Yes, it’s true, there’s a reindeer farm in Albrightsville.

Spruce Ridge Reindeer opened its doors Nov. 29 for the holiday season.

Owner Cassandra Hoover learned about reindeer while helping her mother-in-law with wildlife rehabilitation. They were caring for a whitetail deer with a broken hip and a little girl visiting said “that’s not a reindeer.”

Hoover looked at her husband and decided “We’re getting reindeer!”

They began going to reindeer farms and conventions to learn more. In 2015 the first reindeer was purchased.

“We feel fortunate to be welcomed here by the community and grateful for that,” Hoover said. “We hope to be an asset to the community.”

Visitors can view the five reindeers inside their enclosure.

Reindeer “Curly” was brought out for close up pictures.

Lisa Quaglia of Albrightsville came to the farm “to support the local community and I love animals.”

“Reindeer 101” around the fire provides interesting facts. Male antlers are much bigger than the females and they shed their antlers in late fall. Females shed them in spring or summer but pregnant females do not shed their antlers so they still have a form of protection and the ability to forage for food. Each set of antlers is unique to each reindeer and when they grow back they grow exactly the same, like a human fingerprint.

They eat a specialty mix and alfalfa hay during the winter. Their coat is compared to straw, as air can flow through it so they can stay warm and waterproof.

A 30-minute self-guided tour is available on select dates in December with an opportunity to take photos with Santa and his reindeer with the backdrop of holiday lights.

C.F. Gould considers himself a “professional reader” and was reading “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” - which is 200 years old - around the fire. Guests can enjoy hot cocoa or apple cider.

Guests can get their pictures with Santa, played by Lou Lyons from Wilkes-Barre.

With lots of gifts to deliver, the herd is currently traveling for the holidays, follow at #ReindeerMagic.

When asked if this is where the reindeer learn to fly Hoover said, “ They are not allowed to fly without Santa but they practice their takeoffs, landings and clicking.” - a reference to the song lyrics “Up on the housetops click, click, click,” as they really do make a clicking sound when walking in the winter.

The five reindeer are Clarice, Cupid, Vixen, Curly Star and Little Star.

The farm will be open for tours weekends New Year’s. Visitors will have an opportunity to feed the reindeer at this time. Reservations are required for the tours. Children 2 and under must be held by a parent during all times in the reindeer enclosure.

Call 570-244-8383 or online at spruceridgereindeer.com. Bring a flashlight as the parking lot is extremely dark.

Summer and fall tours are available.