Dates come from each park’s official event page. Many holiday events run on select days only and can close for weather, so check the park calendar before you go. Events still waiting on official 2026 dates are added here as soon as the parks announce them.

At a Glance

• Events listed: 22
• States and provinces: 11
• Last updated: September 2026

Holiday Events in California

4 events in California: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure (Disneyland Resort, Knott’s Berry Farm, SeaWorld San Diego, Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Holiday Events in Florida

6 events in Florida: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort (Universal Studios Florida.

Holiday Events in Georgia

1 event in Georgia: Six Flags Over Georgia.

Holiday Events in Missouri

1 event in Missouri: Silver Dollar City.

Holiday Events in North Carolina

1 event in North Carolina: Carowinds.

Holiday Events in Ohio

1 event in Ohio: Kings Island.

Holiday Events in Pennsylvania

3 events in Pennsylvania: Dutch Wonderland, Hersheypark, Kennywood.

Holiday Events in Tennessee

1 event in Tennessee: Dollywood.

Holiday Events in Texas

2 events in Texas: SeaWorld San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

Holiday Events in Virginia

1 event in Virginia: Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

Holiday Events in Ontario (Canada)

1 event in Ontario (Canada): Canada’s Wonderland.

How to pick a holiday event in 2026

Lights look best after sunset, so plan to arrive in the late afternoon and stay into the evening. Weekday nights in early December are usually the least crowded.

Check which rides operate: many parks run only some coasters in cold weather, and a few close rides on the coldest nights.

Official sources

Dates and ticket rules can change during the season. Confirm with Dollywood’s official site and the official Six Flags site, or the individual park’s event page linked from each guide.

Theme Park Holiday Events 2026 FAQs

When do theme park holiday events start in 2026?

Most start in mid to late November 2026 and run through late December or the first days of January 2027. Each guide above lists the verified dates.

Are holiday events included with a season pass?

At many parks the holiday event is included with a season pass or regular admission, while Disney’s Christmas parties are separate tickets. Each guide above lists the 2026 ticket rule.

Track Your Theme Park Visits

Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Theme Park Holiday Events 2026, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.

Photo: APK / CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The post Theme Park Holiday Events 2026: Christmas at the Parks, by State appeared first on ThrillZing.

The event suits families with children roughly ages 2 to 12, since Dutch Wonderland is built around a younger crowd. The park promotes more than one million lights, light shows, festive food and more than 20 rides. Admission is sold separately from regular park admission and varies by date, and select season passes include the event. Check the park calendar before you plan your day.

Stats at a Glance

• Park: Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
• Dates: November 14, 2026 through January 3, 2027
• Event nights: Select days only, check the park calendar
• Highlights: Over one million lights, Merlin’s Magical Forest, Illumination Lane
• New for 2026: not announced
• Ticket: Separate Dutch Winter Wonderland admission; included with select season passes

What’s new for 2026

The park has not announced a specific new attraction for 2026 in the sources we could verify. Its official page invites guests to make royal family memories and lists more than one million lights, spectacular light shows, festive food and more than 20 rides.

Local tourism listings for 2026 name the returning entertainment: Merlin’s Magical Forest, Illumination Lane, Duke’s Blizzard Bash, the puppet show A Chris-Mouse Carol, the Dutch WonderBand, a Magically Christmas Magic Show, Visit with Santa and Cookies with Santa. Several of these were on the 2025 schedule, so treat them as returning favorites and confirm the 2026 schedule on the park site.

Lights, shows and holiday entertainment

Lights are the main draw once the sun goes down. Merlin’s Magical Forest is an immersive light show, and Illumination Lane is a light-filled stroll near the castle entrance. Dutch Wonderland also promotes the Royal Light Show, a display of twinkling lights set to music.

Indoor and stage entertainment includes A Chris-Mouse Carol, a puppet show, and Duke’s Blizzard Bash, a dance party for kids. In 2025 the park also added storytime with Mrs. Claus. Show times vary by day, so check the schedule when you arrive.

Rides and attractions open

The park advertises more than 20 rides during the event. Last year’s guide from Discover Lancaster listed 22 open rides, including Merlin’s Mayhem, Joust Family Coaster, Sky Ride, Merry Go Round, Twister, Bumper Cars, Duke’s Dozers and Topsy Turvy Tea Party. The 2026 list may differ, so confirm on the park’s ride page before you go.

Coasters and some other rides may close in particularly cold temperatures, so the lineup on any given day depends on the weather.

Holiday food and treats

The park promotes festive food and warm holiday drinks throughout the event. Cookies with Santa is an add-on with an extra cost, and in 2025 the park offered holiday character dining with Duke, Santa and friends. Check whether it returns in 2026 and whether you need a reservation. We could not verify a specific menu or a cocoa or cookie pass for 2026.

Tickets, passes and upgrades

Dutch Winter Wonderland uses its own admission, and prices vary by date and ticket type, so buy online through dutchwonderland.com before you go. Select season passes include admission to the event, and the park has run season pass sales that mention this, so check which pass level you hold. Add-ons such as Cookies with Santa cost extra.

