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Updated: October 31, 2024
The holiday season is fast approaching, and it’s that wonderful time of year when theme parks across the United States transform into winter wonderlands filled with festive delights. Christmas events at theme parks offer a unique blend of holiday magic, family-friendly fun, yummy food experiences, and the promise of unforgettable memories.
I’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing the holidays at any theme park, but this year I’m making a change of that and I’m enthused.
So Theme Park Bites would like to present to you the ultimate guide: the complete list of theme park Christmas events across the USA, coupled with a mouthwatering exploration of the seasonal treats that await you.
Looking for Halloween events? Halloween Theme Park Events Across the USA
Top Theme Park Holiday Events and Limited-Edition Treats
From coast to coast, theme parks all over the country come alive with the spirit of Christmas. Parks filled with trees, tinsel, snowflakes, and dazzling lights are in store with exceptionally delicious foods (no seriously, I got so hungry while coming up with this list)!
There are parks within small operators, medium-sized operators, and the large operators, but we’ll talk about the larger operators at they host some of the best theme park Christmas events in the country.
Some of the top theme parks that host these elaborate events, along with their seasonal offerings, include:
Disneyland (California)
I think it’s fair to start this list off with Disneyland, the first of the Disney parks in existence, and Walt Disney World, as they do things with a huge bang. This park celebrates more than one event at both of their parks – Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park – so there’s more than enough to do for the entire family.
From Festival of Holidays to ¡Viva Navidad! to Santa’s Holiday Visit, there is truly an opportunity to feel the goodness of the holiday everywhere you turn. Of course, don’t forget that the hotels and Downtown Disney will also have special treats up for order, too!
You’ll find an abundance of holiday classics all the way to multicultural, diverse cuisine such as Tacos Gobernador, Filipino Feast Burritos, Caramel Crispy Churro Shakes, Milk and Cookies Funnel Cake Fries, Thanks-mas Sandwiches, and Hyperdrive Holiday Chicken Sandwiches.
And would you believe that that’s only a few of the delicious items on a list of over what looks to be roughly 40 new treats? Insane!
Walt Disney World (Florida)
Hard ticket (separate ticket aside from regular admission) event Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns every year with new menus, new characters, and new opportunities for experiences.
While the parks are decorated for their respective parties, in order to get rare character photos and some of the limited-edition seasonal treats you’ll have to buy tickets for all events.
You’ll find food to be a major draw with almost all-new menus with items such as a Holiday Pot Roast Melt (sounds so delicious, yum?!?!?!), Holiday Waffle Sundae, and Italian Beef Tots.
New to Hollywood Studios as of 2023 is the swanky and dapper Jollywood Nights (also hard-ticket). During the inaugural year the amassment of foods to try came in a variety of flavors: Yuca con Chicharrón, Spicy Korean Chicken Funnel Cake, Mistletoe Martini’s, Oyster Rockefeller, and Christmas Gertie Cookies!
(And if you’ve never been to Hollywood Studios, Gertie is the massive green dinosaur that is incredibly difficult to miss as you walk throughout the park.)
If I had anything to say, they really went all out for this new event.
And last (and certainly not least), over at EPCOT you’ll find the International Festival of the Holidays all about celebrating holidays around the world.
There were some new items on 2023’s menu such as Rugalach, Sweet Potato Mochi Cake, Tamale de Barbacoa, and Dolce Pizza. But don’t pass up the Cookie Stroll to grab a variety of cookies like the Linzer Cookie, Spice Chocolate Cookie, and what I feel is the super cute Salted Caramel Spaceship Earth Cookie.
But before I head off to other destinations, don’t forget about the many restaurants at Disney Springs if you’re unable to get into the parks (or want to avoid the crazy park crowds, I don’t blame you), the restaurants out there will also be celebrating the festive season. You also have the Disney hotels, too!
In 2023, some of those locations were Morimoto Asia, Amorette’s Patisserie, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, and Vivoli il Gelato all at Disney Springs, you’ll find the hotels celebrating with a Holiday Shake at Beaches and Cream Soda Shop (Beach Club) and a Snowman Choux at Gasparilla Island Grill (Grand Floridian) among others.
Curious to see what the 2024 season brings.
But as you can see there is something for everyone at Disney, enjoy!
Universal Hollywood and Orlando (California, Florida)
Unlike Disney there are no hard-ticket events for Universal, instead the entire experience comes with your regularly priced ticket.
