Kings Island WinterFest is one of the most popular annual events, attracting tourists from all over the world with its Christmas spirit, inviting setting, and one-of-a-kind experiences. If you grew up in the Cincinnati area, you undoubtedly remember going to Kings Island WinterFest as a youngster in the 1980s.
Christmas activities such as ice skating on the royal fountain, carriage excursions, and Christmas performances with live entertainment are among those remembered.
Each year, Kings Island WinterFest will bring back memories while also creating new ones. More than seven million lights and 12 stunning winter wonderlands await visitors.
Though its spring and summer delights are among its most well-known features, Warren County’s Kings Island undergoes its seasonal makeover as Ohio’s warmer months give way to winter.
Each November, Kings Island transforms into WinterFest, a winter wonderland filled with magnificent lights, festive food, Santa visits, and, of course, lots of theme park thrills.
What Is Kings Island WinterFest?
Kings Island WinterFest is a magical event happening at Kings Island amusement park in Mason, Ohio, nestled between Cincinnati and Dayton. WinterFest is a seasonal celebration held at Kings Island close to the end of the year when the park is transformed into a “WinterFest.”
When is Kings Island WinterFest?
WinterFest transforms the park into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, festive activities, and thrilling rides, which will include over five million lights and live entertainment across the park from November 24 to December 31, 2023.
Here’s how you can find it:
- Address: 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason, OH 45040
- Website: https://www.visitkingsisland.com/
- Distance from major cities:
- Cincinnati, OH: ~25 miles
- Dayton, OH: ~30 miles
- Columbus, OH: ~100 miles
- Indianapolis, IN: ~140 miles
Changes In The Park During WinterFest
- Before you even reach the park, the first thing you’ll notice from a distance is how many holiday lights are scattered all over the area.
- The second is the continuous blasting of loud festive music.
- For those who anticipate the Christmas season each year, it instills a particularly joyous and cosy sensation.
- Live holiday-themed performances take place, and before they start, they march across the park.
- Almost every square inch of the park is decked out for the holidays, including well-known attractions that have been lighted up to fit the theme.
Kings Island WinterFest promises joy and festive fun for all ages
Step inside the enchanted world of Kings Island’s WinterFest, where even Ebenezer Scrooge might find delight in the middle of the festive enchantment.
When the Mason, Ohio amusement park reopens on November 24, it will present a dazzling display of over 7 million lights, a huge 40% increase over the previous five years, producing a winter wonderland that matches the enchantment of Christmas in New York.
The magnificently adorned International Street, where the famous 314-foot-tall Eiffel Tower changes into one of the world’s largest Christmas trees, is at the heart of the celebrations.
Its gleaming lights and massive star illuminate Snow Flake Lake, an ice-skating paradise on Kings Island’s iconic Royal Fountain, as well as International Street, which is decked up with hundreds of Christmas decorations and costumed figures.
Kings Island WinterFest is a comprehensive celebration for families looking to enjoy the holidays in Cincinnati; it’s not just about the lights.
Ten live performances, including Tinker’s Toy Factory, Cool Yule Christmas, and the Mistletones, are featured on the entertainment stage, creating a mystical ambience that greets guests as soon as they walk in.
Children may participate in Christmas crafts, such as making letters to Santa and helping Mrs. Claus decorate cookies.
Savour the variety of delights with Christmas themes, such as gourmet hot chocolate and funnel cakes, to satisfy your palate. A must-see event, the Kings island WinterFest Wonderland Parade travels through the park every night and features spectacular displays, lavishly adorned floats, and the main man himself, Santa Claus.
Last but not least, Kings Island has been transformed into a mystical sanctuary for winter pleasure, complete with rides that will satisfy your need for speed. Experience the pleasure of the holidays with rides including Flight of Fear, Kings Mills Antique Auto, Scrambler, Grand Carousel, Cargo Loco, and Mystic Timbers.
Check Out The Map of Kings Island’s WinterFest
WinterFest is comprised of 12 winter wonderlands and over seven million Christmas lights. The entire park has a festive motif, from Charlie Brown’s Christmas Town to Coney Elf Mall.
Live holiday events will be taking place all across the park during your stay, such as the Winter Wonderland Parade every evening at 8:30 p.m. and the nightly tree-lighting ceremony on International Street. Even Ebenezer Scrooge would smile at it.
Along with all the various activities available for families to create enduring holiday memories, you may also view Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree, help Mrs. Claus* prepare cookies, or ice skate on the park’s well-known Royal Fountain.
More than 20 rides, including the park’s newest attractions, Sol Spin and Cargo Loco in Adventure Port, as well as coasters Mystic Timbers and Flight of Fear, are now available for those thrill-seekers who feel that a vacation to Kings Island is not complete without riding at least one ride.
Can’t-miss experiences at Kings Island WinterFest
Immerse yourself in the lights
No matter where your WinterFest adventures take you, a beautiful display of lights will always be there! Take a stroll down International Street to witness the many lights and the recognisable Eiffel Tower, or stop by WinterFest Way to get a festive snapshot by the 40-foot Christmas tree! Gorgeous lighting and several photo opportunities are present at every turn.
Eiffel Tower Lighting Ceremony
It’s virtually impossible to miss seeing the Eiffel Tower illuminated. There is a big park countdown to begin Winterfest, and when the tower is eventually lit, there is thunderous applause and the park seems full at last.
Being able to claim that you were present when the tower was lighted is always a unique experience. This tower is a famous landmark of the park that can be seen from miles away.
Ice Skating
The annual ice skating over the frozen fountain is one of the most anticipated events. You can skate with your family, friends, or alone. Visitors must present a signed waiver to the park to ice skate. After that’s finished, you may go pick up your skates at the rental counter (which is on International Street).
