MASON, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Kings Island’s popular holiday event, WinterFest, is set to return on select dates from Nov. 28 through Dec. 31, 2025, transforming the park into a winter wonderland with more than 7 million twinkling lights and nearly 100 holiday attractions.
The event will feature two all-new shows for the 2025 season: Tinker’s Jingle Bell Ball, a lively musical show with a visit from Santa at the Kings Island Theater, and It’s Christmas, Charlie Brown!, a joyful holiday show featuring the PEANUTS® characters at PEANUTS Showplace.
“This is a very special time of year for our guests and it’s a great chance to connect with friends and loved ones from near or far,” said Tony Carovillano, park manager of Kings Island. “Each holiday season, our team takes so much pride in creating an atmosphere that warms your heart. From the millions of lights to the familiar music to the gingerbread cookies and hot chocolate, WinterFest is an annual tradition for all to enjoy.”
The centerpiece of the celebration is the nightly tree-lighting ceremony, where the iconic Eiffel Tower transforms into a 300-foot-tall Christmas tree adorned with thousands of lights.
Classic WinterFest favorites returning include Snow Flake Lake ice skating on the park’s main fountain, the nightly WinterFest Wonderland Parade at 8:30 p.m., and the holiday sounds of The Mistletones in Coney Mall. Guests can also enjoy decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus, meeting Santa, and watching professionals create ice sculptures.
For thrill-seekers, a selection of family and high-thrill rides will be operating, including Mystic Timbers, The Racer, and Flight of Fear with its seasonal “Flight of Cheer” overlay.
The Kings Island culinary team is offering a festive menu with savory and sweet seasonal treats, such as “It’s a Wonderful Chop,” Shepherd’s Pie, and Peppermint Bark Brownies, along with hot chocolate and specialty cocktails.
WinterFest will conclude with the New Year’s Eve Celebration, featuring a live DJ and a fireworks spectacular at midnight to ring in 2026. A special early countdown and balloon drop for children will take place at 10 p.m. at Tinker’s Dance Party. Guests can also book the “New Year’s Eve Under the Lights” specialty dining experience for premium views and a midnight champagne toast.
Guests can purchase a 2026 Gold Pass for unlimited WinterFest visits this year, plus admission to Kings Island and Soak City Water Park throughout 2026. The pass also grants access to the all-new Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare family dark ride, which is scheduled to open in 2026.