With fun holiday events such as the much-anticipated Grinchmas, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and the Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, there is also a merry time to be had with a couple live performances of Mannheim Steamroller, too (I looove their music!).
When it comes to food however, Universal doesn’t hold back, but they don’t go nearly as hard as Disney. They have an adorable Grinches Heart on a Pillow (which is a cookie, but looks oh so fluffy!), Chocolate Pressed S’mores, a Coquito Igloo (omg!?!?!), and a Turkey Dinner Sandwich.
Don’t be afraid to hit up Universal CityWalk and the hotels as they’ll have some food offerings for those willing to venture into those spaces, too! Since CityWalk has independently operated restaurants it’s all up to them whether or not they’ll move forward to do something holiday related, FYI.
SeaWorld (California, Florida, Texas)
Throwing their annual Christmas Celebration, SeaWorld throws one of the best Christmas events in the USA. With all of the bright lights and decor, SeaWorld does a great job of putting on a true show.
With three parks around the US in central areas they are easy locations to get to if you’re interested in making your way out to this marine haven.
Some food options in the Orlando location during the 2023 season included Jingle Totchos, Joyful Chicken and Waffle, fan favorite Bison Burger, and Premium Ghirardelli Hot Cocoa, oh, and can’t forget the moonshine in four different flavors (Butter Pecan, Shine Nog, Banana Pudding Cream, and White Chocolate & Strawberry Cream).
In San Diego, you would have found options such as Bacon with Gouda Cheese, Banana Nutella Crepe, and a Mimosa Bar. Whereas in San Antonio, there is a Hot Cocoa trail, Smoked Brisket Frito Pie, Strawberry (and Oreo) Funnel Fries, and delicious Horchata.
As you might have noticed, each park has their own menu and what you see on one menu may not be what it’s like at another, so make sure you take the time to check each out if you’re someone who can afford to hop around.
Dollywood (Tennessee)
Smoky Mountain Christmas screams traditional, quintessential Christmas vibes. Their event gives us glorious holiday decorations + delicious food = perfect combination and I love it so much. However, while their holiday event is amazingly wholesome (because, hello, Dolly Parton?!?!), their food is the real star of the show.
You can grab a Tasting Pass (there’s one for regular ticket holders and one for Gold and Diamond season passholders) to “try up to five festival foods for one low price” and for the price, I’d be taking it so quickly!
With a decent menu, you’ll find some specials like Hot Cocoa Cupcakes, Eggnog Milkshakes, Pork Belly Skillet, Christmas Toastie Sandwich, and Margherita Flatbread. And that’s just to name a few!
Don’t hold back trying as much as you can – Dollywood is, after all, known as one of the Best Parks with the Best Christmas Event according to The Golden Ticket Awards 2023 (which they took home five awards, which is impressive!).
Silver Dollar City (Missouri)
An Old Time Christmas is akin to Dollywood as they are owned by the same parent company. Wholesome family-friendly fun with ridiculously delicious food are on the menu.
They offer an array of seasonal treats, and if you buy a Christmas Tasting Passport you gain access to five items on their menu at any given time. Mind you, it doesn’t have to happen all in the same day. According to their website all tasting choices must be redeemed during the duration of the event, so go as many times as you need to use them all up!
But with choices like Tomato Basil Soup, Cinnamon Sugar Churro (with Peppermint Dipping Sauce), Calico Potato Skillet with Ham, Molasses Cookies, Ozarks Chili, and Gingerbread Funnel Cakes, I don’t know if you’ll realistically last multiple trips!
Knott’s Berry Farm (California)
The Boysenberry Capital of the world (not really, but, you catch my drift, sorry New Zealand), Knott’s Berry Farm hosts their own holiday celebration in the form of Knott’s Merry Farm.
With a variety of cookies, cupcakes, and other desserts, Knott’s’ spread is a reason to go to their holiday event alone. Imagine a ginormous Turkey Ball on a bed of Mashed Potatoes and gravy or an Artichoke & Spinach Dip Pizza or some ridiculously delicious sounding (tasting, too) Brussel Sprouts with Cranberries.
There is a feast to be had; enjoy it!
Legoland (California, Florida, New York)
You’ve got your choice on every coast. At Legoland California and Florida, you’ve got Holidays at Legoland, while in New York, you’ve got Holiday Bricktacular. Both events are essentially the same, just a different name (but Bricktacular is arguably a better name).
