ATLANTA, Dec. 22 — In Hollywood, a nip and tuck can often give an old star new life. So it is fitting that the puppets that starred in the 1964 stop-motion classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” are making a comeback after some cosmetic work.

Since Dec. 8, visitors have been flocking to see Rudolph and Santa Claus at the Center for Puppetry Arts here, where they will be on display until Jan. 13.

“The response has been overwhelming,” said Stacy Shaw, development director for the center. “People have been driving from Florida and places to see the puppets.”

The pair, made of wood, felted wool and wire, are thought to be two of the last surviving figures of the thousands made by Japanese puppet makers in the 1960s for the Rankin-Bass animated film production company, led by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass.