ISSAQUAH, Wash. — You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, but did you know you can see them and the rest of Santa's reindeer right here in Issaquah?
Cougar Mountain Zoo's 32nd annual Reindeer Festival features Santa's house, where kids can meet and greet with the jolly guy himself and hang out in Santa's sleigh.
"You can see all the other animals here at the zoo also," said zoo director Jarod Munzer.
Be sure to say, "happy holidays" to the lemurs and tigers and wolves too.
"All of the animals actually have their own special part that they play during the holidays," Munzer said.
Of course, the stars of the show this time of year are Santa's furry little friends.
The reindeer snack of choice? Apples.
"If you're going to leave out cookies for Santa, make sure you leave a bunch of apples out, not carrots," Munzer said.
Did you know this is the only species of deer featuring antlers on both genders?
"They'll actually grow a new set of antlers in every year," Munzer said.
They're also the only deer to grow hair on their noses.
"It helps warm the air as they're breathing it in," Munzer said. "They also have a very thick winter coat."
Don your own winter coat and come on out to Issaquah, where the holiday spirit is taking flight.
The event runs Dec. 1-23, and then they'll be back between Dec. 26-30. Visit their website for times and ticket info.
Cougar Mountain Zoo | 19525 SE 54th St, Issaquah, WA 98027 | (425) 391-5508
KING 5's Evening celebrates the Northwest. Connect with us via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Email.