10 Pokemon That Could Replace Rudolph The Red-Nose Reindeer

Out of all the reindeer crew, you are probably most familiar with Rudolph. This red-nosed outcast became the hero of Santa’s sleigh one foggy Christmas Eve. But even holiday heroes need a vacation. In the Pokemon world, there are a lot of Pokemon who could easily help Rudolph out. So this year, why not let Rudolph take a breather and have a Pokemon lend hand?
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Whether they are Flying-types, reindeer-like, or simply embody the holiday spirit, these Pokemon are ready to take on the greatest Christmas challenge of all: helping Santa Claus. Here are our top choices for who can replace Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer.
10 Xerneas
Starting off our replacement list is the legendary Pokemon, Xerneas. First appearing in Pokemon X and Y, this reindeer-like Fairy-type may not adhere to the “red-nosed” aesthetic Rudolph has. But, when in their active form, Xerneas does glow seven different rainbow colors. With that many colors, they are sure to light up the Christmas Eve night and make the holidays even more festive.
Additionally, they are said to give the gift of eternal life. And whose legend happens to be everlasting and timeless? Why Santa Claus’ of course!
9 Sawsbuck
Another reindeer that can replace Rudolph is Sawsbuck, the Season Pokemon. Originally from the Unova region, Sawsbuck comes in four different styles depending on if you caught them in spring, summer, fall, or winter. In other games, their appearance depends on where you catch them. Though each of their looks befits their season, it is Sawsbuck's winter look that should replace Rudolph.
The one thing Rudolph couldn’t do, thanks to their shiny nose, was properly camouflage themselves. Thanks to Sawsbuck's winter form, this will no longer be an issue. Their white antlers, fur, and hooves are sure to help them blend into the clouds.
8 Altaria
Another Pokemon who can fulfill the stealth part of Santa’s crew is Altaria. One of Altaria’s main characteristics is their white, poofy, cloud-like bodies. And do you know who flies through many clouds? That’s right, Santa Claus! Altaria's greatest characteristic is that they are basically modeled off of a cloud, doubly so in their Mega Evolution form.
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Plus, this Pokemon’s hidden ability of Cloud Nine, which allows Altaria to ignore all weather conditions, can be beneficial if the going gets rough. Not even sandstorms, hail, or rain can stop this Humming Pokemon.
7 Gyarados
Though Gyarados can’t learn the move Fly, there is evidence that they can physically fly. One example is in Legends Arceus, where they can be found soaring over the Hisui region. So, why not let them fly up and pull Santa’s sleigh? Not to mention that Gyarados’ shiny form happens to be as red as Rudolph’s nose.
Just picture it: you look up at the night sky, and what’s that? Soaring across the stars? A shiny Gyarados! Even though Rudolph is iconic, Gyarados' intimidating stare will scare any Santa neigh-sayers away with a single glare.
6 Delibird
Delibird might just be the perfect holiday Pokemon for Santa's crew. Firstly, look at how their tail resembles a sack that might hold gifts. Secondly, their signature move, called Present, allows them to give gifts to their opponents! Sure, it has a high chance of exploding on contact, but it can also sometimes heal too.
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Thirdly, Delibird’s Pokedex entries all state that this Pokemon will share food with others, showcasing their kindness despite their destructive presents. And lastly, they are an Ice and Flying-type, meaning they will be unaffected by the cold Christmas Eve weather and can keep up with all the other flying reindeer. What a perfect Rudolph replacement.
5 Togekiss
Togekiss is known in-game as the Jubilee Pokemon. And what is Christmas but a continuous jubilee? Though Togekiss might look like a giant egg that sprouted wings, this Pokemon is known for its peaceful nature and ability to bless others. Their very presence is like a gift of joy. And on Christmas, who wouldn’t want to be blessed with peace on earth?
Togekiss also has a hidden ability known as Super Luck, which can help them land more critical hits. Imagine Togekiss using Fly with this ability. They’ll be halfway around the world in no time!
4 Primarina
What was Rudolph’s main characteristic? His shiny red nose. And what does Primarina have? A shiny pink nose! This Water-type is the final evolution of Popplio from the Alola region. Though it might be hard for Primarina to fly, they can swim very well. And, with many flights taking off on Christmas Eve, Santa might want to take a stealthier approach and go by water. Primarina can help with that.
In case of a watery emergency, they can also use their Z-Move Oceanic Operetta to protect Santa while grounded. Nothing says “back off” like a giant bubble of water.
3 Glastrier
Glastrier is a legendary Ice-type Pokemon from the Galar region whose design screams “winter.” With their snow-white body, frozen mane, and hooves encased in ice, Glastrier fits with the Christmas aesthetic of the holidays and is sure to add a touch of style to Santa’s reindeer lineup.
Sure, they are a bit of a bully, according to their Pokedex entry, but they are also very strong and can easily pull Old Saint Nick’s sleigh even through the toughest of situations. All Santa needs is some time, patience, Iceroot Carrots, and a Calyrex, and Glastrier will happily join the team. Maybe.
2 Salamence
Christmas is a stressful time of year for everyone. It’s so stressful that sometimes, our inner dragons come out. But since it’s hard for Rudolph to physically become a dragon, why not let the Dragon Pokemon, Salamence, take his place?
Known for their power, speed, and intimidating looks, Salamence has been terrifying others since their debut in Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire. Yet their power and speed can be beneficial to Santa and help make deliveries go faster and smoother. Plus, who wouldn't want a dragon joining the team?
1 Koraidon And Miraidon
Koraidon and Miraidon are the two legendary Pokemon appearing in Scarlet and Violet. In-game, they can help you traverse the Paldea region with their jumping, gliding, swimming, and wheeling abilities, which are gradually unlocked during the game’s Path of Legends story. All of these abilities can easily help Santa Claus!
Additionally, we know how loyal Koraidon and Miraidon are to their trainer, and that loyalty may very well help save Christmas if something goes wrong. Rudolph might have a shiny nose, but Koraidon and Miraidon have the power of the past, future, and friendship on their side.
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