Bundle up and enjoy the family friendly activity and hot cocoa! Get all the details here.
Ready for Reindeer | Grand Rapids
When: Days Vary
Where: Multiple Grand Rapid’s Library Locations
Meet Santa’s reindeer at the library this Christmas season. This outdoor program will be fun for all. Check out additional details here for this special reindeer event occurring in December.
Walker Winterfest 2024 | Grand Rapids
When: Thursday, Dec 5th 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Where: Walker Ice & Fitness Center
Santa and his reindeer are coming to town for this free event. Take holiday pictures and make a festive craft, plus enjoy ice skating during your visit. Stay for the tree lighting at 7pm. You’ll love that all the activities are free to the community, check out more info here.
Holiday Extravaganza | Pontiac
When: Dec 7, 2024
Where: Downtown Pontiac
Start the day off with the Detroit Parade at 11:00am to see Santa, his reindeer and all the holiday floats in Downtown Pontiac. Make a whole day of it when you stay for the family fun events at the Holiday Extravaganza. More info here.
The Aglow | Shelby Township
When: Dec. 6, 2024 , 6-8:30
Where: Shelby Twp municipal campus
Join in on the Christmas tree lighting and then meet Santa and his reindeer. Enjoy hot chocolate, kid’s crafts, and a horse drawn carriage. Additional info here.
Closing Thoughts
Make memories together as a family this holiday season when you explore the best reindeer farms and Santa encounters this winter season. Check out the map and dates so you don’t miss out on these fun holiday events occurring in 2024. Plan a fun Michigan Day Trip with your kids during Christmas to make it truly magical.