Now Dasher, now Dancer, now Prancer and Vixen, on Comet on Cupid, on Mistletoe and Flea. Mistletoe and Flea are just two of the crew of 10 reindeer at The Reindeer Farm in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The only reindeer farm in the South was started during COVID-19 in 2020 as a family project. Four years prior, husband and wife Russell and Jessica Anderson decided on a career twist. Russell, having grown up on a farm, and Jessica, from rural Kentucky, who always wanted a farm, decided to open their own, with reindeer. They started out with two and now have 10, at start, hoping to achieve a unique and special childhood for their three children. And presently, thousands of visitors arrive every year during the Christmas season to enjoy all the marvels the farm has to offer.
Mistletoe is the biggest reindeer on sight and a little sassy. “She’s pretty and she knows it,” said Jessica of her favorite reindeer. Flea is laid back and especially good with special needs children. Mistletoe carries the largest antlers of the group. Both male and female reindeer sport antlers. Reindeer have the largest and heaviest antlers of all living deer species. The caribou are covered in fur from nose to hooves, giving them a good grip on frozen ground or rooftops.
When asked, one of the most frequent questions is, “Why are they not flying for you?” Jessica cheerfully answers it’s “Christmas magic” from Santa that makes them fly. And when the question arises, “Where is Rudolph?” the staff discloses he is at the North Pole prepping for Christmas.
Not only are there reindeer on the farm, but also visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, and a petting zoo with a collection of farm animals, from mini cows, to bunnies to eight donkeys, 14 alpacas, Kune Kune pigs, and more.
There is no shortage of games, activities, food, and fun. Events like Breakfast with Santa or Breakfast with the Grinch are a thrill for the family. For more adventures on site, there are plenty for the kids to enjoy as well as the adults. There is Wine Wonderland, sourcing local wines, a food truck with a cozy winter menu, a gift shop, and more. There is a bounce house, giant games of chess, cornhole, authentic sleighs and reindeer for pictures, and speedy zip-lines. Other activities include Christmas Karaoke and Live Icing Sculpting by Danny Kissel, from Food Network’s Outrageous Pumpkins and Halloween Wars, who works with ice, too.
Breakfast with Santa includes a country buffet breakfast, one-on-one time with Santa, a day pass, and a picture with a reindeer. The Day Pass gives you access to everything on the farm, while the Encounter with the Reindeer Pass gets you inside the pen, up close with the reindeer for pictures and petting. Cameras are allowed. When visiting, remember to wear comfortable shoes and be aware of the weather since it is outdoors. Sensible shoes are best, and wear layers.
New this year is the farm’s Night Pass, which includes all the farm has to offer, but under the glow of jolly Christmas lights and music. The farm is especially festive in the evening, and you will enjoy a night of Christmas delight with those you love.
The Reindeer Farm has established quite a community with families returning each year as their holiday tradition and a treasury of over 89,000 Facebook followers. Visitors come back year after year from all over the globe. Two different families are even visiting from faraway Australia.
It started as a dream, a project to create fond memories with friends and family. And now this small family farm has grown to the holiday glee of many friends and families. “We really want people to gather and make memories,” said Jessica. She and Russell love what they do, and it brings joy to their hearts. “It fills my cup,” said Jessica.
Not a long drive from Nashville, about an hour and 10 minutes, it is a great option for a day road trip. And only another 10 to 15 minutes to downtown Bowling Green with hotels, restaurants, and shops.
The farm is open Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays are open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Night Pass is open every night, including weekends, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., running from Nov. 14 until Dec. 31, closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
When setting out cookies and milk for Santa, be sure to leave oats or leaves from willow and apple trees for his flying companions, too. They love those best.
For more information and to book tickets, visit their website for more details on pass options. Tickets are flying fast!
Thereindeerfarm.com