Christmas trees crafted out of legos, character meet-and-greets, and sending letters to Santa, there’s a lot to do during the holidays here. Of course, the holidays are always better with food – lots and lots of it!
Between all the parks, you might find Granny’s Toffee Apple Fries, Merry Mixed Salad, Better Than (Santa’s) Cookie Milkshake, and even a Cro-ignet (a croissant-beignet hybrid that sounds ridiculously good!). And if you happen to go, please, please, p l e a s e send me a cro-ignet.
Busch Gardens (Florida, Virginia)
Considered one of the best Christmas events of 2023 (according to The Golden Ticket Awards) the Williamsburg location is making a name for itself as having one of the largest light displays in North America. So, if you weren’t even in need of anything else, you could stop here and be very happy.
However, if you’re here for some sweets and holiday beverages, here we go:
Between the Tampa Bay and Williamsburg parks, you’re bound to find a different menu at each location in celebration of their Christmas Town festivities. I was able to find the Tampa Bay’s 2023 menu, so I can only hope that the menu at Williamsburg surpasses this in some way.
From every-day fare to fancier entrées, Busch Gardens really tries to cater to everyone. I’m seeing Seared Scallops with Ruby Red Couscous and Goat Cheese Crumbles, Mele Kalikimaka cocktails made with Hot Cocoa and Kahlua Coconut Rum, Fresh Baked Deep Dish Cookies, and Spinach Feta Stuffed Pretzels.
And to imagine that this is just the Tampa Bay location, yum.
If you’re into imbibing while out and about, there are also wine tastings and a wide range of beer and cocktails to try, too. And if you’re looking to save some money they do have a Food and Beverage Sampler pass (either 5 or 10 items) that you can add to your trip in.
Hersheypark (Pennyslvania)
A drive-thru light show, Santa’s shop, Kissmas Tree, Hersheypark has something for every member of the family. Their Christmas Candylane event is sure to be an absolute smash not only with events but with seasonal treat offerings as well.
I’m especially excited for the King Size Shakes in Frozen Hot Chocolate, Reese’s, and Caramel Apple Pie. LIKE HELLO? I want one right now. Of course, that’s not all they have to offer – from hot chocolate, loaded baked potatoes, a holiday hot dog with cranberry sriracha spread, and yummy spiked drinks, this seems like such a fun way to celebrate the holidays.
… With chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate of course.
I do think that they could extend their menu further as it is pretty bare bones, but it’s the thought that counts after all.
Lake Compounce (Connecticut)
Last, but certainly not least, we come across the nation’s oldest amusement park, Lake Compounce in Bristol, CT celebrating the holidays with their Holiday Lights. Even though this is my home state, I have never been to their holiday celebrations.
The smallest park on our list, it doesn’t mean they aren’t putting together a little somethin’-somethin’ for the masses. They are known to put up the largest Christmas tree in the state so if you’ve got nothing to do and are in the area maybe stop by to check it out.
My favorite thing in a theme park is funnel cake and they have Festive Fried Dough with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and cherry sauce.
But if you’re also looking for other treats, you can find a cookie decorating station as an activity (yes, please!), a hot cocoa bar, DIY S’mores, and a holiday dinner comprised of Turkey Leg, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Sweet Potatoes, and Mac & Cheese with a side of cranberry sauce.
Listen, their menu may be small, but it is mighty.
Holiday-Specific Theme Parks
OK, so while those parks above are some of the top theme parks, these are a couple holiday-centric parks that are all about Christmas if you’re looking for just that right amount of ho-ho-ho and Meeeerry Christmas!
North Pole (Colorado)
A vintage amusement park located out in Colorado Springs, this park is home to Santa’s Village. They’re open throughout the summer and then for the holiday season.
They have rides for all ages, even infant-friendly rides like the Carousel and Ferris Wheel. And the family can meet with the big fella himself, Santa. 🎅🏻 Also if you’re feeling the Christmas spirit you can also send off a letter to Santa, too, so he has it in his mailbox back home.
There doesn’t seem to be anything of particular importance regarding food at this location, however, they do sell hot chocolate and that’s exactly what I expect to see at the North Pole (that and lots of candy canes!).
Santa’s Workshop (New York)
Located in North Pole (YES!), New York, if you’re looking for a very family-friendly, tame kind of theme park for the holidays, Santa’s Workshop is a great destination for you and the littles. They are only open on the weekends though as an FYI.
