By Loretta Fulton
The Abilene Zoo is adding Santa’s reindeer to its population–but just for a short time! Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the reindeer will be at the zoo Dec. 12-23, perfect timing for a unique Christmas experience.
Each day, from 4 to 9 p.m., the zoo will become a winter wonderland, with over 1 million lights and interactive experiences. Among the activities will be making crafts in Santa’s workshop, decorating cookies in Mrs. Claus’s Texas Bakery, sitting with Santa for photos, skating on an iceless rink, warming up with hot cocoa, and making s’mores around the fire. For a more serious experience, you can take a stroll through Beltway’s Walk to Bethlehem.Tickets are $16 for ages 3 and over. Ages 2 and under will be admitted for free. Click here for tickets.

On Saturday, Dec. 20, kids and their families will have two opportunities for breakfast with Santa and his reindeer, at 8:30 and 10 a.m. Tickets are $40 for ages 3 and over. Click here to register. 
“Make warm holiday memories on a magical morning with Santa and his reindeer! Enjoy a delicious breakfast with chicken minis, hash brown, assorted fruits, water, juice and coffee for adults.”
Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene