The Best Reindeer Food
Santa’s reindeer get hungry on their long journey around the world on Christmas Eve. Make some Reindeer Food to keep them happy while Santa is at your house. Whether you’re starting a new tradition or adding a little magic to Christmas Eve, making reindeer food will be a fun family activity.
Pin Reindeer Food to make later.
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One of my family’s most favorite memories is making reindeer food with my boys for Santa’s crew and sprinkling it in the grass on Christmas Eve.
Sure, we got some funny looks from the neighbors, but once we explained that we were leaving food for hungry reindeer, they completely understood.
And then asked if they could have some for their yards too!
Ingredients for Reindeer Food
- Oats (A reindeer favorite, I’m told)
- Sugar (Gives them energy to fly around the world)
- Sparkling Sugar (Glistens in the moonlight so they can see their food)
- Assorted Christmas Sprinkles (Reindeer like festive treats too)
What is sparkling sugar, and why use both?
Sparkling sugar is just coarse sugar that’s used for decorating cookies. It lends a beautiful sparkle to cookies and this reindeer food.
You can find it in the cake decorating section of a craft store, such as Michaels, Hobby Lobby, or buy it on Amazon.
But, if you don’t have any or are pressed for time to get this made, just use all granulated sugar.
Please, whatever you do, don’t use glitter! It’s awful for the environment and more importantly, reindeer can’t digest it. This is an all-natural, glitter-free treat for Santa’s reindeer team.
How do you gift reindeer food?
For the last few years, I would make up a few batches of our famous reindeer food and wrap it up in cellophane bags, tied with festive ribbon, for favors for our holiday open house guests to take home. Little ones always loved getting something for the reindeer.
I love adding this homemade tag so people know it’s specifically for the reindeer. Everything in the mixture is edible, but uncooked oats aren’t all that tasty to people, though I hear reindeer love them!
Reindeer Food Printable
Print the tag to attach to bags of Reindeer Food for gifting.
How do you store Christmas Eve reindeer food?
Store it in an airtight container for up to two weeks. If gifting, wrap it up just a few days before you plan to share it.
Tips and Suggestions
Once you sprinkle the food, head inside and treat yourself to some hot chocolate. It’s a great way to warm up and get cozy before bed. Especially on a chilly Christmas Eve.
I had a friend tell me that she loved this particular mix because there is no glitter in it. Sparkling sugar glistens in the moonlight.
The reindeer get tired of carrots, and this is a delightful change for them.
Can reindeer food be made in advance?
Yes, it stores well in an airtight container or in individual bags for gifting. You can make it a couple of weeks in advance.
Is this reindeer food safe for animals?
Yes, it is, as long as you don’t use glitter. It’s comprised of oats and sugar.
Did you make this recipe? If so, please leave a comment and 5-star review on the recipe card below. If you really love this recipe, please share it on your social media!
Reindeer Food
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 Tablespoon white sparkling sugar
- Assorted Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix all ingredients. Divide among cellophane bags and attach printable tag.
- On Christmas Eve, sprinkle Reindeer Food on lawn for Santa’s reindeer to enjoy.
This is such a fun tradition! Thanks for the printable tags.
Our kids used to leave carrots out for the reindeer on the same plate with the cookies for Santa. They were always delighted to find half nibbled carrots and a half eaten cookie on Christmas morning.
I love this idea! I wish I would have thought of this when my kids were little. We used to stand on our deck after the kids went to bed and chomp on carrots and spit them out all over the place. What makes that even funnier is that it gets very cold here so we froze our butts off. I’m sure the neighbor’s thought we were a little kookie too. Your idea is much more interactive to do WITH the kids instead of FOR them.
This is such a cute idea! Thank you for sharing!
What a sweet idea to make reindeer food! Will try this with my niece!