In 2025, general parking cost $22 and preferred parking cost $27.50, and Gold and Platinum passholders parked free. Confirm the current rates before you visit.

Tips for your visit

Plan around the calendar, since the event runs on select days. In 2025, most operating days ran from about 3 PM to 8 PM, with a daytime schedule on December 31. The 2026 hours are not confirmed, so check the park calendar, especially for the final days around New Year’s and January 3.

Arrive early enough to ride and see a show before it gets dark, then finish with the lights. Dress in warm layers, bring gloves for the ride queues, and check the weather on the day. Some rides can close in the cold, and the park may adjust the schedule for weather.

Explore more: every theme park holiday event for 2026, by state.

Dutch Winter Wonderland 2026 at Dutch Wonderland FAQs

When does Dutch Winter Wonderland 2026 start and end?

The park’s official event page lists November 14, 2026 through January 3, 2027. The event runs on select days, so check the park calendar for the exact operating dates and hours.

Is Dutch Winter Wonderland included with park admission?

It uses its own admission ticket, and prices vary by date. Select season passes include the event. Add-ons such as Cookies with Santa cost extra.

Do rides run during Dutch Winter Wonderland?

Yes. The park advertises more than 20 rides, and 22 were open in 2025. Coasters and some other rides may close in cold weather, so the lineup varies by day.

Get More from Dutch Winter Wonderland 2026 at Dutch Wonderland

Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Dutch Winter Wonderland 2026 at Dutch Wonderland, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.

Want the day’s theme park news in your inbox? Subscribe to ThrillZing Daily — free.

Photo: Smallbones / CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The post Dutch Winter Wonderland 2026 at Dutch Wonderland: Dates and Tips appeared first on ThrillZing.

The event suits families, couples and anyone who wants a winter visit to a thrill park without summer crowds. Live shows, light displays, select activities and most rides are included with regular park admission. Food, drinks, merchandise and a few extras such as cookie decorating and s’mores fire pits cost extra. The park’s event page does not say whether season passes cover the event, so check your pass terms before you go.

Stats at a Glance

• Park: Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California
• Dates: Select dates, November 26, 2026 to January 3, 2027
• Event nights: Select days; check the park calendar for exact dates and hours
• Highlights: Magic of the Holidays tree lighting, live holiday shows, Santa and Mrs. Claus
• New for 2026: Not announced
• Ticket: Included with park admission; food, drinks and select experiences cost extra

What’s new for 2026

At the time of writing, Six Flags Magic Mountain has not published a list of new houses, zones or shows for the 2026 edition. The park’s event page describes the returning headliners: dazzling lights, live holiday shows, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and seasonal food and drink.

The page also lists the Magic of the Holidays tree lighting ceremony, with dancers and singers. It was presented as a newer addition on the page we reviewed, which appears to still carry last season’s dates, so treat it as a likely returning feature until the park confirms the 2026 lineup. If the park adds anything new, this page will be updated.

Lights, shows and holiday entertainment

The park says the event brings dazzling lights across the grounds and festive live shows with Christmas music. A December 2025 news report on the park’s 2026 calendar described the lights as more than two million twinkling lights, with walk-thru ornaments, live holiday music and choreographed light shows. Details can change between seasons, so use the park’s figures as a rough guide rather than a fixed count.

Santa and Mrs. Claus appear for guests during the event. Showtimes and meet-and-greet times are posted in the Six Flags app, so check it when you arrive and plan your evening around the tree lighting and any shows you want to see.

Rides and attractions open

The park states that select rides and attractions operate during Holiday in the Park. Road Runner Express is one ride the park names, and it is a good fit for younger riders. The park does not publish a full winter ride list on its event page.

Expect the lineup to vary by day, by hour and by weather, particularly for the big coasters. Check ride status in the Six Flags app on the day of your visit instead of counting on a specific coaster.

Holiday food and treats

The park lists hot chocolate in collectible souvenir mugs, seasonal comfort foods and desserts, and handcrafted cocktails for adults. A Santa Clarita tourism listing also mentions cider, custom fudge and a holiday-themed funnel cake. Menus can change from year to year, so treat those as examples.

Two paid extras are listed on the park’s site: cookie decorating and s’mores fire pits. The park’s add-on listing also describes a hot chocolate mug with free refills on the first visit. Prices are not confirmed for 2026, so check them when you buy.

Tickets, passes and upgrades

Live shows, light displays, select activities and most rides are included with park admission. Food, beverages, merchandise and select experiences are separate purchases. Tickets and add-ons are sold through the official Six Flags Magic Mountain website and app.

We did not find a statement on whether Gold or other season passes cover Holiday in the Park dates. Confirm this with the park before you plan a pass visit. Ticket prices for holiday dates were not published on the pages we reviewed, so check the ticket calendar before you go.

