Thank you for a great holiday season!
The Issaquah Reindeer Festival will return November 27th, 2026!

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays with family and friends!
Take part in the most unique annual holiday celebration in the Northwest, offering excitement and fun for everyone!

Santa is here November 27 - December 23, 10:30am-4:00pm*

*Additional Minimum donation required for Santa photos* - thank you!

December 26-30 Santa goes back to the North Pole, but the
Holiday Fun continues! 10:30am-3:30pm Daily!

*Weather Dependant*

Pre Purchase not required for members december 20-23 and 26-30!

Santa goes back to the north pole after delivering presents, but the holiday fun continues december 26-30!

Hours

Nov 27th - Dec 23rd

10:30AM-4:30PM (Or Dusk)

Hours

Dec 26th -30th

10:30AM-3:30PM

Santa’s Reindeer Team
We are Santa’s chosen reindeer to pull his Grand Traveling Sleigh which travels around the world. During the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) we sprout hairy wings which are so small and flap them like hummingbird wings. We take practice flights around Santa’s Reindeer Farm late at night to build up their strength. We live for thousands of years. Rudolph is currently 1500 years old while the rest of the team members are around 2000 years old.
Santa’s House, Airfield and Reindeer Farm
See Santa’s permanent house away from the North Pole. Santa and Mrs. Claus live upstairs. Santa has his wonderful, magical workshop downstairs open only for Elves. The Reindeer live in the Reindeer Rooms located downstairs on either side of the workshop. Santa’s Reindeer Farm is the largest reindeer farm located in any zoo in the country. The Airfield is in Front of Santa’s House. The flickering Lights are Landing Approach Lights for the Reindeer and required by the FAA.
Santa’s Grand Traveling Sleigh
Come get a picture with Rudolph and Santa's Grand Traveling Sleigh! Santa has many sleighs, but his Grand Traveling Sleigh is the one that he uses for the longest flights around the world.

Through the annual Issaquah Reindeer Festival, Cougar Mountain Zoo connects thousands of visitors with these incredible animals in an up-close, educational setting that inspires curiosity about Arctic ecosystems, wildlife adaptation, and conservation.

For many guests—especially children—this is their first personal experience with reindeer, opening the door to conversations about climate change, habitat loss, and species survival in northern environments.

rowley barn