WinterFest 2025

[IndyGuy4KI]

WinterFest 2025 starts November 28th and runs through December 31st . Lets use this thread to discuss all things WinterFest 2025.

 

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

I hope we can see the event details released on Monday because I'm so excited for Winterfest!

[BeeastFarmer]

I hear that ice skate times may be reduced from 90 minute time frame to 30 minute slots to sell more.

How can they logistically do this?  By having people enter every thirty minutes during a 90 minute period and then zamboni it?  How would they get group one and two off the ice?

This is probably the biggest selling upcharge for the event, and probably one of those most expensive line items. If they screw this up, which corporate seems to have a nack for doing, WF could be a flop.

If it's a flop, will they continue it?  Are they purposely trying to sabotage things and get WinterFest off the table?

[beastfan11]

Might be my favorite time of year at the park. Looking forward to another fun holiday season at my favorite place! 

[CedarPointer]

3 hours ago, BeeastFarmer said:

I hear that ice skate times may be reduced from 90 minute time frame to 30 minute slots to sell more.

How can they logistically do this?  By having people enter every thirty minutes during a 90 minute period and then zamboni it?  How would they get group one and two off the ice?

This is probably the biggest selling upcharge for the event, and probably one of those most expensive line items. If they screw this up, which corporate seems to have a nack for doing, WF could be a flop.

If it's a flop, will they continue it?  Are they purposely trying to sabotage things and get WinterFest off the table?

This is what I've been saying with the change in hours at Carowinds so you have to look at the lights during the day (like the famous Kings Dominion daytime fireworks). Seems like someone wants it to fail so they can justify cancelling it (after taking people's money, naturally).

[MaestroJr]

Hopefully this year Adventure Express is open for Winterfest it’s gonna suck not having boo blasters this year, hopefully next year, we’ll get to have a phantom theater Christmas

[kingsislandfan1972]

39 minutes ago, MaestroJr said:

Hopefully this year Adventure Express is open for Winterfest it’s gonna suck not having boo blasters this year, hopefully next year, we’ll get to have a phantom theater Christmas

I agree that we do lose an indoor ride for WinterFest this year but I'm glad by next year we should have PTON! 

 

I wonder what kind of new WinterFest merchandise we'll have this year!

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

2 hours ago, CedarPointer said:

Seems like someone wants it to fail so they can justify cancelling it (after taking people's money, naturally).

I have to wonder who in SF corporate wants to get rid of the winter events because (as we've said) it's looking that way. Fall and Winter events are the prime time to bring guests back and have them spend more money. They also, notably, add a lot of value to a season pass! So many people have remarked about the perceived value that Haunt and Winterfest add to their season passes, so why take that away (genuine question)? I cannot believe that most of the winter events held on that long without making enough money. It feels like it'd be a very slippery slope to cancel even more events next year. 

I could more see them scaling the event down like this, first closing the areas outlined in red, then the ones in green if they need to cut even more. Cutting more than that would probably jeopardize the quality of the event too much (after already taking it down to the size of the 2005 event).

 

As for changing up the ride lineup, I'd vote to add Woodstock Express over Adventure Express if it needs another roller coaster. Losing the most accessible indoor attraction for this year's event is sad, but I think it's well worth it for Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare.

I'd love it if they could turn one of the arcades into a warming station, though moving all of the equipment into temporary storage might be too much work. Maybe I'll try to come up with my own Winterfest wish list and post it somewhere here.

[super7]

2 hours ago, MaestroJr said:

Hopefully this year Adventure Express is open for Winterfest it’s gonna suck not having boo blasters this year, hopefully next year, we’ll get to have a phantom theater Christmas

Can that ride even run in less than 50°? Every time I’ve been to the park when it’s below 50 in normal operating season it has been closed.

[MaestroJr]

2 hours ago, super7 said:

Can that ride even run in less than 50°? Every time I’ve been to the park when it’s below 50 in normal operating season it has been closed.

Good question, I actually do not know although I agree that Woodstock Express would also be a good ride to have open but honestly just being at the par for an extra two months is nice 

[Skyrider]

I wish Kings Island could capitalize more on WinterFest by having it open sooner than Nov. 28th.  Dollywood and Disney World transform their parks much faster for their winter events.  I would think this would increase their profits and make the event more like a guaranteed event to continue in the future.

