Reindeer Bring a Touch of Lapland to French Town of Rebais This Christmas
Table of Contents
A unique Christmas celebration transformed the city centre of rebais,France,into a winter wonderland on Saturday,December 13,2025,captivating residents and visitors alike with a rare appearance by live reindeer. The event, orchestrated by the Brie Champagne.com Association and its dedicated volunteers, offered a magical experience centered around these iconic animals, deeply connected to the legend of Santa Claus.
A First for Seine-et-Marne
The arrival of the reindeer marked a historic moment for the small Briard town of seine-et-Marne, representing the first time these animals had been showcased in the region. The attraction drew large crowds throughout the day, as people of all ages gathered to witness the reindeer in a decorated and secure enclosure, carefully monitored by caregivers dressed in traditional Sami clothing.The event sparked curiosity and wonder, offering a glimpse into a world typically associated with the North Pole.
Caring for Reindeer Away From Home
The reindeer, named fringant and Aïlo, are five years old and were born within the European Union. Aïlo’s little world, an organization comprised of animal world professionals, brought the reindeer to Rebais.According to a manager in traditional dress, the animals’ diet consists of specialized pellets imported directly from Lapland, formulated with algae and selenium to ensure their nutritional needs are met.
Addressing concerns about the animals’ well-being in a warmer climate, the manager explained, “During this period, they are sheltered in the cool. We equip them so that they can cool down.” This demonstrates a commitment to providing a comfortable environment for the reindeer despite the notable difference between their natural habitat and the French landscape. The reindeer had previously visited Anizy-le-Château in the neighboring department of Aisne, demonstrating the organization’s experience in transporting and caring for these animals.
More Then Just Reindeer: A Full Christmas Experience
The reindeer were not the only attraction contributing to the festive atmosphere. The marketplace buzzed with activity, offering a variety of game stands, a visit with Santa Claus and a photographer, and a Christmas village set up in the tourist office. Local businesses also participated, offering a questionnaire to engage the community.
The festival successfully mobilized both the local population and visitors from surrounding areas,creating a joyful and enchanting experience for all. This event underscores the power of community initiatives to bring a touch of magic to the holiday season.
REBAIS, France – on Saturday, December 13, 2025, the town of Rebais, in the Seine-et-Marne department of France, hosted a unique Christmas event featuring live reindeer, drawing crowds from across the region. The event was organized by the Brie Champagne.com Association, a local group dedicated to community enrichment.
Who was involved? The event was spearheaded by the Brie Champagne.com Association and its volunteers, with the reindeer provided by the animal welfare organization, Aïlo’s Little World. Local businesses also participated, and the event attracted residents and visitors from surrounding areas.
what happened? The association brought two five-year-old reindeer, Fringant and Aïlo, both born within the European Union, to Rebais for a day-long Christmas celebration. The reindeer were housed in a decorated enclosure and monitored by caregivers in traditional sami attire. Alongside the reindeer, the event featured a Christmas market with games, a Santa Claus visit, a photographer, and a Christmas village.
Why was this event held? The association aimed to create a magical Christmas experience for the community, offering a rare prospect to see reindeer – animals strongly associated with the Santa Claus legend – in a setting outside
