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The reindeer experience

Move over, Frosty -- It’s Rudolph’s time to shine

Located in Buckley, Rainier Reindeer Ranch offers both rental and in-person hosted reindeer-themed events. Photo credit: Debbie Heyer Photography

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The holiday season brims with delightful iconography and cheerful symbolism that lends a wholesome warmth to winter. Though snowmen, gleeful elves, and echoing belly-laughs are mainstays during this time of year, one would be remiss to dismiss the joyous appeal of Santa's flying four-legged companions. To celebrate these furry, festive creatures, read on for reindeer-inspired happenings in the local area that are sure to make Santa's nice list.

For Steilacoom dwellers, the Elves and Bells Around Town event Dec. 20 at 5 p.m. will provide an opportunity to not only meet reindeer, but also Santa, Mrs. Claus, their elves, and Frosty the Snowman, as well. Photo ops, gifts for children, and candy canes round out this family-oriented celebration. Salter's Point Elementary, 908 Third St., Steilacoom

Say Hello to Donder and Blitzen, who are on their annual vacation at Puyallup's Watson's Greenhouse and Nursery now through Dec. 24 during regular business hours. 6211 Pioneer Way E, Puyallup

Personalized farm tours are available at Santa's Reindeer Company, a family-operated business located in Eatonville. Offered by 20-minute appointments only, patrons can expect over two dozen high-resolution photos with Santa, his sleigh, and one reindeer, capturing picture-perfect moments as keepsakes for years to come. santasreindeercompany.com

Looking to go all-out? Swansons Nursery in Seattle is hosting their Holiday Reindeer Festival now through Dec. 24. Find holiday gifts and décor, scoop up seasonal foliage, and meet Dasher and Blitzen! "Meet the Reindeer" sessions are available weekdays at 11 a.m. and weekends at both 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. These sessions include reindeer education as well as selfie-ops. Live music, pictures with Santa, and tree shopping are also available during the festival. swansonsnursery.com

Hoping to elevate a holiday shindig to the next level? Check out Rainier Reindeer Ranch in Buckley, a USDA-licensed facility that has made a unique name for itself by renting out reindeer for events. Reindeer displays include a 12' x 12' display, two reindeer, an experienced reindeer handler, and setup/clean up. For individuals who prefer to see these noble creatures in their own element, encounters at the ranch can be purchased via Airbnb.

"Rainier Reindeer Ranch brings the magic of reindeer to life," says owner Sophia McKee. "Our experiences are fully immersive. You get to feed, pet, and handle the reindeer. We also fill you up with fun facts about reindeer! Did you know they can see UV light? Or that their hair is hollow, just like a polar bear?"

If neat superpowers aren't enough of an enticement to make friends with reindeer, perhaps their lovable dispositions are. "Reindeer are incredibly docile and friendly animals. They are like giant Labrador retrievers with antlers," enthuses McKee. "They are playful, curious and magical! (The reindeer) have a busy social calendar during the holidays going to events, but the time they love most is when they are on the farm getting to greet new people." 8120 256th Ave. E, Buckley, rainierreindeer.com

This year as lists are checked twice, ensure that attending a reindeer-themed farm or event is towards the top. With so many engaging and interactive ways to interact with Santa's fuzzy navigators, finding something that is fun for the whole family is only a sleigh ride away.

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