Santa's Reindeer Get Cleared To Fly Across PA

HERSHEY, PA — Santa's nine reindeer have received official clearance from the state to make special Christmas Eve deliveries after getting a clean bill of health from the Department of Agriculture.

The move was announced Monday at an event at Hersheypark attended by state officials, Santa Claus and Santa’s reindeer — Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph. It came after the animals, with their inexplicable ability to take flight, were cleared to fly to Pennsylvania by Dr. Sarah Colburn, Alaska's state veterinarian.

Pennsylvania State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg and assistant state veterinarian Dr. Erin Luley reviewed Alaska’s Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and declared the team healthy to fly from rooftop to rooftop in all 67 Pennsylvania counties to deliver toys to children. The certificate is necessary to insure that contagious diseases are not carried across state lines.

“Santa’s reindeer have received excellent care from Santa’s herd manager at the North Pole, and from Hersheypark’s team during their stay here," Luley said. "They are are up to the task of spreading joy, and only joy, across Pennsylvania.”

In brief remarks, Claus thanked the state for providing the clearance and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.