171202 Carowinds Winterfest Entry Sign ©Nick Cox

The pumpkin lattes are fading with the leaves as peppermint starts to fill the air. Work has begun on the transformation of Where the Carolinas Come Together into a winter wonderland with the return of Winterfest to Carowinds.

Winterfest events across Cedar Fair parks have not only turned into a simply breathe taking spectacle, but also a family tradition since being introduced in 2017 to Carowinds, Kings Island, and Worlds of Fun (Winterfest is also a recurring event at California’s Great America (2016), and will debut at Kings Dominion in 2018 and Canada’s Wonderland in 2019.).

When Carowinds opens for Winterfest on November 18, 2018, guests will not only see lots of returning favorites like ice skating on Snow Flake Lake, various themed shows, and 24 rides, but also some new features.

Jack Frost’s Igloo Village

New for 2018, guests will be able to reserve VIP igloo’s to use throughout the duration of your night.

Reservations are now being accepted for $299 for four guests (additional guests $29.99 up to a max of 8 people).

Use of the igloo includes concierge services such as: igloo food & beverage delivery, reserved seating at select shows, event host to plan-out your night, hot chocolate souvenir mug and cookie decorating, and a complimentary ice skating or carriage ride session.

New Themed Stores, Areas and Shows

171125 Kings Island Winterfest Ice Carver

Carowinds will offer some new shopping experiences with the introduction of Holiday Traditions and Tinsel Town Treasures.

The new North Pole Excursion area will give guests the change to enjoy carriage rides and Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen. New for 2018, North Pole Excursions will feature live ice carving demonstrations!

Tinsel Town is another exciting new themed area reminiscent from the classic 1950’s Christmas!

A new Charlie Brown’s Campfire show will immerse guests in classic campfire songs while enjoying holiday treats! Returning favorite shows include the tree lighting ceremony, Charlie Brown’s Christmas Spectacular, The Mistletones, and Tinker’s Toy Factory and many more along with the Reindeer Roundup and the Coca-Cola Polar Bear Party!

Carriage Rides

171202 Carowinds Winterfest Horse Drawn Carriage ©Nick Cox

Horse-drawn carriage rides were introduced for the 2017 Carowinds Winterfest and will be returning again for 2018. Of note, is that the carriage rides will be rolled out at California’s Great America, Kings Island and Worlds of Fun this season.

Carowinds Winterfest Season Pass Preview Night

Being a passholder at Carowinds is extremely valuable, and the park is offering a special incentive to come out and enjoy Winterfest before the general public.

On Saturday, November 17, season passholders can experience Winterfest for an exclusive event.

As if this was not awesome enough, be one of the first 5,000 passholders to the park and receive a FREE Copperhead Strike neck lanyard!

Carowinds Winterfest Tickets

171202 Carowinds Winterfest Fury 325 Santa Sleigh ©Nick Cox

Of course a season pass is the best option since it includes free admission and parking for Carowinds Winterfest. However, Winterfest tickets have also been reasonably priced for the spectacular event our family considers a must attend with prices starting as low as $26!

Carowinds is offering an amazing deal on December 21 for the The Wacky, Tacky, Cackalacky, Ugly Sweater Party! Wear an ugly Christmas sweater to the park and knock $20 off an admission ticket purchased at the gate ($39), making it only $19, which is a tremendous value!

New Year’s Eve at Carowinds WinterFest

We are VERY excited to see Winterfest parks extending the holiday events through New Year’s Eve! Carowinds will be open for a special New Year’s Eve at WinterFest on December 31. Guests can experience Winterfest until 10:00 pm, and then the park switches over to New Year’s Eve festivities which include Midnight Fireworks, Live Bands, Snoopy’s Rockin’ NYE Party with DJ, Extended games and music in Coca-Cola Polar Bear Plaza, and Charlie Brown’s NYE Celebration Show!

As season passholders, we can not wait to experience the new Winterfest at Carowinds in 2018! Plus, guests will be able to sneak a peak on the status of Copperhead Strike during their visit in preparation for 2019!

Stay tuned for detailed information on all the 2018 Carowinds Winterfest specialty menu items!

Carowinds Copperhead Strike Corkscrew
Copperhead Strike is full of twists and turns like this corkscrew

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