I have spent several long nights researching just how many reindeer there really are in Santa’s stables. We all know the great eight. Those wonderful reindeer made famous in the poem " The Night Before Christmas". And everyone remembers how Rudolph saved Christmas on a foggy Christmas Eve, much like tonight They are a dependable transportation system no doubt.. But surely Santa has back-up just in case.

After hours of careful research I have identified sixty-one (61) so far. Some already famous, some in training and some that are just waiting. Here is what I know

First we have the classics.

Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid, and Donder and Blitzen. And obviously Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Then we must add,

Pancho & Pedro : Named in the 1958 song "¿Dónde Está Santa Claus?" by Augie Rios

Fireball: Son of Blitzen, he has fiery red hair and is one of several reindeer trying out for the sleigh team

Rolf: Son of Dasher and struggles at flying but he is still very young

Clarice: Daughter of Comet although she does not try out for the team

Clyde: Who filled in for Rudolph once when Rudolph had a hip injury from doing the Twist.

Clovis, Leroy, Bruce and Marvin along with Leon, Cletus, George, Bill, Slick, Do-Right, Ace, Blackie, Queenie, Prince, Spot, and Rover: All named in the Ray Stevens song "Santa Claus is Watching You"

Chuy, Tavo, and Beto: Named in the 1971 song, "Santa Claus And His Old Lady", by Cheech & Chong

Shadrack: Employed by Santa as a pace setter in the 1974 song, "Shadrack, the Black Reindeer" by Loretta Lynn

Nico: Prancer’s Child from the 1995 video “ The Flight Before Christmas “

Lightning: In 1996 Christmas special “Elmo Saves Christmas” he was a reindeer in training

Olive: the other reindeer

Annabelle: from the 1997 video special “Annabelle's Wish” her lifelong wish was to pull Santa’s sleigh.

Blizzard, Aphrodite & Archimedes: Featured in the 1999 Movie “Blizzard”


Robbie the Reindeer: From a 1999 TV special called “Robbie the Reindeer” Has a nose for geography

Chet : A young reindeer in training from the 2002 Film “The Santa Clause 2” He saves Christmas that year.

Steven, Fluffy, Horace, Chantel, Skippy, Rainbow, Patches and Montel.: From the 2002 South Park Christmas Special "Red Sleigh Down"

Rusty: In the 2006 TV special “Holidaze: The Christmas That Almost Didn't Happen” he is introduced as Rudolph's little brother. He works Air Traffic Control most times

Pancho, Pepe, Cuco, Beto, Chato, Chopo, Macuco, Nieto!: All named according to a poem quoted by Jungle Mom on her Blog

Can you think of any I missed?

Also just what games do Reindeer play?

I may have to make a return trip to the North Pole next spring and seek the answers directly from the source.

Merry Christmas everyone