It doesn’t have much in the way of excitement like that of Disney or Universal, but it is a sweet reminder of the true peacefulness of the holiday times, and I’m honestly unsure what their food situation looks like, but I’m sure they at least have hot chocolate for those super cold days!
They do have a Dinner with Santa that happens on select nights that is reservation only, so I’d hop on that pronto if you’re looking for something fun and unique for the winter.
How to Navigate the List
There’s really no shortness of holiday attractions, dazzling lights, and mouthwatering eats, and planning your Christmas adventure can be as exciting as the events themselves. Before heading out make sure to check each park’s official website for the latest event details, including dates, ticket information, and any COVID-19 related updates.
To fully immerse yourself in the festive experience don’t forget to explore the unique seasonal food offerings that each park brings to the table. Enjoy!
The Complete List of Theme Park Christmas Events by Regions
Unlike the Halloween events guide, this includes all of the theme parks in the United States of America that are celebrating Holiday and Christmas events. Not every state has theme parks that host events unfortunately so if you’re able try your neighboring state if you can make a quick drive!
Midwest • Northeast • Southeast • Southwest • West Coast
Check out the festivals page for food guides, food reviews, etc.
🎄 = Confirmed date
Midwest
Illinois:
Santa’s Village ‣ Magical Christmas Drive-Thru, November 29 – December 29 🎄
Six Flags Great America ‣ Hosting World of Illumination’s Arctic Adventure, TBD
Minnesota:
Nickelodeon Universe ‣ Happy Holidays Events, November 12 – January 2 🎄
Valleyfair ‣ Christmas in Color, TBD
Missouri:
Silver Dollar City ‣ An Old Time Christmas, November 2 – December 30 🎄
Six Flags St. Louis ‣ Hosting World of Illumination’s Cosmic Sleigh Ride, TBD
Ohio:
Kings Island ‣ Winterfest, November 22 – December 21 🎄
Northeast
Connecticut:
Lake Compounce ‣ Holiday Lights, November 29 – December 29 🎄
Massachusetts:
Edaville Family Theme Park ‣ Festival of Lights, November 8 – December 31 from Thursdays to Sundays 🎄
New Hampshire:
Santa’s Village ‣ Christmastime, November 9 – December 22 on select nights 🎄
New Jersey:
Casino Pier ‣ Christmas at Casino Arcade, December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 🎄
Diggerland ‣ Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show, November 15 – January 12 🎄
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk ‣ Sea of Lights, December 7, 14, 21, 22, 28 🎄
Nickelodeon Universe ‣ Nick the Halls, TBD
Six Flags Great Adventure ‣ Holiday in the Park, November 23 -January 1 🎄
Storybook Land ‣ Christmas Fantasy with Lights, November 16 – December 30 🎄
New York:
Bayville Adventure Park ‣ Winter Wonderland, December 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 26-31, January 1 🎄
Coney Island ‣ Frost Fest, November 23 – January 1 🎄
Legoland New York Resort ‣ Holiday Bricktacular, November 16 – December 31 on select nights 🎄
Santa’s Workshop ‣ Yuletide Family Weekends, November 15 – December 15 / Village of Lights, December 1, 8, 15-21 🎄
Pennsylvania:
Dutch Wonderland ‣ Dutch Winter Wonderland, November 16 – January 1 🎄
Hersheypark ‣ Christmas Candylane, November 15 – January 1 🎄
Kennywood ‣ Holiday Lights, November 15 – January 1 on weekends and select nights 🎄
Knoebels Amusement Resort ‣ Joy Through the Grove, November 29-30, December 1-23, 26-31 🎄
Sesame Place ‣ A Very Furry Christmas Celebration, November 17 – January 7 🎄
Southeast
Alabama:
Alabama Adventure ‣ Hosting Magic of Lights, November 22 – January 4 🎄
Florida:
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay ‣ Christmas Town, November 15 – January 5 🎄
Christmas Wonderland ‣ Christmas Wonderland, November 14 – January 5 🎄
Fun Spot ‣ Huge Christmas, TBD
Gatorland ‣ Holiday Ho Ho Ho-Down, TBD
Kennedy Space Center ‣ Holidays in Space, December 20 – 30 🎄
Legoland Florida Resort ‣ Holidays at Legoland, November 29 – December 31 🎄
