It's the most wonderful time of the year, especially for a magical road trip that gives you a little sneak peek into the North Pole.

Reindeers Are Real! And in New York!

I think one of the funniest bits of comedy I ever heard was part of Chris DeStefano's Size 38 Waist, where he said he didn't realize reindeer were actually real. Hilarious, but for those who may be on the same page, reindeer aren't just magical creatures that live in the North Pole and lug Santa and his sleigh around in December.

Reindeer, also known as Caribou, according to Britannica are a "species of deer found in the Arctic tundra and adjacent boreal forest of Greenland, Scandinavia, Russia, Alaska and Canada."

While you won't be running into any reindeer prancing around the Hudson Valley, you can have an up-close and personal experience with them in Western New York.

Meet and Greet Magical Reindeer in Western, New York

Think petting zoo with a touch of the holiday spirit.

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Shortsville Reindeer Farm in Shortsville, NY is home to a small herd of 6 reindeer. According to their website, the reindeer made their way to the farm in 2017.They explain:

We started a small herd of reindeer in 2017. Why reindeer? Well... who wouldn't want a pet reindeer? These gentle, social animals enjoy following us around as we work in the pasture and add a sense of wonder to our days. Today we share the joy by bringing our pets out to community events and hosting events on the farm.

Shortsville Reindeer Farm is on to something because whenever I see Santa on my TV with his reindeer I'm always so intrigued and would love to meet one. The farm hosts a ton of different events with the reindeer like Evening With The Reindeer which allows guests to meet with the animals, enjoy hot cocoa, a night out on the farm and photo opportunities.

How fun would it be to pet a reindeer right before the big day on December 25th. Meet and Greets with the reindeer are by appointment only. Learn more and make your reindeer reservation at ShortsvilleReindeer.com.

Cold Weather Cocktails of the Hudson Valley

This is just a sample of some of the hearty cocktails served up at some of your favorite Hudson Valley bars and restaurant this time of year. As we discover more we will add them to the list.

Gallery Credit: Paty Quyn

Gifts You Can Only Get in the Hudson Valley

This is just a short list of some things you could give or even get as a gift that is specific to our fantastic piece of New York. These items are perfect for giving someone a taste of the Hudosn Valley as a gift. It can help with your Holiday shopping. It can be the answer to a birthday gift dilemma and it might even solve the anniversary gift quandry. No matter what the gift is for there is no doubt that these gifts are all about the amazing place we call home. Give the Hudson Valley as a gift.

Gallery Credit: Paty Quyn

2023 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Makes Its Way to NYC

The 80-foot-12-ton beauty from Vestal, New York in Broome County is making its way down to New York City for the 2023 holiday season at Rockefeller Center.

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