Take a Short Road Trip to Meet Santa’s Real Reindeer At Mayhem Ranch
Santa Claus may get all the credit for delivering Christmas gifts, but his magical reindeer hold a special place in our children’s hearts. These beloved creatures–red-nosed or otherwise–are more than just sleigh-pullers… they’re an essential part of the holiday spirit, enchanting kiddos around Orlando (and the world) with their charm, magic and mystique.
Orlando Parenting is thrilled to share a must-do holiday experience with you. Take a short road trip from Orlando to meet Santa’s real reindeer at Mayhem Ranch.
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Where to Meet Real Reindeer in Florida
Far from the North Pole, you can meet real reindeer right here in Florida, not far from our hometown. During the holiday season, Mayhem Ranch in Morriston is home to reindeer. Yes, real reindeer.
To experience this Christmas miracle, road trip less than 2.5 hours from Orlando to find this whimsical 170-acre cattle farm in Levy County.
Mayhem Ranch is set to host its 4th Annual Winter Festival on the second and third weekends in December (14 &15 and 21 & 22). Events hours are slated for 11am-4pm.
Online pre-sale tickets are priced at $15 per person (free for two and under).
What to Expect at Mayhem Ranch’s Winter Festival
Tickets to Mayhem Ranch’s Winter Festival include:
- Live Real Reindeer Encounters: A unique opportunity to see and interact with Santa’s helpers.
- Santa Visits: Santa Claus in his big red suit will pop in photos and banter. Pssst… the Grinch is set to appear too!
- Holiday-Themed Activities: From holiday hayrides through the farm to pony rides for the kids, there’s plenty to enjoy. The Grinchmas hay bale maze is, well, amazing. Plus, Mayhem Ranch has traditional farm fun, like a corn box, jump pad and more.
- Animal Encounters: The petting zoo and interactive animal shows are really cool, featuring pigs races, goats on the roof and other feisty farm animals.
- Festive Performances: Live entertainment and holiday music provide a joyful soundtrack to the event.
- Additional Options: There’s plenty more to do with additional fees. Maybe decorate cookies, savor the hot chocolate bar, roast s’mores, etc.
A separate upgraded ticket from the Winter Festival, consider purchasing tickets for Breakfast with Santa & his real Reindeer. This special event will be held on December 14 at 9am and 10 am, as well as on December 21 at 9am and 10am. Sure, you’ll need to get out the door pretty early but it’ll be worth it because, priced at $30, it includes the Festival activities plus the extra whimsical experience.
Breakfast with Santa will feature a hearty, farm-fresh morning meal. Sink your teeth into pastries, fruit, eggs, bacon, sausage and pancakes. This Breakfast with Santa ticket includes reindeer feedings, exclusive photos with Santa, hot chocolate bar, cookie decorating and access to the Festival fun.
Plan a Future Visit to Mayhem Ranch
If your December calendar is already packed, know that Mayhem Ranch is a fun family destination throughout the year. Established in 2020, this rustic retreat specializes in miniature cattle and exotic hoof stock. Available for tours, the farm boasts a total of 50 different animal species, so odds are you’ll encounter some of your favorite farm friends. Picture donkeys, alpacas, ostriches, zebras, parrots, tortoises, lemur, kangaroo and others.
There’s no shortage of fall festivals and pumpkin patches in Greater Orlando but know that Mayhem Ranch also hosts an enjoyable annual fall festival. And most often during springtime, a number of adorable baby animals are born. Cute and cuddly!
Happy holidays!