Tips for your visit

Because the event runs on select days only, look at the park calendar first and pick a date that is listed. Weekends and the days around Christmas tend to be busier, so arrive early if you want a spot for the tree lighting and a shorter wait for the rides that are open.

Dress in layers. Valencia evenings in December can be cold, and it can be windy on the hillside. The lights look best after dark, so plan to stay into the evening and warm up with a hot chocolate. Download the Six Flags app for showtimes, ride status and any weather-related closures. Confirm parking prices and hours on the official site before you drive up.

Explore more: every theme park holiday event for 2026, by state.

Holiday in the Park 2026 at Six Flags Magic Mountain FAQs

When does Holiday in the Park 2026 start and end?

The park lists select dates from November 26, 2026 to January 3, 2027. The event does not run every day, so check the park calendar for the exact dates and hours.

Is Holiday in the Park included with park admission?

Yes. The park says live shows, light displays, select activities and most rides are included with admission. Food, drinks, merchandise and select experiences such as cookie decorating and s’mores fire pits cost extra. Check the park about season pass coverage.

Do rides run during Holiday in the Park?

Select rides and attractions operate, and Road Runner Express is one the park names. The full lineup varies by day and weather, so check ride status in the Six Flags app.

Get More from Holiday in the Park 2026 at Six Flags Magic Mountain

Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Holiday in the Park 2026 at Six Flags Magic Mountain, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.

Want the day’s theme park news in your inbox? Subscribe to ThrillZing Daily — free.

Photo: Cabe6403 at English Wikipedia / CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons.

The post Holiday in the Park 2026 at Six Flags Magic Mountain: Dates, Lights and Tips appeared first on ThrillZing.

The event suits families, couples and locals who want a holiday outing with some rides thrown in. The park lists dazzling lights, festive live shows, select rides and attractions, Santa, and specialty holiday food and drink. Live shows, light displays, select activities and most rides come with park admission. Food, drink, merchandise and select holiday experiences cost extra. Because dates are ‘select,’ not every day in the range is an event day, so check the park calendar before you buy.

Stats at a Glance

• Park: Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio, Texas
• Dates: Select dates, November 21 to December 23, 2026
• Event nights: Select dates only, check the park calendar
• Highlights: Christmas lights, live shows, Santa
• New for 2026: not announced
• Ticket: Live shows, light displays, select activities and most rides included with park admission; food, drink and merchandise extra

What’s new for 2026

As of late September 2026, the park has not announced new houses, zones or shows for this year. The official event page lists the dates and the general lineup of lights, shows, Santa and holiday food, and it does not name new additions. The park’s 2025 press release, dated November 19, 2025, described a new 70-foot artificial fir billed as the tallest traditional-style holiday tree in San Antonio. That is a 2025 item, so treat it as a likely returning feature rather than a 2026 debut.

The park also lists a separate Rockin’ New Year’s celebration from December 26 to December 31, 2026, so you can plan a holiday trip on either side of Christmas. Check the events page for that event’s details closer to the date.

Lights, shows and holiday entertainment

The park describes Holiday in the Park as dazzling lights and festive live shows, plus Santa. It has not published the 2026 show list yet. Last year’s release named The Majesty of Christmas, which features live animals, a musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol, and Feliz Navidad with Mariachi Los Soberanos. Last year’s release also gave a light count and a total show count, but those figures may change, so we are not repeating them as 2026 numbers.

Showtimes change from day to day. The park points guests to the Six Flags app for showtimes and directions while they are inside, so download it before you arrive and plan your evening around the shows you want most.

Rides and attractions open

The park says select rides and attractions operate during Holiday in the Park, and most rides are included with admission. It does not publish a list of which rides run, and it has not said whether water attractions are open. Winter weather can close individual rides, especially on cold or wet evenings, so the lineup will vary by day. Check the Six Flags app for ride status when you arrive.

Holiday food and treats

The park promotes specialty holiday food and drink, sold separately from admission. The 2026 menu has not been published. Last year’s press release listed items such as a stuffed turkey leg, Rudolf brisket bites, s’mores funnel cake and a candy cane cold brew served in a collectible souvenir mug. Expect a similar mix of seasonal snacks and drinks, but confirm what is on offer when you visit.

Tickets, passes and upgrades

Park admission covers live shows, light displays, select activities and most rides. Food, drink, merchandise and select holiday experiences need a separate purchase. The official page links to daily tickets, season passes and group tickets. Ask the park or check the passes page to confirm whether your season pass covers the event dates you want, since the event runs only on select dates.

Buy tickets on the official Six Flags Fiesta Texas site so the date you choose matches an event day. The park is at 17000 IH-10 West, San Antonio, TX 78257.

Tips for your visit

Look at the park calendar first, because Holiday in the Park does not run every day between November 21 and December 23. The park’s own event page does not give crowd guidance, and it does not list hours by date, so confirm opening and closing times for your day. Dress in layers, since San Antonio evenings can turn chilly and some rides may pause in bad weather. Save the Six Flags app for showtimes, ride status and directions, and plan to see your priority shows early in the evening.

