Celebrate the holiday season at Carowinds’ WinterFest, the Carolinas’ immersive holiday tradition set to captivate guests on select nights from November 17, 2023, to January 1, 2024.

Carowinds invites guests to embrace the holiday season with 28 days of festivities, including dazzling light displays featuring millions of shimmering lights, ice skating, family activities, festive live entertainment, delectable holiday-inspired comfort food, and attractions. Explore specialty holiday gift shops to find that perfect present and partake in holiday-themed games.

Festive Activities

New for this season, guests can engage with in-park elements to unlock distinctive experiences and effects using the Interactive WinterFest Wonder Wand. Artisan Alley further enhances the holiday spirit, with local crafters offering unique and handmade gifts that are perfect for holiday shopping.

Carowinds’ WinterFest offers family-friendly activities, including Santa’s Christmas Cabin for photos with Santa Claus, ice skating on Snow Flake Lake, North Pole Post Office for guests of all ages to create the perfect letter to Santa, and cookie decorating at Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen. New for this year is Tinker’s Reindeer Round-Up, where guests can join Tinker in a quest to save Christmas after Santa’s reindeer are set loose.

Live Shows

Guests will immerse themselves in the holiday spirit with festive live entertainment, including A PEANUTS Guide to Christmas, Cool Yule Christmas, Jingle Jazz, Polar Party, Snow and Glow, Sounds of the Nativity, The Down Home Duo, Tinker’s Toy Factory, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and TWAS: A Merry Mishap.

After an evening of merriment, guests can enjoy the WinterFest Wonderland Parade, a nightly procession featuring lavishly decorated floats, festive music, and captivating performers. The parade starts at 9:00 p.m. in Celebration Plaza, with show stops in Celebration Plaza, Thrill Zone, and County Fair.

Rides

And up to 28 rides, including thrills like Air Racers, Copperhead Strike, Fury 325, and family-friendly attractions like Flying Ace Balloon Race, will be operating to add to the festive fun.

Seasonal Treats

Executive Chef John Loukas has curated a festive menu featuring returning guest favorites such as holiday pull-apart bread and gourmet hot chocolate at Shake Central. New offerings include the bacon cinnamon roll, shrimp and crawfish étouffée, and white Christmas chicken pizza. Hot chocolate enthusiasts will find offerings throughout the park, with an option for refillable souvenir mugs featuring artwork by 12-year-old Alaina Koroskenyi of South Carolina. The design contest was conducted in partnership with A Kid Again, a non-profit dedicated to children with life-threatening conditions.

Merry Cocktails

For those seeking a unique holiday experience, check out the all-new Tacky Sweater Bar, an over-the-top bar adorned with Christmas decor featuring a selection of unique cocktails.

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