Are you looking to create some new traditions this holiday season? The Reindeer Farm in Bowling Green, Ky. will help get your family in the holiday spirit!
With reindeer encounters, a miniature petting zoo, holiday karaoke, and tons of games on the grounds, this farm will quickly become a seasonal favorite.
The Backstory
At its heart, The Reindeer Farm is the fulfillment of a dream. The Anderson family always wanted a farm of their own. It was in their blood. The owners, Jessica and Russell Anderson, both grew up in farm country and love animals.
Jessica and I chatted for quite a while as our kids played corn hole and a giant game of Connect 4, followed by endless visits to the petting zoo to see the pigs, rabbits, miniature donkeys, and highland cows.
After driving back and forth to Michigan each year to see reindeer, they realized the 9-hour one-way drive was getting to be too much for their family. They weighed their options and decided the best course of action was to simply bring the reindeer closer to home.
Their original plan wasn’t to open a tourist attraction but rather to have some animals for their kids to enjoy. But after 10 years of working third shift and raising young children, they decided to turn their passion into a business.
The first step was making sure they were allowed to have reindeer in Kentucky because it turned out, no one had ever asked that question before. Once they found out it was legal, calls were made to find reindeer, buildings were built, plans were made, and many conversations were held with the state.
After 4 years of preparation, The Reindeer Farm finally opened its gates and stalls to the public in 2020 with huge success.
Located on the outskirts of Bowling Green, the Andersons have created a very intimate, festive atmosphere in the state’s third-largest city.
Situated near other famed tourist attractions like the National Corvette Museum and the Lost River Cave, The Reindeer Farm is just off the beaten path, yet close enough to the interstate that you’ll want to take that exit, take some time, and take lots of pictures.
Seasonal Events
Get in the holly, jolly spirit because it’s time to visit Santa’s reindeer! Every weekend in December is filled with festive cheer and some type of holiday event.
Visitors to the farm may run into the Grinch, Elsa and Anna, or even Santa and Mrs. Claus. Kids might spend some time jumping in the bounce house, or the whole family might opt to sing some holiday jingles together on the karaoke stage.
Looking for photo ops? The Reindeer Farm has tons of photo stations and backdrops set up around the grounds.
Get a cup of hot cocoa and some yummy snacks from one of the food trucks. Relax by the Christmas tree while enjoying some of your favorite holiday songs played in the background. Watch a holiday movie with the family. Make smores or decorate cookies.
There’s no better place to soak in the spirit of Christmas than The Reindeer Farm.
Reindeer Games
While there are plenty of fun and games to be had, a tiny train to ride, and a snowball fight to win, the real reason you’re there is for the reindeer, right? So how do you make that happen?
Special encounters with the reindeer can be booked ahead of time, so if you want to meet one of Santa’s helpers in person, this is your chance! Encounters are limited and schedules are very strict (the reindeer need their rest, too).
Each encounter is 30 minutes long, and you’ll have the opportunity to get in the pen with some of Santa’s reindeer - before they dash off for a special assignment at the end of December.
You’ll learn all about your new friends, hang out with them so they’ll remember your house on Christmas, and get some pictures to show off to your friends and #instafam.
Don’t worry if you miss out on the reindeer encounters. There’s still so much to do and see at the farm, and you’ll still see reindeer roaming the grounds.
There are several ticket options this season, including some special and very limited holiday breakfasts. Experience the magic of Christmas with your choice of farm tour. This year’s events include:
- A Day Pass
- Reindeer Encounter + Day Pass
- Reindeer Encounter + Day Pass - Santa & Mrs. Claus Edition
- Breakfast with Santa
- Breakfast with the Grinch
Visit TheReindeerFarm.com to get full details on each option, and buy your tickets online before they sell out. While tickets can be purchased in person at the barn entrance, availability is limited, especially for encounters.
Need to do some holiday shopping while you’re away? The barn also houses a great gift shop with festive and unique gifts, decor, and toys. While the adults are shopping, the kids can write letters to Santa and drop them in the oversized mailbox.
If you’re ready to have the best Christmas ever, head to Bowling Green this Christmas season and experience the magic of The Reindeer Farm first-hand!
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Nicky Reynolds can be reached at nicky@712communications.com