When we think of Christmas, one of the clearest images that comes to mind is Santa Claus soaring through the night sky in his sleigh, pulled by his trusty team of reindeer. However, the exact number of Santa’s reindeer isn’t always clear. Are there 12 reindeer? Are there 8 reindeer? How many are there, and what are the names of reindeer?
The number of reindeer in Santa’s team depends on the story you are reading, however, the most commonly accepted number is NINE REINDEER. This includes the 8 reindeer from the classic “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” poem, along with the addition of Rudolph.
The names of Santa’s reindeer have become legendary, with each one contributing to the magic of Christmas. Let’s dive into the world of Santa’s reindeer, exploring the names of reindeer, their history, and the must-have reindeer books to add to your Christmas book collection.
How Many Reindeer are there?
There are either 8, 9, or 10 reindeer, depending on the story.
Let me explain. There are 3 main stories that reference Reindeer Names.
EIGHT: The Orginal 8 Reindeer
There are 8 reindeer if you are referring to the reindeer from the 1823 poem, ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas poem.
DASHER, DANCER, PRANCER, VIXEN, COMET, CUPID, DONNER, BLITZEN
More on the original 8 reindeer below
NINE: The Orginal 8 Reindeer Plus Rudolph
There are 9 reindeer if you include Rudolph. This is probably the most popular and widely known group of “Santa’s Reindeer” (in America at least).
DASHER, DANCER, PRANCER, VIXEN, COMET, CUPID, DONNER, BLITZEN, RUDOLPH
You can read more about Rudolph below.
TEN: From The Book “The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus” by L.Frank Baum
In 1902, from the man who wrote “The Wizard of Oz”, we got 10 new, never introduced Santa’s Reindeer from his book “The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus”.
Flossie, glossie, Racer, Pacer, Reckless, Speckless, Fearless, Peerless, Ready and Steady
You can read more about the reindeer from L. Frank Baum’s book below.
Santa’s Reindeer Names in Order
Going with the most popular 9, here are Santa’s Reindeer names in order.
Are There 12 Reindeer?
No. This is a common misconception. I think people may be mixing up the 12 Days of Christmas song with the reindeer from the “Twas the Night Before Christmas poem. But there is no song, poem, movie or story that names 12 reindeer.
Meet The Orginal Eight Reindeer
- Dasher
- Dancer
- Prancer
- Vixen
- Comet
- Cupid
- Donner
- Blitzen
While Rudolph may be the most famous reindeer of all, he is by no means the first and only one. The earliest known written account of Santa Claus being pulled by reindeer dates back to the 1823 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” more commonly known as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” In this beloved poem, the reindeer are named Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen.
The reindeer Names that we know as Donner and Blitzen were originally written (1823) as “Dunder and Blixem” These names are close to the old Dutch “Donder en Blixem”, which means “Thunder and Lightning.” The names were changed to Donner and Blitzen in a 1900 reprint.
Together, these eight reindeer work in harmony to ensure that Santa’s annual gift-giving journey is a success. Their names have become as iconic and recognizable as the holiday they represent, contributing to the enduring magic and wonder of the Christmas season.
For a deep dive into the history of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas in addition to the complete lyrics along with a beautiful printable PDF of lyrics, check out my blog post below.
The Ninth Reindeer: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is undoubtedly the most famous of Santa’s reindeer, and his story is one that has captured the hearts and imaginations of people around the world. The legend of Rudolph began in 1939, when Robert L. May, a copywriter for the Montgomery Ward department store, created the character as part of a holiday promotion.
In the original story, Rudolph is initially ostracized by the other reindeer because of his distinctive red nose, which makes him the target of their teasing and ridicule. However, on a particularly foggy Christmas Eve, Santa realizes that Rudolph’s glowing nose could be the key to guiding his sleigh through the darkness. Recognizing Rudolph’s unique ability, Santa asks him to lead the team, and Rudolph’s heroic efforts ensure that the Christmas deliveries are made safely.
The story of Rudolph’s transformation from an outcast to a hero resonated with readers, and the character quickly became a beloved part of the Christmas tradition. Over the years, the Rudolph story has been adapted into countless books, movies, TV specials, and songs, cementing his place as one of the most recognizable and iconic Christmas figures.
The Ten Reindeer from “The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus”
- Flossie
- Glossie
- Racer
- Pacer
- Reckless
- Speckless
- Fearless
- Peerless
- Ready
- Steady
L. Frank Baum, best known for his classic tale The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, also penned The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus in 1902. Baum, a prolific American author, sought to create a magical backstory for Santa Claus, blending fantasy with holiday tradition. In this story, Baum introduces a unique set of ten reindeer, distinct from the more commonly known names from Clement Clarke Moore’s ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas poem. These reindeer have distinct personalities and attributes, contributing to Santa’s legendary Christmas Eve journey.
Reindeer Books to Read Each Year
Below are wonderful reindeer books that I think are worth adding to your Christmas book collection. Reindeer books for all ages from toddlers to You can explore the list on my blog post BEST REINDEER BOOKS TO READ THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON, or you can Click on a book title below to learn more about the book.
- Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
- The Little Reindeer
- Olive, The Other Reindeer
- How to Catch a Reindeer
- The Pug Who Wanted to Be a Reindeer
- Tiny Reindeer
- Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever
- This Little Reindeer
- Who Will Pull Santa’s Sleigh?
- The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
- Dasher Can’t Wait for Christmas
Santa’s reindeer have been a cherished part of the Christmas tradition for generations, capturing the imagination and wonder of children and adults alike. From the iconic Rudolph to the lesser-known but equally important members of the team, these magical creatures have become an integral part of the holiday season, contributing to the sense of enchantment and joy that surrounds the most wonderful time of the year.
