First Santa Comes to Issaquah, Now Come the Reindeer

ISSAQUAH, WA - The annual migration of the great Rangifer tarandus to Issaquah has begun.

But these aren't just any reindeer, they're the ones that help Santa Claus fly around the Earth on Dec. 25, delivering gifts to kids.

An annual tradition since 1988, the Cougar Mountain Zoo's Issaquah Reindeer Festival hosts the ungulates until they leave for work on Dec. 23. They're on display between 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. every day.

This past weekend, Santa came to Issaquah for his annual residency at the Grand Ridge Plaza. However, he'll also be at Cougar Mountain Zoo if, along with the elves, the sleigh, and holiday music.

Image via Flickr user Alana Sise