Explore more: every theme park holiday event for 2026, by state.

Holiday in the Park 2026 at Six Flags Fiesta Texas FAQs

When does Holiday in the Park 2026 start and end?

The official Six Flags Fiesta Texas page lists select dates from November 21 to December 23, 2026. Check the park calendar for the exact event days.

Is Holiday in the Park included with park admission?

Live shows, light displays, select activities and most rides are included with park admission. Food, drink, merchandise and select holiday experiences cost extra.

Do rides run during Holiday in the Park?

Select rides and attractions operate. The park does not publish the full list, and weather can close rides, so check the Six Flags app on the day of your visit.

Get More from Holiday in the Park 2026 at Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Holiday in the Park 2026 at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.

Want the day’s theme park news in your inbox? Subscribe to ThrillZing Daily — free.

Photo: Rei at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The post Holiday in the Park 2026 at Six Flags Fiesta Texas: Dates and Tips appeared first on ThrillZing.

The event suits families, couples and anyone who wants holiday lights with a theme park attached. The park’s announcements describe live entertainment, seasonal food and Santa visits alongside thrill rides and coasters, so it works for both small kids and teens. Six Flags says memberships, including Gold Pass, cover admission. Day-ticket pricing for the event has not been published in the sources we checked, so confirm it on the park’s ticket page before you buy.

Stats at a Glance

• Park: Six Flags Over Georgia, Austell, Georgia
• Dates: Select days, November 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027
• Event nights: Select days (check the park calendar)
• Highlights: Nightly tree lighting, three new themed lands, live entertainment and indoor stage shows
• New for 2026: Three new immersive themed lands and an indoor walk-through attraction
• Ticket: Included with Six Flags memberships; day-ticket pricing not yet published in the sources we checked

What’s new for 2026

The headline change is a creative reimagining of the whole event. The park says Holiday in the Park will debut three brand-new, fully immersive themed lands, with more areas planned for future years. The park has not named the three lands in the announcements we found, so we will not guess at them. Six Flags describes the theming as elaborate decorations, twinkling lights and regional winter touches, including what it calls twinkling gateways and cozy winter villages.

A family-friendly indoor walk-through attraction is also new. Six Flags leadership said the return responded to guest feedback after the 2025 break. Exact show lineups and ride details were still to come when the park made its announcements, so check the Six Flags app and the park website as November gets closer.

Lights, shows and holiday entertainment

Lighting displays come on after dark, and the park promises nightly tree lighting spectaculars as a centerpiece. Expect more live entertainment than in past editions, including carolers, live musicians, parade floats and festive shows on indoor mainstages.

Family activities include Santa photos, cookie decorating and gingerbread house building. The park has not published show titles or times yet, so plan to check the day’s schedule when you arrive rather than building a timetable in advance.

Rides and attractions open

Six Flags says many thrill rides and coasters will stay open, so you can ride by day and again under holiday lights at night. The park has not released a ride-by-ride list for the event. Winter operations depend on temperature and weather, so a few rides may be closed on any given day. Check the park’s ride status in the app before you go if a specific coaster is the reason for your visit.

Holiday food and treats

Six Flags promises seasonal food and drinks curated by the park’s culinary team, and reports mention a seasonal tasting menu. The park has not published a menu, cookie pass or dining package in the sources we checked, so we cannot list specific items or prices. Interactive treats like cookie decorating and gingerbread house building are part of the family activities.

Tickets, passes and upgrades

Six Flags says Gold Pass and membership holders get Holiday in the Park admission included, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports it is included with all active memberships. Because the event runs only on select days, an eligible pass still needs a matching date on the park calendar.

Day-ticket pricing and any add-ons had not been published in the sources we checked. Buy through the official Six Flags Over Georgia site or app and compare with the daily ticket page. Children ages 3 to 5 can enter free with the Pre-K Pass, according to Six Flags.

Tips for your visit

Because operating days are limited, check the park calendar and hours page before you choose a date. The lighting effects only show after dark, so arrive in the afternoon if you want to ride first and catch the tree lighting once the sun sets. Georgia evenings in late November and December can turn cold, so bring layers, gloves and a hat, and expect some weather-related closures. Weekends and dates close to Christmas will likely draw the biggest crowds, so weeknights on the calendar may be calmer. Look up parking and any parking fees on the official site before you leave.

Explore more: every theme park holiday event for 2026, by state.

Holiday in the Park 2026 at Six Flags Over Georgia FAQs

When does Holiday in the Park 2026 start and end?

Six Flags Over Georgia lists Holiday in the Park on select days from November 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027. Check the park calendar for the exact operating days and hours.

Is Holiday in the Park included with park admission?

Six Flags says Gold Pass and membership holders have admission included. Day-ticket pricing had not been published in the sources we checked, so confirm it on the official ticket page.

