As excitement continues to build, Sunderland will welcome some additional Christmas delight as Mowbray Park will once again become home to a family of real reindeer.
Visitors hoping to see Rudolph’s friends enjoying a final rest before the big day itself will be able to drop in between 10am – 8pm from Friday 19 December until Monday 22 December.
Councillor John Kelly, Sunderland City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Health, wellness and Culture said “These reindeer have undertaken years of training to be on standby for the big night. To be part of the Christmas Eve team is a huge honour and each of them is ready to step in at the last-minute should Santa need a hand. I hope as many people, young and old, come along to see these fantastic animals and perhaps leave a special Christmas wish for them that one day they will receive that much awaited call from the big man himself.”
As Santa’s eight faithful companions are pretty snowed under, Britain’s only free ranging reindeer will be visiting from the Eastern Highlands of Scotland. The reindeer residence is one of many seasonal activities taking place during Christmas in Sunderland’s Festive Finale weekend. Other festive fun from 18-22 December includes the “Grand Central Santa Train”, which will operate within the city centre from Park Lane and The Festive Films event.
Jessica Regnart, Creative Development Manager at Sunderland Live, said: “The reindeer are becoming a favourite part of the Christmas in Sunderland programme and we’re really looking forward to welcoming them back to Mowbray Park”
For more information on Christmas in Sunderland and all other Sunderland Live events visit
