Reindeer and Christmas Cheer at Prairie Moon Farm

By: Hannah Chatterton

Just outside Knoxville, Prairie Moon Farm, owned by John and Miranda Karban, has become a beloved seasonal destination for locals and visitors alike. Known for its popular pumpkin patch in the fall and vibrant flower market in the spring, the farm now turns its attention to the winter holiday season. With a festive Christmas village, three resident reindeer, and a host of family-friendly activities, Prairie Moon Farm is a winter wonderland right in our backyards.

After a successful fall season, with around 10,000 pumpkins harvested across 55 different varieties, John and Miranda are hard at work transforming their picturesque property for the winter months. Visitors who enjoyed the farm's corn maze, petting the alpacas and donkeys, and shopping in the barn's market will find an entirely new atmosphere starting mid-November when the Christmas festivities begin.

Opening the weekend of November 16, Prairie Moon Farm will transform into a bustling Christmas village every Saturday and Sunday through December 22. The star attraction? The farm's three charming reindeer—Grizz, Dash, and their youngest, Poppy, born in May this year. Families can walk along a path that circles the reindeer pen, giving them an up-close view of these beautiful animals. John explained that reindeer have hollow hair which is good for trapping air and keeping them more insulated, able to tolerate cold weather and making them perfect for pulling Santa's sleigh.

While admiring and feeding the reindeer, guests can also participate in activities like decorating a wooden ornament to either take home or hang on the farm's communal tree. There are also holiday coloring pages, a reindeer ring toss, warm refreshments, photo opportunities, and the new and heartfelt addition —the Christmas Wish Bell. 

The Karbans have gone all out to ensure there's something for everyone. Visitors can shop for holiday decorations, locally made crafts, and gifts inside the beautifully restored barn, which dates back to the late 1800s. Here, you'll find items like handcrafted soaps from Elmwood, jams and jellies made by the Amish in Cuba, and a variety of other holiday goodies.