Santa’s Reindeer Cleared for Special Deliveries Across Pennsylvania on Christmas Eve

HERSHEY – Santa’s reindeer have been cleared for some very special deliveries across Pennsylvania on Christmas Eve.

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Assistant State Veterinarian Dr. Erin Luley and PA Tourism Office Executive Director Kaitie Burger joined Santa Claus and his team of nine reindeer to announce that the reindeer received a clean bill of health from the Department of Agriculture at Hersheypark on Monday.

“The magic that makes Santa’s reindeer fly is a secret we’ll never tell,” Redding said.

“But Pennsylvania’s young and young at heart can nestle snug in their beds knowing the reindeer are healthy and ready to take flight.”

Santa’s reindeer — Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen and Rudolph — have received clearance to fly to Pennsylvania from Dr. Sarah Coburn, Alaska’s state veterinarian. 

Pennsylvania State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg and Assistant State Veterinarian Dr. Erin Luley reviewed Alaska’s Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, and declared the team healthy to fly from rooftop to rooftop in all 67 Pennsylvania counties for toy delivery to the children of Pennsylvania.

These certificates are required as an assurance that contagious diseases are not carried across state lines.

“Despite Rudolph’s shiny red nose and the team’s mysterious ability to fly,” Dr. Luley said, “Santa’s reindeer have received excellent care from Santa’s herd manager at the North Pole, and from Hersheypark’s team during their stay here, and they are up to the task of spreading joy, and only joy, across Pennsylvania.”

“Hersheypark is just one of the many first-class holiday getaways our Commonwealth has to offer visitors during the winter season,” said Kaitie Burger.

“Pennsylvania is the place to make best-ever holiday memories that will last a lifetime.”

Plan your Great American Getaway and meet Santa’s team at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane now through Jan. 1, 2025. Find hours and adventures to add to your holiday bucket list at hersheypark.com.

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