Issaquah Reindeer Festival
Visitors can see Santa's reindeer team up close at the country's largest zoo-based reindeer farm. Guests can view Santa's house, the airfield, and the elves' workshop, or take photos with Rudolph and Santa's Grand Traveling Sleigh. The festival also provides an educational setting connecting guests to Arctic ecosystems and wildlife conservation.
Nov 27 – Dec 30, 2026 All ages
See more other Christmas activities near Issaquah
Plan Your Visit
Tickets
Santa photos require an additional minimum donation.
Hours
November 27–December 23: 10:30AM–4:30PM (or dusk); Santa is there 10:30am–4:00pm. December 26–30: 10:30AM–3:30PM.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Pre-purchase tickets online or buy them at admissions upon arrival; the festival offers both options.
- Keep plans flexible and check conditions before setting out, since the festival is weather dependent.
- Members do not need to pre-purchase for Dec 20–23 and Dec 26–30, so use that exception only on those dates.
- If you want a Santa photo, bring extra funds because an additional minimum donation is required for Santa photos.
- Keep children 15 and under with an accompanying adult, as the zoo requires adult supervision for this age group.
Special Events & Promotions
- Members do not need to pre-purchase admission on December 20–23 and December 26–30.
- Santa is present November 27–December 23; Santa photos require an additional donation.
- The festival continues December 26–30 without Santa.
- This year's festival returns November 27, 2026.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the festival suitable for children?
It is described as an event for everyone, and children can see reindeer up close in an educational setting.
Can I buy tickets when I arrive?
Tickets can be purchased at admissions upon arrival, or pre-purchased. Members do not need to pre-purchase for December 20–23 or December 26–30.
What can visitors see at the festival?
You can see the reindeer, Santa’s house, the airfield and the reindeer farm, and take a photo with Rudolph and Santa’s Grand Traveling Sleigh.
Can I meet Santa and take a photo?
Santa is present through December 23. Santa photos require an additional minimum donation; Santa is not there December 26–30.
Does the festival go ahead in all weather?
The festival is weather dependent.
Browse Christmas in Issaquah
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.