WinterFest 2026 at Carowinds runs on select dates from November 27, 2026 to January 3, 2027. It is the park’s holiday event in Charlotte, North Carolina, and it turns Carowinds into a decorated, lit-up winter park with live entertainment and seasonal food. The park has not announced a brand-new attraction for 2026, so expect the returning favorites, including the musical Tinker’s Toy Factory and a New Year’s Eve countdown with fireworks on December 31.
WinterFest suits families with kids, couples looking for a festive night out and anyone who wants to ride in cooler weather. Live shows, light displays, select activities and most rides are included with park admission, while food, drinks, merchandise and select holiday experiences cost extra. It is also included with a 2026 Gold Season Pass, so pass holders do not need a separate event ticket. Carowinds is now part of the Six Flags family, and its official event page sits on the Six Flags website, but the event name is still WinterFest.
Stats at a Glance
- Park: Carowinds, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Dates: November 27, 2026 to January 3, 2027 (select dates)
- Event nights: Select dates, check the park calendar
- Highlights: Tinker’s Toy Factory, light displays, New Year’s Eve countdown and fireworks
- New for 2026: Not announced
- Ticket: Included with park admission; food, drink, merchandise and select experiences cost extra
What’s new for 2026
Carowinds has not announced a new headline addition for WinterFest 2026 in the sources we checked. The official event page describes the same core mix of larger-than-life decor, festive live shows, seasonal treats and holiday experiences, so plan around the returning lineup.
One thing that is not new: Snoopy’s Racing Railway, the family launch coaster in Camp Snoopy, opened in May 2025. It is listed on the WinterFest page among the rides, but it is not a 2026 debut. If Carowinds adds anything for this season, the park’s event page is where it will show up first.
Lights, shows and holiday entertainment
The official page promotes light displays and festive live shows as part of the event. The named headliner is Tinker’s Toy Factory, a musical that features Santa, Tinker and a crew of elves. The park calls it a fan-favorite holiday spectacular.
On December 31, Carowinds plans a New Year’s Eve countdown and fireworks display, according to the park’s 2026 event announcement. Show times, meet-and-greet schedules and any character appearances are not listed in the sources we used, so check the park calendar and the Carowinds app for the times on your day.
Rides and attractions open
Carowinds says up to 29 rides and attractions are available during WinterFest. The official page does not publish a full ride list, and the exact lineup can change day to day with temperature and weather. Snoopy’s Racing Railway is named on the page, and Camp Snoopy is a good bet for younger riders.
Because the list is not fixed, do not count on a specific coaster being open. Check the ride status in the park app when you arrive, and have a backup plan for the rides you most want to do.
Holiday food and treats
The seasonal menu includes hot chocolate served in souvenir mugs, comfort foods, desserts and handcrafted cocktails. The park also describes holiday flavors along the lines of cookies and milk on Christmas Eve.
Food and drink are not included with admission. Specific menu items, prices and any dining packages are not confirmed in the sources we used, so look at the park’s dining information before you go if you want to plan a budget.
Tickets, passes and upgrades
Live shows, light displays, select activities and most rides come with park admission. Food, drink, merchandise and select holiday experiences need a separate purchase. Single-day WinterFest ticket prices are not listed in the sources we used, so check the official event page for current pricing before you buy.
A 2026 Gold Season Pass includes WinterFest and free admission to the park’s special events during the year. When the pass was announced in March 2026, it was listed at $89, and that price may have changed since. Buy tickets on the official Carowinds page, and note that the park says all dates and availability are subject to change.
Tips for your visit
WinterFest runs on select dates rather than every day, so check the park calendar first and pick a date that is confirmed as an event day. The season spans Thanksgiving weekend through the first weekend of January, and the days around Christmas and New Year’s Eve are likely to draw the biggest crowds.
Dress in layers, since Charlotte evenings in December can turn cold once the sun goes down, and gloves and a hat help when you are waiting in line. Arrive early enough to see the lights come on and to catch a show before the crowds build. Rides can close in wet or freezing weather, so check the app during your visit. Allow extra time for parking and entry on busy nights.
Explore more: every theme park holiday event for 2026, by state.
WinterFest 2026 at Carowinds FAQs
When does WinterFest 2026 start and end?
WinterFest 2026 at Carowinds runs on select dates from November 27, 2026 to January 3, 2027. It does not operate every day in that range, so check the park calendar for the exact days.
Is WinterFest included with park admission?
Yes. Live shows, light displays, select activities and most rides are included with park admission. Food, drink, merchandise and select holiday experiences require a separate purchase. WinterFest is also included with a 2026 Gold Season Pass.
Do rides run during WinterFest?
Yes. Carowinds says up to 29 rides and attractions are available. The lineup can vary with weather, so check ride status in the park app on the day of your visit.
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Photo: Floppersop / CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.