[kingsislandfan1972]

8 minutes ago, Skyrider said:

I wish Kings Island could capitalize more on WinterFest by having it open sooner than Nov. 28th.  Dollywood and Disney World transform their parks much faster for their winter events.  I would think this would increase their profits and make the event more like a guaranteed event to continue in the future.

That's true but at least we are getting the extra days to get our rides in which we are going next weekend!  

[PKIVortex]

Can that ride even run in less than 50°? Every time I’ve been to the park when it’s below 50 in normal operating season it has been closed.

50 degrees is there minimum start up temperature. After that it can continue to operate if it drops below 50.

Sent from my SM-S936U using Tapatalk

[SonofBaconator]

I’ve said this nearly every year but I hope that they add more lights to their train ride. Almost every park that has a train ride decks it out for the holidays and it seems like ours always seemed to be missing something.

[super7]

The train would be better with lights in the trees/or uplit trees instead of the framework lights.  

[Diamondback_Is_King]

23 hours ago, super7 said:

Can that ride even run in less than 50°? Every time I’ve been to the park when it’s below 50 in normal operating season it has been closed.

20 hours ago, MaestroJr said:

Good question, I actually do not know although I agree that Woodstock Express would also be a good ride to have open but honestly just being at the par for an extra two months is nice 

I went one time last year when it was too cold even Mystic Timbers and The Racer couldn't run. I highly doubt Express will be added, but I think they could do some really cool Christmas theming on that ride!

[Stoan]

12 hours ago, super7 said:

The train would be better with lights in the trees/or uplit trees instead of the framework lights.  

I like the winterfest train ride, but I feel having the 12 days of Christmas as the theme and not trying to time it to the lights is a big loss. They have to play like 3 or 4 versions during the entire ride just to have music last the entire ride and only the first day actually matches. 

 

A nice ride through a winter village with music would be better, IMHO.

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

Didn't the train have an "I'll be home for Christmas" theme during Winterfest 1.0 or 2.0? I think it'd be pretty cool if they were able to make 12 Days of Christmas only one part of the ride, then go into other storylines about the holiday season.

[CoasterJack]

The park didn't waste anytime starting work on the ice skating rink transformation. I always forget how much goes into the process of converting the fountain ever year.

[cdubbs727]

On 11/1/2025 at 11:56 PM, Losantiville Mining Co. said:

I have to wonder who in SF corporate wants to get rid of the winter events because (as we've said) it's looking that way. Fall and Winter events are the prime time to bring guests back and have them spend more money. They also, notably, add a lot of value to a season pass! So many people have remarked about the perceived value that Haunt and Winterfest add to their season passes, so why take that away (genuine question)? I cannot believe that most of the winter events held on that long without making enough money. It feels like it'd be a very slippery slope to cancel even more events next year. 

I could more see them scaling the event down like this, first closing the areas outlined in red, then the ones in green if they need to cut even more. Cutting more than that would probably jeopardize the quality of the event too much (after already taking it down to the size of the 2005 event).

 

As for changing up the ride lineup, I'd vote to add Woodstock Express over Adventure Express if it needs another roller coaster. Losing the most accessible indoor attraction for this year's event is sad, but I think it's well worth it for Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare.

I'd love it if they could turn one of the arcades into a warming station, though moving all of the equipment into temporary storage might be too much work. Maybe I'll try to come up with my own Winterfest wish list and post it somewhere here.

I feel like you could probably lose Action Zone, as I'm not sure there's anything too memorable there that you couldn't just move elsewhere. 

Losing Antique Autos would take a really great, Christmas-y attraction. It's fun to drive through there with all the lights ... would definitely be missed. And if they ever had to close the train, I feel like that would be the final nail in the coffin for Winterfest. I think it's personally a bit too short of a train ride, but it's probably the most traditional Christmas attraction you can have an amusement park. Feels like it's essential. 

I wonder if they're actually losing money on the Winterfest buffet on International Street. I'm sure they sell out, but I'm also sure it's a lot of money to make all that food. I wonder if they'd be better to make it a drink-and-dessert place. Stop in, do hot cocoa with a toppings bar. Some deserts. Maybe open up the bar. Limit people to 30 minutes in there to warm up, enjoy their drinks and enjoy the view, and then keep people moving through and spending money. 

[Timchat2]

Some blue and white Christmas lights were glowing in Action Zone on Friday night, so it appears that area is still being used for WinterFest this year.

