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Santa’s reindeer names and where to find them

Get the inside scoop on reindeer names and festive facts.
Thanks to a particularly catchy 1939 Christmas carol, everyone knows Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer – but what about his eight mates? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen are the original Christmas reindeer, before Rudolph came along with a nose so bright it could guide Santa’s sleigh. Fancy spotting these Christmassy creatures yourself? Check out our deals on holidays to Lapland.

WHAT'S THE HISTORY BEHIND SANTA'S REINDEER?

If you’re wondering where those eight unusual reindeer names came from, look no further than Clement Clarke Moore’s 1823 poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas. It tells the story of St Nicholas – AKA Santa or Father Christmas – delivering presents with the help of his eight reindeer on Christmas Eve. Now, while Santa’s frontline reindeer are usually pretty busy around Christmas time, the rest of the pack are primed and ready for meet and greets and sleigh rides. But what’s the best way to see them on a Lapland holiday? We’ve rounded up the best excursions for the job…

Feeling festive? Discover the best hotels to experience Christmas in.

DASH THROUGH THE SNOW IN A REINDEER-PULLED SLEIGH

Nothing says Lapland more than a traditional sleigh ride through snowy landscapes fit for fairy tales. On our reindeer safari trip, you’ll get to climb into a sleigh and let Rudolph and his pack guide you past frozen lakes, white hills and snow-dusted woodland. And at the end, you can warm up your frosty fingertips with a hot berry drink by a toasty open fire and a local guide will teach you about the basics of reindeer herding.

Book your Reindeer Safari excursion.

TRAVEL BY HUSKY – THE TRADITIONAL LAPPISH WAY

Animal fans, there’s another loveable species in town – and its fluffy. Once upon a time, husky-drawn sleds were the only mode of transport in Lapland. These days, they’re just for fun, serving up a huge adrenaline rush, as you speed along the snow-carpeted landscapes. You’ll be pulled by a team of huskies – originally bred in Siberia to pull heavy loads across the tundra. And they’re always raring to go, so you’ll need to hop onboard quickly.

Check out the Husky Trail Blazers trip.

DISCOVER A WINTER WONDERLAND

Lapland’s famous Snow Village, in Kittilä, is made entirely from snow and ice, and is rebuilt from scratch every year in a new theme. On our half-day excursion, you’ll get a tour of the village, which includes a sneak peek into the bedrooms. They’re amazingly creative with ice sculptures, snow walls, and even beds made from huge slabs of ice. You’ll then move on to the bar – also made of ice – for a perfectly chilled drink. There’s plenty of time for playing in the snow, joined by a few of Santa’s helpers, too.
Ready to meet the reindeers?

Browse our holidays to Lapland and find out when’s the best time to visit. And, if you need any further convincing, we’ve revealed eight reasons to visit Lapland at Christmas. Short on time? Discover how you can visit Lapland in a day.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Author: Danielle Penny

Last updated: 26.11.2018

Holiday Type

Destination

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