Do rides run during Holiday in the Park?

Six Flags says many thrill rides and coasters will operate, but it has not published a full ride list. Winter weather can close rides, so check ride status on the day.

Get More from Holiday in the Park 2026 at Six Flags Over Georgia

Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Holiday in the Park 2026 at Six Flags Over Georgia, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.

Want the day’s theme park news in your inbox? Subscribe to ThrillZing Daily — free.

Photo: Mike Gonzalez (TheCoffee) / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The post Holiday in the Park 2026 at Six Flags Over Georgia: Dates and Tips appeared first on ThrillZing.

The event suits families, Southern California locals and anyone who wants a holiday day out with rides included. According to the park, live shows, light displays, select activities and most rides come with park admission. Food, drink, merchandise and select holiday experiences are paid extras.

Stats at a Glance

• Park: Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park, California
• Dates: Nov. 20, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027
• Event nights: Daily operation across the run; check the park calendar for open days and hours
• Highlights: Home for the Holidays revue, Peanuts on Ice, nightly Parkwide Holiday Lighting Moment
• New for 2026: Not announced
• Ticket: Included with park admission (food, drink, merchandise and select experiences extra)

What’s new for 2026

The park’s official Merry Farm page does not name any new houses, shows or zones for 2026 at the time of writing. What it does list is the returning lineup: the Home for the Holidays musical revue, the Peanuts ice skating show, Santa’s Christmas Cabin, the Christmas Crafts Village and the Snow and Glow street experience. If the park adds something for 2026, it will appear on the event page, so check there again closer to opening day.

Lights, shows and holiday entertainment

The park is dressed in winter wonderland decor, with thousands of twinkling lights, miles of themed garland and jumbo snowflakes. Each night the park hosts a Parkwide Holiday Lighting Moment, so plan to be inside the gates by then if you want to see the switch-on.

Home for the Holidays is a musical revue with classic Christmas tunes, dancing toys and snow. The ice show stars the Peanuts Gang alongside professional skaters. Snow and Glow brings holiday music and snow effects to the streets of Calico. Santa’s Christmas Cabin is the place for a Santa meet-and-greet. Show times change by date, so use the park app or the daily schedule when you arrive.

Rides and attractions open

The park says most rides are included with admission during Merry Farm. It does not publish a ride-by-ride list for the event. Which coasters and attractions run on a given day depends on weather, maintenance and crowd levels, so check the app or the park calendar before you go if you have a must-ride in mind.

Beyond the rides, the Christmas Crafts Village is an easy place to browse for one-of-a-kind gifts, and it works well as a warm-up stop between shows.

Holiday food and treats

The park lists seasonal food and drink that is available only during the event. One example on the official page is a meatball hoagie with cranberry gastrique and mashed potatoes. Full menus, prices and any treat passes are not published on the event page, so look at the park’s dining listings or the app for the current lineup. All food and drink is a separate purchase.

Tickets, passes and upgrades

Merry Farm activities are covered by regular park admission, and you buy tickets on the Six Flags website for Knott’s or at the gate. Ticket prices vary by date and are not listed on the event page, so check the ticket calendar for your day. Pass holders should confirm the details for their pass type on the park site. Food, drinks, merchandise and select holiday experiences cost extra.

Tips for your visit

Southern California evenings can turn cool once the sun sets, so bring a light jacket for the lights and the lighting moment. Arrive with enough time to park, get through security and settle in before the nightly lighting. Weekends and the days between Christmas and New Year’s Day tend to draw the biggest crowds, so a weekday earlier in the run is the calmer choice.

Hours vary by date and the park closes at different times through the season, so check the calendar the day before you go. Rain can affect outdoor shows and rides, and the park app is the quickest way to see what is running.

Explore more: every theme park holiday event for 2026, by state.

Knott’s Merry Farm 2026 at Knott’s Berry Farm FAQs

When does Knott’s Merry Farm 2026 start and end?

Knott’s Merry Farm 2026 runs from Nov. 20, 2026 through Jan. 3, 2027. Hours vary by date, so check the park calendar.

Is Knott’s Merry Farm included with park admission?

Yes for most of it. The park says live shows, light displays, select activities and most rides are included with admission. Food, drink, merchandise and select holiday experiences require a separate purchase.

Do rides run during Knott’s Merry Farm?

Most rides are included with admission during the event. The exact list depends on weather and maintenance, so check the park app or calendar on the day of your visit.

Get More from Knott’s Merry Farm 2026 at Knott’s Berry Farm

Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Knott’s Merry Farm 2026 at Knott’s Berry Farm, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.

Want the day’s theme park news in your inbox? Subscribe to ThrillZing Daily — free.

Photo: METRO96 / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The post Knott’s Merry Farm 2026 at Knott’s Berry Farm: Dates, Lights, Tips appeared first on ThrillZing.