The lights were also up in the White Water Canyon tunnel that becomes the queue for the train.

[Eric FL]

I see they are testing the lighting on IS this evening, and the Grain & Grill building lights are still out. Are we to assume it's a lost cause they will be repaired/replaced for Winterfest, if at all.

[super7]

6 hours ago, cdubbs727 said:

I feel like you could probably lose Action Zone, as I'm not sure there's anything too memorable there that you couldn't just move elsewhere. 

Losing Antique Autos would take a really great, Christmas-y attraction. It's fun to drive through there with all the lights ... would definitely be missed. And if they ever had to close the train, I feel like that would be the final nail in the coffin for Winterfest. I think it's personally a bit too short of a train ride, but it's probably the most traditional Christmas attraction you can have an amusement park. Feels like it's essential. 

I wonder if they're actually losing money on the Winterfest buffet on International Street. I'm sure they sell out, but I'm also sure it's a lot of money to make all that food. I wonder if they'd be better to make it a drink-and-dessert place. Stop in, do hot cocoa with a toppings bar. Some deserts. Maybe open up the bar. Limit people to 30 minutes in there to warm up, enjoy their drinks and enjoy the view, and then keep people moving through and spending money. 

I think having attractions like the train that the entire family can ride together are key to this event.   Kings Dominion Winterfest failed competing against Busch Gardens, which has multiple family attractions to enjoy the lights. Carowinds Winterfest has also been drastically changed and it lacks a great family attraction as well.

It appears that these events just regurgitate season passholders, and then Six Flags small cost cutting minds they don’t make any money because the season pass holders aren’t paying to get in the gate and the season meal plan holders aren’t buying any food. The season meal plans are a terrible business decision that has affected these events negatively.   But cutting out these events, just reduces the value of the season pass.   I know myself if they discontinue Winterfest in Kings Island I will no longer buy a season pass regardless of the price.

it also speaks of the gross mismanagement of Cedar Fair that they could pull crowds at these events like they did not make them profitable.   From the beginning, Winterfest should’ve been some kind of ad on the season pass and the season meal plan should’ve never been included with the event.
also, they are so terrible at running theme parks. They cannot figure out how to run these events more than just the weekends except for the school break weeks.   So the limited number of operating days makes it hard to justify the labor involved in the lights, etc.
 

Dollywood runs their event daily, and even Busch Gardens runs their event daily in December.    Their assets aren’t sitting dormant like six flags assets are during this event

 

[SonofBaconator]

7 hours ago, Losantiville Mining Co. said:

Didn't the train have an "I'll be home for Christmas" theme during Winterfest 1.0 or 2.0? I think it'd be pretty cool if they were able to make 12 Days of Christmas only one part of the ride, then go into other storylines about the holiday season.

During Paramount’s attempt there was a soldier that came back to their loved one. 

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

7 hours ago, cdubbs727 said:

I wonder if they're actually losing money on the Winterfest buffet on International Street. I'm sure they sell out, but I'm also sure it's a lot of money to make all that food. I wonder if they'd be better to make it a drink-and-dessert place. Stop in, do hot cocoa with a toppings bar. Some deserts. Maybe open up the bar. Limit people to 30 minutes in there to warm up, enjoy their drinks and enjoy the view, and then keep people moving through and spending money. 

I'd be shocked if the Winterfest dinner in the International Restaurant doesn't at least make its money back. That feels like the sort of thing that is priced to make a profit. It's also the one thing I feel like I can definitively say: if it doesn't make a profit, someone is grossly mismanaging something.

1 hour ago, super7 said:

I think having attractions like the train that the entire family can ride together are key to this event.   Kings Dominion Winterfest failed competing against Busch Gardens, which has multiple family attractions to enjoy the lights. Carowinds Winterfest has also been drastically changed and it lacks a great family attraction as well.

It appears that these events just regurgitate season passholders, and then Six Flags small cost cutting minds they don’t make any money because the season pass holders aren’t paying to get in the gate and the season meal plan holders aren’t buying any food. The season meal plans are a terrible business decision that has affected these events negatively.   But cutting out these events, just reduces the value of the season pass.   I know myself if they discontinue Winterfest in Kings Island I will no longer buy a season pass regardless of the price.

it also speaks of the gross mismanagement of Cedar Fair that they could pull crowds at these events like they did not make them profitable.   From the beginning, Winterfest should’ve been some kind of ad on the season pass and the season meal plan should’ve never been included with the event.
also, they are so terrible at running theme parks. They cannot figure out how to run these events more than just the weekends except for the school break weeks.   So the limited number of operating days makes it hard to justify the labor involved in the lights, etc.
 

