HERSHEY, Pa., Dec. 23, 2025 — Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Pennsylvania State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg, Pennsylvania Tourism Office Executive Director Kaitie Burger, Santa Claus and his team gather at Hersheypark as Santa’s nine reindeer receive official clearance from Department of Agriculture veterinarians to begin their Christmas Eve journey across the Commonwealth.

Santa’s reindeer received a clean Bill of Health on Tuesday, just in time for special Christmas deliveries.

Santa Claus and his magical team of nine reindeer showed off their completed paperwork at Hersheypark, visiting with Russell Redding, state agriculture secretary; Dr. Alex Hamberg, state veterinarian; and Kaitie Burger, executive director of the state tourism office.

“This time of year is filled with the magic and spirit of the holidays,” Redding said. “Pennsylvanians near and far can nestle snug in their beds knowing the reindeer are healthy and ready to take flight tomorrow night.”

Santa’s reindeer — Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder (the Pennsylvania Dutch spelling of Donner) Blitzen and Rudolph — received the all-clear from Dr. Sarah Coburn, Alaska’s state veterinarian, to fly to Pennsylvania.

Hamberg and assistant state veterinarian Dr. Erin Luley reviewed Alaska’s Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and declared the team healthy, allowing them to fly from rooftop to rooftop for the purposes of toy delivery to the well-behaved children of Pennsylvania. These certificates are required as an assurance that contagious diseases are not carried across state lines.

HERSHEY, Pa., Dec. 23, 2025 — Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Pennsylvania State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg, Pennsylvania Tourism Office Executive Director Kaitie Burger, Santa Claus and his team gather at Hersheypark as Santa’s nine reindeer receive official clearance from Department of Agriculture veterinarians to begin their Christmas Eve journey across the Commonwealth.

“Despite the team’s long journey and sleigh full of packages,” Hamberg said, “Santa’s reindeer have received excellent care from Santa’s herd manager at the North Pole, and from ZooAmerica’s team during their stay here, and they are all clear to spread joy across Pennsylvania.”

“After a full safety check and a little extra cocoa, I’m happy to report that Santa’s reindeer are officially cleared for flight,” Burger said. “Pennsylvania truly shines during the holidays, and there’s no better place to feel the magic of Christmas than right here in the Keystone State. From cozy small towns to the sparkle of Hersheypark, this is where festive traditions, sweet treats, and unforgettable holiday memories take flight.”

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane has provided only-in-Hershey experiences for more than 40 years, said Quinn Bryner, director of public relations for Hershey Entertainment & Resorts. The park, with five million lights, family rides and coasters, as well as all nine reindeer, is open through Jan. 4.

HERSHEY, Pa., Dec. 23, 2025 — Santa Claus speaks to guests at Hersheypark following the announcement that his reindeer have been officially cleared to travel across Pennsylvania on Christmas Eve.

HERSHEY, Pa., Dec. 23, 2025 — Santa Claus speaks to guests at Hersheypark following the announcement that his reindeer have been officially cleared to travel across Pennsylvania on Christmas Eve.

HERSHEY, Pa., Dec. 23, 2025 — Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Pennsylvania State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg, Pennsylvania Tourism Office Executive Director Kaitie Burger, Santa Claus and his team gather at Hersheypark as Santa’s nine reindeer receive official clearance from Department of Agriculture veterinarians to begin their Christmas Eve journey across the Commonwealth.

HERSHEY, Pa., Dec. 23, 2025 — Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Pennsylvania State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg, Pennsylvania Tourism Office Executive Director Kaitie Burger, Santa Claus and his team gather at Hersheypark as Santa’s nine reindeer receive official clearance from Department of Agriculture veterinarians to begin their Christmas Eve journey across the Commonwealth.

HERSHEY, Pa., Dec. 23, 2025 — Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Pennsylvania State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg, Pennsylvania Tourism Office Executive Director Kaitie Burger, Santa Claus and his team gather at Hersheypark as Santa’s nine reindeer receive official clearance from Department of Agriculture veterinarians to begin their Christmas Eve journey across the Commonwealth.

HERSHEY, Pa., Dec. 23, 2025 — Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Pennsylvania State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg, Pennsylvania Tourism Office Executive Director Kaitie Burger, Santa Claus and his team gather at Hersheypark as Santa’s nine reindeer receive official clearance from Department of Agriculture veterinarians to begin their Christmas Eve journey across the Commonwealth.

HERSHEY, Pa., Dec. 23, 2025 — Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Pennsylvania State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg, Pennsylvania Tourism Office Executive Director Kaitie Burger, Santa Claus and his team gather at Hersheypark as Santa’s nine reindeer receive official clearance from Department of Agriculture veterinarians to begin their Christmas Eve journey across the Commonwealth.