If you’re searching for a holiday experience big enough to melt even Ebenezer Scrooge’s heart, Kings Island’s WinterFest might just be the place. The beloved Mason, Ohio amusement park transforms into a glowing holiday spectacular on select nights through November and December, inviting guests into a world filled with millions of lights, festive shows and cozy seasonal treats.

This year, WinterFest debuts two new live productions — Tinker’s Jingle Bell Ball and It’s Christmas, Charlie Brown! — adding even more sparkle to an already jam-packed entertainment lineup.

A Holiday Transformation That Dazzles

The centerpiece of the celebration is the park’s iconic 314-foot Eiffel Tower, dramatically reimagined as one of the world’s largest Christmas trees. Its shimmering lights and towering star cast a warm glow over Snow Flake Lake, the park’s enchanting ice-skating rink built atop the Kings Island Royal Fountain.

International Street becomes a full holiday village, decked out with garlands, oversized ornaments, twinkling displays and costumed characters greeting guests along the way.

But WinterFest is more than just lights. With over 20 rides open for the season — including Mystic Timbers, The Racer, Sol Spin and family favorites like the Grand Carousel and Kings Mills Antique Autos — the event blends classic holiday charm with the thrills theme-park fans love.

Live Entertainment All Season Long

WinterFest is packed with entertainment from the moment guests enter the gates. Big, small, nostalgic or interactive — there’s a show for everyone:

• Tinker’s Jingle Bell Ball – A brand-new holiday spectacular featuring music, comedy, dancing and a special appearance by Santa.
• It’s Christmas, Charlie Brown! – The Peanuts gang celebrates the warmth and meaning of the season in this heartwarming new production.
• Holly Holiday’s String-a-Long – Soft, soothing orchestral renditions perfect for winding down.
• Action Ice Zone Ice Carvers – Watch artists transform icy blocks into sparkling sculptures right before your eyes.
• Jingle Jazz Carolers – A Dickens-style musical stroll through Rivertown.
• Songs of the Nativity – A traditional retelling of the holiday story, complete with a live nativity scene.
• Swinging Into Christmas – A 1940s-style Big Band celebration inside Festhaus.
• The Mistletones – A retro 1950s-inspired trio bringing energy and harmonies to Tinsel Town Stage.
• The Yuletide Follies – A jubilant musical revue closing out the night with song, dance and holiday cheer.

Families will also love the WinterFest Wonderland Parade, Sally’s Christmas Crafts, cookie decorating (extra charge), Peanuts character meet-and-greets and plenty of kid-friendly rides decked out for the holidays.

Snow Flake Lake: Ice Skating in a Real-Life Snow Globe

One of WinterFest’s most anticipated activities is ice skating on Snow Flake Lake, a magical—for-an-extra-fee—experience surrounded by lights, seasonal music and the glowing Eiffel Tower tree. Whether you’re a confident skater or clinging to the railing, the atmosphere is pure winter wonder.

Holiday Eats Worth the Trip Alone

Kings Island’s culinary team rolls out a full seasonal menu crafted just for WinterFest, blending comfort-food warmth with festive flair. Highlights include:

• It’s a Wonderful Chop – Grilled pork chop with caramelized onion-apple compote
• Holiday Dinner Fries – A piled-high holiday feast on fresh fries
• Shepherd’s Pie – Rich, hearty and perfect for cold nights
• Meatloaf Burger – A cozy, comfort-filled twist on a classic burger, stacked with flavorful meatloaf and seasonal toppings
• Holiday Turkey Ball – A holiday-inspired bite featuring turkey, stuffing and festive flavors rolled into one delicious treat
• Peppermint Bark Brownie – Chocolatey, fudgy and festively topped
• Giant Gingerbread Man cookies — A WinterFest staple

Of course, no holiday stroll is complete without hot chocolate, warm cider, seasonal cocktails and non-alcoholic creations served throughout the park. A collectible mug ensures discounted refills all evening.

Holiday Shopping Without the Mall Stress

WinterFest doubles as a charming shopping destination, making gift buying feel more like play than a chore. Guests will find everything from Kings Island–branded apparel to ornaments, stocking stuffers and seasonal merchandise.

A Cincinnati Holiday Tradition with Deep Roots

For many, WinterFest is more than an event — it’s a cherished tradition. As a longtime guest reflecting on attending WinterFest since its original debut in 1982, each year is a new chapter in a book of cherished Kings Island memories. It’s a sentiment shared by many Cincinnati families who’ve made the festival part of their annual holiday season.

Special New Year’s Eve Dining Experience

For those seeking an elevated celebration, Kings Island offers New Year’s Eve Under the Lights — a specialty dining event inside the International Restaurant, complete with sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower tree, a festive dinner and a champagne toast at midnight as fireworks light up the sky. Reservations are required.

Plan Your Visit

WinterFest runs on select nights in November and December and serves as the grand finale to Kings Island’s 2025 season. With entertainment, rides, live shows and plenty of food options included with park admission (specialty experiences cost extra), it’s one of the most immersive holiday events in the Midwest.

Whether you’re chasing nostalgia, creating new traditions or simply craving a little seasonal magic, Kings Island’s WinterFest offers a holiday escape brimming with wonder, warmth and memories waiting to be made.

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