Dollywood runs their event daily, and even Busch Gardens runs their event daily in December.    Their assets aren’t sitting dormant like six flags assets are during this event

A train is indeed a very important part for any holiday event. I think if Kings Dominion had more experiences for their guests overall, corporate might've deemed it worthy to keep (although that idea of someone wanting to do away with these events is lingering in my head). You are correct in saying that Winterfest should be an ad for the season pass. I'll have to find the GreenTagged video that said it, but basically guests should enjoy the park(s) during the summer and then be enticed to come back for "free" to the Fall and Winter events. Removing the meal plan from Winterfest would probably not go well. They could reduce the regular menus to add new options, but removing it entirely would give guests a reason to spend less time in the park overall. They should want guests to stay in the park instead of arriving late or leaving early to go to dinner.

Mismanagement is the word of the day every day at the Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. They do some stuff right, but for management to be this faulty so often feels like something is seriously off.

Dollywood and Busch Gardens Williamsburg also almost definitely pay enough in wages for adults to come work during the week in December. Dollywood's food and beverage appears to start at $16.50/hour, which is a lot better than the $11-$15/hour for the same position at Carowinds. If the challenge is that a sizeable chunk of your workforce is made up of students who can't work during the week then perhaps the solution would be to find out how you can hire more adults.

[super7]

I agree it would be very difficult to take away the meal plans in anyway. But the meal plans should’ve never been part of Winterfest. That was a huge business error. In fact, implementing the meal plans at all was a huge business error.   The whole point of the season passes is to get people to come back and spend money. This defeats that. I know there will be the people that say they spend money on something else since they don’t have to pay for the meals, but they’re still getting nonprofitable meals, and I would guess the majority of the people on the meal plan. Don’t feel obligated to spend anything when they come back. 
 

The holiday events that seem to be the most successful, Dollywood and Busch Gardens. Do not include any form of a meal plan.    They also include higher quality, entertainment, and experiences such as the train that everyone can do together.    I also don’t feel these events, push up charge attractions such as ice-skating and cooking decorating etc.   these events are profitable through admissions and selling food.     Both of which Six Flags/Cedar Fair has given away at the gate. 
 

One other note about these events is that they are an excellent opportunity for these companies to bring in new customers that have absolutely no interest in amusement rides. Because the park is now this magical Christmas village.   The rides are secondary.  
 

Carowinds has chosen to totally abandon this aspect of the event and just provide more ride operating days by closing at 7 PM.    Which is just going to attract the same people that come for the rides in the summertime and most likely have season passes a meal plans and won’t spend any money
 

 

[Timchat2]

https://www.sixflags.com/kingsisland/shows

The redesigned website is listing WinterFest shows including a new show called Tinker's Jingle Bell Ball.

[CoasterJack]

On 11/1/2025 at 5:04 PM, BeeastFarmer said:

I hear that ice skate times may be reduced from 90 minute time frame to 30 minute slots to sell more.

How can they logistically do this?  By having people enter every thirty minutes during a 90 minute period and then zamboni it?  How would they get group one and two off the ice?

This is probably the biggest selling upcharge for the event, and probably one of those most expensive line items. If they screw this up, which corporate seems to have a nack for doing, WF could be a flop.

If it's a flop, will they continue it?  Are they purposely trying to sabotage things and get WinterFest off the table?

Looks like they're sticking to the 90ish minute sessions. Pricing seems to be included as well. I would advise from fully purchasing any skating tickets quite yet, as it still says coming soon and that portion of the site doesn't seem 100% finished.

[disco2000]

33 minutes ago, CoasterJack said:

Looks like they're sticking to the 90ish minute sessions. Pricing seems to be included as well. I would advise from fully purchasing any skating tickets quite yet, as it still says coming soon and that portion of the site doesn't seem 100% finished.

 

One thing we have learned is that things are subject to change with or without notice.

Wonderland has already changed theirs to 30min sessions.

[disco2000]

Apparently it is pick your pricing LOL