Reindeer Encounter

The Reindeer Encounter event runs from November 28 to December 22, 2025, at Whitetail Acres Nursery, Landscaping & Reindeer in Brookville, Franklin County, Indiana. This holiday-themed event allows visitors to feed, pet, and take photos with real reindeer, creating magical and educational experiences for families and all ages.

Surrounding the event is the setting of Whitetail Acres, a nursery and tree farm that offers a festive atmosphere with sights, scents, and sounds of Christmas, including a large Christmas gift shop, fresh cut and balled-and-burlapped Christmas trees, and handmade wreaths. The farm is known for its welcoming environment with outdoor holiday activities, making it a full holiday outing destination.

Vibe of the Event

The Reindeer Encounter is designed to be warm, family-friendly, and immersive, blending nature with holiday spirit. Guests enjoy sitting around a bonfire while learning about reindeer, sipping on free snacks like popcorn, hot cocoa, or spiced cider. The ambiance is cozy and festive with outdoor games, barrel train rides, and friendly interaction with the animals, under the care of experienced handlers.

Activities at the Event

• Reindeer Feed & Petting Pen: Visitors interact directly with several friendly reindeer, including the opportunity to feed them.
• Educational Talk: Held around a bonfire, where visitors learn about reindeer habits, care, and Christmas lore.
• Photography: Guests can take their own photos or have handlers assist with pictures.
• Outdoor Activities: Barrel train rides, outdoor games for children and families.
• Gift Shop: A Christmas gift shop offers holiday gifts, decor, fresh greenery, trees, wreaths, swags, and more.
• Free Snacks: Includes popcorn, hot cocoa, and spiced cider served near the bonfire.

Typical Schedule Outline (subject to slight variation per day)

• Visits and encounters with reindeer happen regularly during open hours Friday through Monday.
• Educational talks seated around the bonfire are scheduled throughout the day to accommodate groups.
• Barrel train rides and outdoor games are available between encounters.
• Gift shop and tree lot available daily during event hours for browsing and purchases.

History and Founding

Whitetail Acres Nursery, Landscaping & Reindeer has established these encounters as an annual holiday tradition to bring the wonder of Christmas to life for the community and visitors. The farm specializes in holiday experiences by combining natural Christmas tree farming with live reindeer presentations, which have grown in popularity as a family holiday outing. The reindeer encounter tradition also includes options to bring reindeer to private holiday parties and events, ensuring a broad community engagement in holiday celebrations.

Accessibility and Contact

• The event is handicapped accessible.
• Admission is charged, with bookings recommended online.
• Located at 8001 Old Blue Creek Road, Brookville, Indiana.
• Contact phone: (866) 647-6555
• Website for reservations and event information: Whitetail Acres Tree Farm official site.

This event offers a comprehensive, joyful holiday experience, combining the magic of live reindeer with educational and festive activities, set in a picturesque nursery and tree farm environment.