Some very special guests have landed at Summerfield Zoo in Belvidere, Ill. For a fourth year, the zoo will be open at Christmastime for special opportunity to meet Santa’s live reindeer.
“We’re so excited to invite everyone back to Christmas Town at Summerfield Zoo,” says Rick Anderson, zoo owner. “Come watch Santa’s sleigh team prepare for their magical fight on Christmas Eve. This is the only place you can come meet Santa’s entire sleigh team of reindeer! These are truly amazing animals that provide not only a magical, but also an educational, experience for kids and adults of all ages.”
The public will be able to visit the entire sleigh team of reindeer in the open-air reindeer barn.
Children can with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus on Saturdays or Sundays at his cottage. Kids will earn an official stable elf diploma.
Baby reindeer flight school training sessions will happen during the day. There’ll be lots of magical photo opportunities and delicious snacks will be sold at Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen Snack Shop, where Olaf and the Grinch may stop by.
The Flying Reindeer Gift Shop offers “some of the best Christmas shopping south of the North Pole – ranging from Christmas décor and gifts to gourmet snack and baking mixes and kids’ gifts,” says Anderson.
Admission is $14 per person. The zoo is open Friday through Sunday until Dec. 19 and then Dec. 20-23 with special hours. Until Dec. 19, hours are Fridays 3 to 6 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Dec. 20-23, hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Pre-purchased reservation tickets are available through the website.
Learn more at summerfieldfarmandzoo.com or call (815) 547-4852. The zoo is located at 3088 Flora Road, Belvidere, Ill. ❚