Festive Events Update - Reindeer Still Need You!

Today marks 7 weeks since this year’s Festive Events Campaign launched, and this year’s campaign has been one of the most active and successful in recent years! 

Across the country we’ve seen hundreds of festive events, from Christmas Lights illuminating our town centres and high streets, to parades, shopping events, and children’s parties - the vast majority of which have chosen not to use live animals as props!

Unfortunately, a minority of events continue to hire live reindeer, and we have had dozens reported to us by our fantastic supporters. Every one of them has been contacted with information about the welfare detriment this causes to the animals, and 7 events have listened to our concerns and made the responsible decision to cancel their planned reindeer hire! This includes a pub, a care home, a university college and four school holiday clubs. All of which have been able to plan fun, festive, inclusive activities that don’t exploit live animals!

Our approach works!

So far this year we have identified 206 events that have previously used live animals, which are this year advertising animal-free events - including the 7 that have changed their plans this year since receiving our joint letter!

But, as we enter the final few days before Christmas there is still work to be done! As of today, there are 107 events to contact on our interactive map. 85 of them have hired live reindeer, and we need you to contact them to object! 29 have been added since our last update! They are:

Click here for a full list of events. Some have taken place already, but that’s no reason not to contact them and ask them to make responsible decisions for 2025!

There are also 22 events on the map, marked in green, which are confirmed animal-free events! So you can find fun, family-friendly festivities near you that don’t exploit live animals!

As well as our work to oppose events this festive season, we also have great news to bring you from our work to oppose the industry of reindeer hire. Over a year ago, we asked our supporters to contact Wrexham Council to oppose a planning application for a new reindeer farm in the area, and the application was refused. The applicants appealed this decision, and just last week the council confirmed that they have dismissed the appeal. This means the business will not be able to expand, all thanks to public action!

A huge festive thank you to everyone who has taken part in the Festive Events Campaign so far this year. It’s not too late to get involved!

  • Contact events using our interactive map

  • Enter the Christmas Raffle!

  • Report a festive event to us using this online tool

  • Adopt a reindeer



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Author: Isobel McNally

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