WinterFest suits families, couples and anyone who wants Christmas lights with a few rides thrown in. The event page promises millions of lights, family activities, holiday comfort food and drinks, and select attractions. The park’s site lists memberships, season passes, daily tickets, group tickets and Fast Lane, but it does not spell out which ones cover WinterFest. Confirm on the ticket page before you buy.

Stats at a Glance

• Park: Canada’s Wonderland, Vaughan, Ontario
• Dates: Select nights, November 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027
• Event nights: Select nights (check the park calendar)
• Highlights: Millions of lights, live entertainment, holiday food and drinks
• New for 2026: New live entertainment (titles not yet listed on the event page)
• Ticket: Check the park ticket page; the official page lists daily tickets, passes and Fast Lane

What’s new for 2026

The official WinterFest page says the 2026 event includes new live entertainment. It does not name the shows, stages or showtimes, so this page does not either. The Six Flags app is where the park says to check showtimes, and the park calendar will show which nights are scheduled.

The dates are also a change from last year. The 2025 season began on November 15 and ended on January 3, 2026. The 2026 season starts a week later, on November 21, and again finishes on January 3.

Lights, shows and holiday entertainment

The park describes WinterFest as festive light displays with millions of shimmering lights, plus family activities and live entertainment. For a sense of the format, the 2025 season had nine live shows, including Small Town Snowmance, It’s Christmas, Charlie Brown!, Cool Yule Christmas and Tinker’s Toy Factory. Reports from that season also mention a nightly tree lighting with two 50-foot Christmas trees on International Street, and Santa photos. Any of these may return, change or be replaced in 2026, so treat them as last year’s lineup and check the app when the schedule is posted.

Rides and attractions open

The park says WinterFest includes select attractions, and it has not published the 2026 ride list yet. Coverage of the 2025 season reported more than 20 rides operating, including the family rides in Charlie Brown’s Christmas Town and thrill rides such as Thunder Run, Psyclone and Sledge Hammer. Expect a similar mix in 2026, but ride availability can change with the weather, so check on the day you go.

Ice skating on Snow Flake Lake, at the base of Wonder Mountain, ran in 2025 in timed sessions with advance reservations, and it was not part of general admission. Look for the same arrangement this year, and confirm whether skating is offered on your night.

Holiday food and treats

The park promises holiday-inspired comfort food and beverages. Last season’s coverage named funnel cakes, churros and hot chocolate, plus apple cider and mulled wine at the Cider House. It also mentioned a Christmas Market with local artisan vendors and cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus for an additional fee. Jack Frost’s Igloo Village offered private dome dining at extra cost. The 2026 menu has not been published, so use the park’s dining page for the current list.

Tickets, passes and upgrades

Canada’s Wonderland now sits on the Six Flags website, which lists memberships, season passes, daily tickets, special offers, group tickets and Fast Lane. The event page does not give prices or say whether WinterFest is included with a pass, so this page does not state either. Buy online through the official site, which is where the park directs guests, and check the terms for your ticket type. Add-ons such as skating, cookie decorating and igloo rentals were separate purchases in 2025, so budget for them if they matter to your plans.

Tips for your visit

Because WinterFest runs on select nights only, look at the park calendar first and pick a date before you book anything. Arrive early in the evening to see the lights come on, and to have time for a couple of rides before the shows fill up.

Dress for Ontario in winter. Layers, gloves, a hat and warm footwear make a long evening outdoors more comfortable, especially if you plan to skate. Rides and outdoor attractions can close in bad weather, so check the app on the day. Parking was sold online in 2025, so look at the park’s parking page before you drive up.

Explore more: every theme park holiday event for 2026, by state.

WinterFest 2026 at Canada’s Wonderland FAQs

When does WinterFest 2026 start and end?

Canada’s Wonderland lists WinterFest on select nights from November 21, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Check the park calendar for the exact nights.

Is WinterFest included with park admission?

The park’s event page does not say. It lists daily tickets, memberships, season passes, group tickets and Fast Lane, so check the ticket page or the terms of your pass before you go. Extras like skating were sold separately in 2025.

Do rides run during WinterFest?

Yes, select attractions are open. The park has not published the 2026 ride list. In 2025 more than 20 rides ran, including family rides and some thrill rides, and availability depends on the weather.

Get More from WinterFest 2026 at Canada’s Wonderland

Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate WinterFest 2026 at Canada’s Wonderland, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.

Want the day’s theme park news in your inbox? Subscribe to ThrillZing Daily — free.

Photo: Jeremy Thompson / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The post WinterFest 2026 at Canada’s Wonderland: Dates, Lights and Tips appeared first on ThrillZing.

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.

Get More from WinterFest 2026 at Carowinds

Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate WinterFest 2026 at Carowinds, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.

Want the day’s theme park news in your inbox? Subscribe to ThrillZing Daily — free.

Photo: Floppersop / CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The post WinterFest 2026 at Carowinds: Dates, Lights and Tips appeared first on ThrillZing.

