Have you ever seen a live reindeer? They are magical creatures! Luckily, the Stateline has a special place for families to visit reindeer during the holiday season.
Summerfield Farm and Zoo, located in Belvidere, Illinois, offers an educational and fun experience for the whole family. During the holiday season, they are open to visitors for their Christmas Town event. Christmas Town happens Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November 11 through December 23, 2023 and additional dates on December 21 and 22.
Reservations are required for Christmas Town this year. You must buy tickets online before you come to the zoo. Your online ticket will be for the date and time of your visit. At Christmas Town, kids can celebrate the magic of Christmas with Santa, his team of reindeer, elves, and other special guests. During your visit, you might see Mrs. Claus, Santa, Olaf, and even the Grinch.
Once you arrive, you’ll head to the reindeer barn to start your adventure. There you’ll get to meet some famous animals – Santa’s reindeer! When you enter the barn, you’ll receive a treat to feed the reindeer of your choice. Their stables are labeled with their names. You can peek in at some reindeer and others are in half-door stables where you’re able to pet their heads. We found Blitzen to be particularly friendly!
After you feed your reindeer, you can look at the rest of the reindeer including the baby reindeer. As you leave the reindeer barn, kids will receive a personalized certificate from one of Santa’s helpers.
You’ll exit the reindeer barn through The Flying Reindeer Gift Shop. There’s a large variety of gifts, Christmas decor, ornaments, and, of course, reindeer stuffies, available for purchase.
Depending on the time you visit, you can head over to the large pen next to Santa’s cabin to see the baby reindeer participate in a Flight School demonstration. You can get a photo with the baby reindeer after the show. The Flight Schedule is listed below.
You are welcome to walk around the rest of the zoo to see a variety of cold climate animals including wolves, otters, arctic foxes, porcupines, cougars, bobcats, lynx, a variety of birds, and more, in their habitats. We enjoyed watching the swans swimming in their pond and the camel walking around.
Don’t forget to stop by Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen for some hot cocoa and treats. Hot cocoa goes for $3 per cup and treats range from $2-5 each. Once you get your hot cocoa, head around the corner to see Santa. He’s socially distanced on his porch, but kids can still chat with him and take a picture. There are also several Christmas themed signs and props around the zoo where you can get some cute photos of your family.
Plan to spend at least an hour enjoying the Christmas Town experience at Summerfield Zoo. Here are all the details you need to know before you go.
Location:
3088 Flora Road, Belvidere, IL
Christmas Town Hours:
November 11 – December 23, 2023
Fridays from 3 pm – 6 pm
Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am – 6 pm
December 21 – 22 from 10 am – 3 pm
For ages:
Kids of all ages will enjoy Summerfield Zoo. The zoo is stroller-friendly.
Attractions:
- Live animals
- Barn with Santa’s live reindeer
- Elf diploma for kids
- Reindeer training shows featuring baby reindeer (select times each day)
- Santa visits (select dates and times)
- Hot cocoa and treats
- Gift shop with Christmas gifts and decor
- Christmas photo backdrops throughout the zoo
Santa Schedule:
Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am – 5 pm
Flight School Schedule:
Fridays at 4 pm and 5:30 pm
Saturdays at 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm
Sundays at 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm
December 21 – 22 at 11:30 am and 1 pm
Cost:
$15 per person, kids 1 and under are free
Tickets must be purchased in advance through the website and are not available at the gate. Get tickets here.