Santa’s Enchanted Forest ‣ Santa’s Enchanted Forest, TBD (closed for 2024 season)
SeaWorld Orlando ‣ Christmas Celebration, November 8 – January 2 🎄
Universal Orlando Resort ‣ Holidays at Universal Orlando, November 22 – December 31 🎄
Walt Disney World Resort ‣ EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays, November 29 – December 30 / Hollywood Studios’ Jollywood Nights, November 9 – December 21 / Magic Kingdom’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, November 8 – December 20 🎄
Georgia:
Fun Spot Atlanta ‣ Huge Christmas, TBD
Six Flags Over Georgia ‣ Holiday in the Park, November 23 – January 5 🎄
Wild Adventures ‣ Christmas Wild & Bright, November 23 – December 31 🎄
North Carolina:
Carowinds ‣ Winterfest, November 15 – December 31 🎄
Tennessee:
Dollywood ‣ Smoky Mountain Christmas, November 1 – January 5 🎄
Skyland Ranch ‣ Festival of Lights, November 1 – January 20 🎄
Virginia:
Busch Gardens Williamsburg ‣ Christmas Town, November 15 – January 5 🎄
Kings Dominion ‣ Winterfest, November 29 – December 31 🎄
Southwest
Arizona:
Enchanted Island Amusement Park ‣ Winter Wonderland Express, December 14-15, 21-22 🎄
Texas:
Kemah Boardwalk ‣ Jingle on the Boardwalk, December 1 – December 22 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 🎄
SeaWorld San Antonio ‣ Christmas Celebration, November 7 – December 31 🎄
Six Flags Fiesta Texas ‣ Holiday in the Park, November 23 – December 23 / Rockin’ New Years Celebration, December 26 – January 5 🎄
Six Flags Over Texas ‣ Holiday in the Park, November 24 – December 31 🎄
Yesterland Farm ‣ Christmas Carnival, November 29 – December 23 🎄
West Coast
California:
Belmont Park ‣ Winter Wonderland, TBD
California’s Great America ‣ Winterfest, November 24 – December 31 🎄
Castle Park ‣ Duke’s Very Merry Village, TBD
Children’s Fairyland ‣ Fairy Winterland, December 14-15, 18-23, & 26-30 🎄
Disneyland Resort ‣ Festival of Holidays, November 15 – January 6 🎄
Fiesta Village Family Fun Park ‣ Holiday Lights Golf, TBD
Gilroy Gardens ‣ North Pole Nights, November 29 – December 31 🎄
Golfland Sunsplash ‣ Winter Wonderland, TBD
Knotts Berry Farm ‣ Knott’s Merry Farm, November 22 – January 5 🎄
Legoland California Resort ‣ Holidays at Legoland, November 23 – December 31 🎄
Playland Fresno ‣ Sleighland, December 6, 13, 20 🎄
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk ‣ Boardwalk Winter Wonderland, November 28 – January 5 🎄
SeaWorld San Diego ‣ Christmas Celebration, November 15 – January 5 🎄
Sesame Place ‣ A Very Furry Christmas Celebration, November 9 – January 5 🎄
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom ‣ Holiday in the Park, November 29 – January 5 on select nights 🎄
Six Flags Magic Mountain ‣ Holiday in the Park, November 28 – December 29 🎄
Sky Park at Santa’s Village ‣ Holiday Season, November 16 – January 5 🎄
Universal Studios Hollywood ‣ Holidays, November 29 – January 6 🎄
Colorado:
Elitch Gardens ‣ Hosting Luminova Holidays, November 29 – December 31 🎄
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park ‣ Winter on the Mountain, November 15 – January 4 🎄
Santa’s Workshop ‣ Holiday Season, November 2 – December 24 🎄
Hawai’i:
Sea Life Park ‣ Holiday Luau, TBD
Happy Holidays!
As you can see, Christmas events at theme parks offer a unique and magical way to celebrate the holiday season with your family. Beyond the captivating lights and entertainment, these events also provide an opportunity to indulge in seasonal treats that are as delightful as they are delicious (because yes!).
The diverse range of holiday decorations, entertainment options, and mouthwatering food ensures that there’s something for everyone to enjoy – did you see those huge shakes at Hersheypark? I mean hello!
I hope this complete list helps you plan your holiday adventures and create heartwarming memories. Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
And if you haven’t as of yet, please follow us on our other social media channels (YouTube, Instagram & Tik Tok – @themeparkbites) to stay up to date on food reviews. Thank you for allowing us to be your tasty theme park companion!