Reindeer Antlers – Nature’s Crowning Glory

Did you know that both male and female reindeer (and forest deer) grow antlers? That’s right—reindeer are the only species in the deer family where females also develop antlers. This is one of the many ways they stand out in the animal kingdom.

Reindeer antlers are made of bone and grow rapidly each year, covered in soft “velvet” tissue that nourishes them during development. By late autumn, males shed theirs after the mating season, while females have antlers through winter to protect themselves and babies when they are born.

At Santa Claus Reindeer, you can see antlers up close and even spot the difference in size, shape, and texture between young and adult reindeer. Each set is unique, just like the reindeer who wear them!

What Makes Reindeer Special?

Reindeer are remarkable creatures, uniquely adapted to thrive in the extreme conditions of the Arctic. Their physiological and behavioral traits have evolved over millennia, enabling them to endure the harsh climates of regions like Finnish Lapland.​

Arctic Adaptations

Seasonal Hoof Transformation: Reindeer hooves adapt to seasonal changes. In summer, their footpads become spongy to provide traction on soft, wet ground. In winter, the pads tighten, exposing the hoof rim, which cuts into ice and snow for secure footing.​

Thermal Regulation: Their dense, hollow-fibered fur traps air, providing exceptional insulation against the cold. This coat, combined with a thick underlayer, minimizes heat loss in sub-zero temperatures.​

Nasal Heat Exchange: Reindeer have specialized nasal passages that warm incoming cold air before it reaches their lungs and cool exhaled air to retain body heat.​

Antler Growth: Uniquely among deer species, both male and female reindeer grow antlers. Males shed theirs after the mating season in autumn, while females retain theirs through winter, aiding in foraging through snow.​

Vision Adaptation: Reindeer eyes undergo seasonal changes, shifting from gold in summer to blue in winter. This adaptation enhances their vision in low-light conditions, crucial during the Arctic’s long, dark winters.

Circadian Rhythm Adjustment: In the continuous daylight of summer and darkness of winter, reindeer have adapted by minimizing their reliance on circadian rhythms, allowing them to feed and rest as needed regardless of the time of day.​

Cultural Significance in Finnish Lapland

Beyond their biological marvels, reindeer hold profound cultural importance in Finnish Lapland, where their presence has shaped ways of life for centuries.

Traditional Knowledge:
Reindeer herding in this northern region has cultivated an intimate relationship with the Arctic landscape. Herders possess a finely tuned understanding of migration routes, seasonal rhythms, snow conditions, and natural cycles—a body of knowledge that is deeply rooted in generational experience. This wisdom enables them to live in harmony with nature and manage vast tracts of land with sustainability at its core.

Economic and Cultural Practices:
Reindeer are far more than livestock; they are central to food traditions, clothing production, and artisanal crafts. The hides are used for warm winter garments and boots, while antlers and bones are carved into tools, jewelry, and decorative items. These materials not only serve practical purposes but also carry aesthetic and symbolic value, reflecting a deep respect for the animal and its role in daily life.

Modern Challenges:
Today, reindeer herding communities are navigating shifting climates, industrial expansion, and evolving infrastructure, all of which pose pressures on grazing lands and migration corridors. Yet, the cultural resilience surrounding reindeer remains strong. As both a livelihood and a symbol, the reindeer embodies endurance, identity, and the enduring relationship between people and the Arctic wilderness—a relationship that continues to shape the soul of Lapland.

Reindeer & Christmas – A Magical Connection

When people think of Christmas in Lapland, they often imagine snowy forests, twinkling lights, and the gentle jingle of sleigh bells. And who’s at the center of it all? Reindeer!

Reindeer have long been associated with holiday magic, thanks in part to the popular story of Santa Claus and his flying sleigh. In reality, reindeer don’t fly (except on christ evening when Santa puts the magic powder before the big journey) —but they do pull sleighs through the snow with calm strength and quiet beauty.

At Santa Claus Village, our reindeer are part of the Christmas celebration year-round. Whether you visit in December or July, you’ll feel the spirit of Christmas when you meet these incredible animals. You can feed the reindeer by branches or lichen (their favorite treat), and experience the joy of being part of a timeless holiday tradition.

Feeding and Caring for Our Reindeer

Guests often ask, “Can we feed the reindeer?” The answer is yes! One of the highlights of your visit is the chance to hand-feed our reindeer with lichen, their favorite snack. This gentle interaction creates beautiful photo moments and unforgettable memories.

Santa Claus Reindeer follows strict animal welfare practices. Our reindeer are never overworked, and their well-being is always our top priority. We limit the number of rides per day and provide plenty of rest, space, and seasonal care. Feeding only in summertime and on programs that take place outside Santa’s village, not in short rides that are situated in Santa’s village. We reduce the stress / tiredness of reindeer by rotating work-days specially in high season.

Fun Reindeer Facts You Didn’t Know

Want to impress your friends with reindeer trivia? Here are some fascinating facts about our four-legged stars:

– Reindeer can see ultraviolet light, which helps them navigate snowy landscapes in low-light Arctic conditions.
– Their noses warm the air before it enters their lungs—perfect for the frigid winters of Lapland.
– A reindeer’s hooves change with the seasons: soft in summer for marshy ground and sharp in winter for ice and snow.
– Reindeer are excellent swimmers and can cross rivers and lakes during migration.
– They have thick, insulating coats made of hollow fur, helping them stay warm even in -40°C.
– Every day at the farm, our guests learn more about how adapted and intelligent reindeer are—and how they’ve helped people thrive in the Arctic for centuries.

Reindeer & Santa Claus – The Most Famous Team

No story of reindeer is complete without a mention of the big man himself—Santa Claus. According to Christmas legend, Santa’s sleigh is pulled by nine magical reindeer, including the beloved Rudolph with the red nose.

While Rudolph may live in storybooks, our reindeer at Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi are real—and they work with Santa year-round to spread joy to families from all over the world.

When you visit our farm, you can ride in a traditional reindeer-pulled sleigh, just like Santa would. You might even spot one of Santa’s favorite reindeer resting near the stables, getting ready for the next snowy adventure.

Visit Santa Claus Reindeer in Santa Claus Village

A trip to Lapland isn’t complete without meeting the reindeer who help make this region so magical. At our farm in Santa Claus Village, you can:

🛷 Enjoy scenic reindeer sleigh rides
🥕 Hand-feed the reindeer and get up close
📸 Take photos of reindeers and their sleighs in wintry snowy scenery or when spring sunshine glaces on snow.
🎓 Learn more about their care, habits, and seasonal routines
📜 Receive a fun Reindeer Driving License to remember your visit

Whether you’re a family with children, a couple on a romantic winter escape, or an adventure-seeker chasing the Northern Lights, our reindeer farm experience in Lapland will leave you with lifelong memories.