WinterFest suits families, couples and anyone who wants an evening of lights and seasonal treats rather than a full summer-style ride day. Because it runs on select nights, check the park calendar before you pick a date. The park’s season pass comparison chart lists admission to Halloween Haunt and WinterFest for the 2027 Silver, Gold and Prestige Passes, marked as 2026 only. Everyone else needs a WinterFest ticket, and the park pages we checked did not list a price.

Stats at a Glance

• Park: Kings Island, Mason, Ohio
• Dates: Select nights, November 27 to December 31, 2026
• Event nights: Select nights (check the park calendar)
• Highlights: Millions of lights, live entertainment, holiday food and drinks
• New for 2026: Not announced
• Ticket: Included with 2027 Silver, Gold and Prestige Passes (2026 only); separate ticket otherwise

What’s new for 2026

The official WinterFest page lists live entertainment, but it does not name any 2026 shows or new zones, so nothing new is confirmed yet. If the park adds details later, they will appear on the Kings Island events page on the Six Flags site.

For context, the 2025 event introduced two shows, Tinker’s Jingle Bell Ball and It’s Christmas, Charlie Brown!, and also featured The Mistletones, according to a December 2025 Local 12 report. Whether any of them return in 2026 is not confirmed, so treat them as possibilities rather than promises. The park also adds a new interactive dark ride, Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare, in 2026, but that is a summer-season debut and not a WinterFest item.

Lights, shows and holiday entertainment

The park’s own description centers on millions of shimmering lights across the grounds after dark. It also lists family activities and live entertainment as part of the event.

Local 12 reported that the 2025 event included a tree lighting on the Eiffel Tower replica, a WinterFest Wonderland Parade, and a New Year’s Eve party with a live DJ and fireworks. The park has not confirmed the same schedule for 2026, so check the park calendar and app for show times and any character appearances before you go.

Rides and attractions open

The park says WinterFest includes select attractions. It has not published a 2026 ride list on the pages we reviewed, and winter operation depends on the weather, so the lineup can change from night to night.

In 2025, the reported lineup included ice skating on Snow Flake Lake. Look for a 2026 confirmation of skating, and of which rides run, on the park’s event page or app before you plan around any single attraction.

Holiday food and treats

The official page promises holiday-inspired comfort food and beverages. It does not list the 2026 menu.

The 2025 menu, per Local 12, included It’s a Wonderful Chop, holiday dinner fries and peppermint bark brownies. Some of these may return, but the 2026 menu is not confirmed, so do not count on any one dish.

Tickets, passes and upgrades

Kings Island’s season pass comparison chart lists admission to Halloween Haunt and WinterFest for the 2027 Silver, Gold and Prestige Passes, labeled 2026 only. Passholders on those tiers should not need a separate WinterFest ticket, although the pass page carries a footnote, so check the terms for your tier before you go.

If you do not have one of those passes, you will need a WinterFest ticket. The pages we checked did not show a standalone price, so buy from the official Kings Island site on the Six Flags domain and compare your date against the event calendar first.

Tips for your visit

Because WinterFest runs on select nights, confirm your date on the park calendar first. Hours also vary by night, so verify the opening and closing times on the official site before you go.

Dress in layers, with gloves and a hat, since you will spend most of the night outdoors. Arrive early enough to park and see the lights at their best, and check the park’s weather notices on the day in case attractions or shows change. If you want a New Year’s Eve celebration, look for the park’s 2026 announcement, since the 2025 program included a DJ and fireworks but the 2026 plan is not confirmed.

Explore more: every theme park holiday event for 2026, by state.

WinterFest 2026 at Kings Island FAQs

When does WinterFest 2026 start and end?

Kings Island lists WinterFest 2026 as select nights from November 27 to December 31, 2026. Check the park calendar for the exact nights it is open.

Is WinterFest included with park admission?

Holders of the 2027 Silver, Gold and Prestige Passes get WinterFest admission for 2026, according to the park’s pass comparison chart. Other guests need a WinterFest ticket, and the park pages we reviewed did not show a price.

Do rides run during WinterFest?

The park says WinterFest includes select attractions. The 2026 ride list has not been published, and operations depend on the weather, so check the park app or website on the day.

Get More from WinterFest 2026 at Kings Island

Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate WinterFest 2026 at Kings Island, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.

Want the day’s theme park news in your inbox? Subscribe to ThrillZing Daily — free.

Photo: Eli Duke from Portland, OR, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The post WinterFest 2026 at Kings Island: Dates, Lights and Tips appeared first on ThrillZing.

The event suits families, with rides that range from kiddie and classic family attractions to, in 2025, Jack Rabbit and other thrill rides when the weather allowed. Expect more than 3 million lights, meet-and-greets with Rudolph and friends, Santa, seasonal food and a tree lighting. Holiday Lights uses its own ticket, priced lower online than at the gate. Check the park calendar before you go, because the event does not run every day.