Hot Chocolate
Without the Famous Blue hot chocolate, Winterfest would not be the same. Don’t forget to sample the delectable hot chocolate at Blitzen’s Hot Beverage bar.
Shows
Everywhere across the park are live acts dressed in holiday/Christmas costumes. Some choose to do both street performances and their shows. The Milestones, Charlie Brown’s Christmas Spectacular, and Coke Polar Party are a few programmes that you just must not miss.
Join in on a live performance
You’re likely to discover a performance you adore, whether it’s the pipers piping, the dancers dancing, or the drummers pounding out a rhythm! At the snowy celebration, there are over a dozen fascinating Christmas shows scheduled for each day.
Take a train journey
The K.I. & Miami Valley Railroad on Kings Island looks the part come wintertime! Board the merry-making locomotive and enjoy a 10-minute train ride while listening to well-known holiday music.
Around the Horse
Searching for a genuinely touching vacation experience? For a traditional horse-drawn carriage ride, head to Tinsel Town! The rides provide for some fantastic photo ops and are among the hippest and most memorable ways to take in WinterFest’s sights and sounds.
Savour holiday sweets
Without cookies, hot chocolate, and candy canes, what would a winter party be? All of this and so much more are available at the park’s many eateries and refreshment stands.
Sweet-toothed children will like Claus Confectionary’s Christmas funnel cakes and cinnamon pull-apart bread, while adults won’t want to miss Jack Frost’s Liquid Libations’ spiced hot chocolate and cider.
Take a picture of Saint Nick
Without visiting Santa, no holiday party would be complete! Visit with the merry old saint and take a photograph that will last a lifetime at St. Nick’s Pics, WinterFest’s exquisitely adorned photo area.
Get rid of your desire lists
Do you still need to buy for the holidays? Give that special someone a unique present from the vast selection of seasonal stores at WinterFest! There are plenty of delectable handcrafted goods, regional artisan crafts, festive décor, and more available around the park.
Make a unique Memento
Keep having fun even after the park shuts! Create your unique handcrafted creation at Sally’s Christmas Crafts or decorate take-home delicacies in Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen to prolong the fun.
Skate all night long
Are you up for a quick game? Put on your skates and get out onto the ice at the stunning Royal Fountain on Kings Island. It’s an amazing experience for visitors of all ages, regardless of skill level: figure skating! Note: The cost of park entrance does not include ice skating. Children under the age of ten require adult supervision.
Remember to ride
It’s simple to be carried away by WinterFest’s whirlwind of holiday fare, seasonal tunes, and breathtaking lights, but don’t forget about the park’s most exciting feature: its thrilling rides! Nineteen amazing rides at Kings Island, such as the multi-award-winning Mystic Timbers, are now operating.
More Holiday Lights
If you visit WinterFest every year, here are some enhancements you’ll notice in 2023:
With two million more LED lights added in 2023, Kings Island’s WinterFest will rank among the biggest in the area with over seven million Christmas lights. You may view the additions here:
Eiffel Tower: The tower’s dynamic sequences may now be more precisely programmed because of the addition of more lights, which now have 30% brighter and smaller bulbs.
Royal Fountain: We’ve updated Snowflake Lake, our ice skating rink in Royal Fountain, with GIANT illuminated snowflakes.
Park Improvements: The park has received more lighting, which is particularly noticeable in the new Adventure Port, Rivertown Wonderland, and Area 72.
Two New WinterFest Rides
Two newest rides, Sol Spin and Cargo Loco will be part of this year’s WinterFest lineup. This indicates that the park intends to run over 20 rides per night.
Joyful Holly Trolley
The Holly Jolly Trolley, which is next to Kings Mills Antique Autos, allows visitors to explore Tinsel Town and Coney Elf Mall.
Gifts shop
Located at various locations around the park, such as International Street and Coca-Cola Bear Plaza, gift stores are also themed around the Christmas season.
Songs of the Nativity’s New Home
This well-liked performance, which was formerly known as Sounds of the Nativity, will now be found close to Boo Blasters’ entrance in Planet Snoopy, Charlie Brown’s Christmas Town. We’re building in its former position to get ready to open Camp Snoopy in 2024. There will be a new stage set for the performance.
WinterFest Wonderland Parade: A Small Diversion in Route
The WinterFest Wonderland Parade route has somewhat altered, so keep that in mind if you’re used to staking out a favorite place along International Street to capture exactly the right image with the Eiffel Tower in the backdrop.
This year, the procession will begin on the south side of International Street (the Sweet Spot) and proceed around to the north side of the street (the Starbucks).
Redesigned Adventure Port Restaurants
Officially, Adventure Port becomes the park’s twelfth winter wonderland. ‘Enrique’s Cosy Cantina’ and ‘Enrique’s Christmas Cafe’ are the new names for Adventure Port’s eateries for the winter season, in addition to the new rides that will be available.
Jack Frost’s Drinks in Liquid
This well-liked drink stop has moved to Action Zone from its prior spot in Oktoberfest. Although there are still more surprises, this will give you something to watch out for when you visit the park during the holidays.
Conclusion
Kings Island WinterFest is one of the most anticipated annual events, drawing crowds from all over the globe because of its unique experiences, friendly atmosphere, and festive mood. In this article, we have explained what WinterFest is, when it happens, the many events that are held, and how the park is transformed during this occasion.
Kings Island WinterFest has something for everyone, from live entertainment to seasonal lights. The greatest thing is that if you have a Kings Island Season Pass for 2023 or 2024, it’s free. View the park’s operational calendar, which includes all of the WinterFest days, to begin organizing your visit.