Stats at a Glance

• Park: Kennywood, West Mifflin, Pennsylvania
• Dates: November 13, 2026 to January 3, 2027 (select dates)
• Event nights: Select dates: Fridays 5 to 9 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 3 to 9 p.m., plus added dates around the holidays
• Highlights: More than 3 million lights, Rudolph and friends meet-and-greets, Santa and a tree lighting
• New for 2026: not announced
• Ticket: separate Holiday Lights ticket, from $19.99 online

What’s new for 2026

No new houses, zones or shows have been announced for Holiday Lights 2026 as of late September. The 2026 listing describes the headliners: more than 3 million lights, meet-and-greets with Rudolph and his friends Clarice, Bumble and Sam the Snowman, rides and seasonal food. One local listing shows the event dates as November 13 to 23, November 27 to December 31, and January 1 to 3, so check the park calendar for the days that are open.

Holiday Lights 2025 added a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer walk-through experience, a Gingerbread Junction area with a train ride, Santa’s North Pole and a synchronized light show, and a nightly Jingle Bell Jamboree character dance party. Kennywood has not said which of these return, so check the park’s official Holiday Lights page for updates.

Lights, shows and holiday entertainment

The lights are the main draw. Kennywood lists more than 3 million of them across the park, and they are best seen after dark. The event listing also mentions a tree lighting ceremony featuring what the park describes as the state’s tallest tree. In 2025 the ceremony ran nightly at 5:45 p.m., so check the 2026 schedule before you plan your arrival.

Rudolph and friends greet guests during the event, and Santa is available for photos. Choir groups sing carols and local celebrities give readings on select dates. In 2025, Santa was in Lost Kennywood on event days from mid-November to December 23, so confirm his 2026 location and dates on the calendar.

Rides and attractions open

Only part of the park operates in winter, and the lineup depends on the weather. Kennywood has not published a full 2026 ride list yet. Event listings mention the Merry-Go-Round, Noah’s Ark and Kiddieland, but check the park’s ride status for the current lineup. Thomas Town no longer exists. It was replaced by the Kennywood Junction area in 2025, and we have not confirmed which Kennywood Junction rides run during Holiday Lights.

For comparison, Kennywood said up to 25 family-friendly and thrill rides were open during Holiday Lights 2025, including Jack Rabbit, Kangaroo, Turtle, Aero 360, Spinvasion and the Gingerbread Express, plus select Kiddieland rides. Local coverage of the event has said Jack Rabbit runs only when temperatures stay above about 40 degrees and that other rides can close in the cold. Whether coasters run in 2026 has not been announced, so check the day’s ride status before you leave.

Holiday food and treats

Concession stands sell seasonal treats such as fried cheesecakes, s’mores and doughnuts, and a beer garden area serves drinks.

Dinner with Santa is a separate add-on that includes a Christmas-style buffet. Prices and seating times are set by the park, so check the current listing and reserve ahead if you want it.

Tickets, passes and upgrades

Holiday Lights tickets start at $19.99 per person when bought online. On-site admission is listed at $39.99 per person, so buying ahead saves a good amount. Children ages 3 and under get in free.

Kennywood lists season passes as available, but we could not confirm whether a given pass includes Holiday Lights. Check your pass terms on the park’s site before assuming entry is covered. Tickets are sold on Kennywood’s official website, where you can also see which dates are open for the event.

Tips for your visit

Dress for a Pittsburgh winter. You will spend most of the visit outdoors, so wear layers, gloves and a hat. Weekend afternoons starting at 3 p.m. let you see the park in daylight and stay through lighting time, while Friday visits start at 5 p.m.

Plan to arrive early enough for the tree lighting and any character meet-and-greets, which tend to draw lines. Buy tickets online to avoid the higher gate price, and check the park’s calendar and weather notices on the day. The park is at 4800 Kennywood Boulevard in West Mifflin.

Explore more: every theme park holiday event for 2026, by state.

Holiday Lights 2026 at Kennywood FAQs

When does Holiday Lights 2026 start and end?

Holiday Lights at Kennywood is listed for November 13, 2026 through January 3, 2027 on select dates. Regular hours are Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 3 to 9 p.m., with additional dates around the holidays.

Is Holiday Lights included with park admission?

No, it uses a separate Holiday Lights ticket. Online tickets start at $19.99 per person and on-site admission is listed at $39.99, with children ages 3 and under free. Check with the park about whether your season pass covers the event.

Do rides run during Holiday Lights?

Some do. Kennywood has not published a full 2026 ride list, but event listings mention the Merry-Go-Round, Noah’s Ark and Kiddieland. In 2025, up to 25 rides operated, including Jack Rabbit, but some rides close in cold weather. Check the park’s ride status on the day.

Get More from Holiday Lights 2026 at Kennywood

Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Holiday Lights 2026 at Kennywood, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.

Want the day’s theme park news in your inbox? Subscribe to ThrillZing Daily — free.

Photo: Detroit Publishing Co. / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

The post Holiday Lights 2026 at Kennywood: Dates, Lights and Tips appeared first on ThrillZing.