Imagine the perfect winter wonderland, full of cheery carolers, rosy-cheeked ice skaters, dazzling light displays, and the smell of holiday treats filling the crisp air as snow gently falls from the sky. Sounds like a scene pulled from one of Buddy the Elf’s dreams, right? Well, what sounds like a dream comes to life at Kings Island’s Winterfest every holiday season near our Mason apartments. Beginning in late November each year, Kings Island magically transforms into ten enchanted wonderlands each providing an unforgettable holiday experience offering holiday merriment for young and old alike. Get caught up in the nostalgia, get the perfect holiday card picture, and start a new holiday tradition at WinterFest, just a few minutes from our Mason apartments.
Get the most out of your time at WinterFest with this helpful guide that tells you everything you need to know about each enchanting wonderland.
International Street
With millions of glittering lights and continuous snow magically falling from the sky in the glow of the 314 ft. Christmas tree, International Street is the soul of WinterFest. Skate on the frozen waters of Snowflake Lake, decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus and enjoy dancing light displays along this sparkling avenue of holiday cheer.
What to see:
- Cool Yule Christmas – An upbeat show featuring youthful performers singing and dancing along to your favorite holiday hits accompanied by dazzling light displays and special effects.
- Four Drummers Drumming – They put the pa-rum pa-pa-pum in Christmas.
- Charlie Brown’s Christmas Spectacular – Dance and sing along to holiday classics and modern favorites with the whole PEANUTS gang as they tell a heartwarming tale that the whole family is sure to love.
- Lighting Ceremony – Rather than just have one lighting ceremony, WinterFest kicks off the holiday season each night with a ceremony bringing the lights of International Street to life.
- 314 ft. Christmas Tree – Each year the iconic Kings Island Eiffel Tower magically transforms into a 314 ft. Christmas tree that is a sight to behold.
What to do:
- Decorate Cookies with Mrs. Claus – Head over to Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen to get decorate cookies with the first lady of Christmas.
- Ice Skating – Test your ice-skating skills on Snowflake Lake. If you don’t own skates, don’t worry. Skate rental is included with each pass.
- Send Santa a Letter – Stop by the North Pole Post office to write a personal letter to Santa.
Where to eat:
- Sugar’s Cake Factory – Serving up holiday-themed sweet treats.
- Café du Pere Noel – Handcrafted gourmet holiday treats the whole family will love.
- Blitzen’s Hot Beverage Bar – Here you can try the famous Blue Hot Chocolate and other holiday treats.
- Prancer’s Pizza – Prancer partnered with Mr. LaRosa to provide the perfect pizza for WinterFest goers.
- Comet’s Café – Warm up with some hot chocolate and holiday treats.
- Tinker’s Spielzeug Haus – Chow down on some European inspired Christmas dishes and wash it all down with a holiday ale at Tinker’s Spielzeug Haus.
- Wishbone Grill – Perfect for meat lovers in the group. Enjoy holiday-inspired dishes such as Norseman’s Christmas Pork and Bacon-on-a-stick.
Rivertown Wonderland
Meet the big man himself, partake in some good ole’ fashioned caroling, and take a ride through the 12 Days of Christmas in Rivertown Wonderland.
What to see:
- Jingle Jazz – Enjoy a cappella renditions of holiday classics sung by Dickensian carolers.
What to do:
- St. Nick’s Pics – A holiday festival wouldn’t be complete without a picture with Santa himself.
- KI & Miami Valley Railroad – Boar this authentic steam locomotive for a ride through the 12 Days of Christmas.
- Mystic Timbers – If the KI & Miami Valley Railroad wasn’t heart-pumping enough for you, hop on Mystic Timbers for a wintertime thrill.
Where to eat:
- Claus Confectionary – Serving up holiday funnel cakes, donuts, and delicious Kings Island pull-a-part bread.
- 11 Pipers Piping Pizza – Enjoy a slice from a Cincinnati staple, LaRosa’s Pizzeria.
- Old St. Nick’s Potato Factory – Serving up fresh-cut fries, baked potatoes, and chicken fingers just like St. Nick would have them.
- Snow Day Buffet – Your traditional holiday meal served up buffet style and you don’t have to do the dishes!
Charlie Brown’s Christmas Town
Ring in the holiday season with the entire PEANUTS gang in Charlie Brown’s Christmas Town. Create your own Christmas decorations with Sally, help Charlie and Linus pick out a Christmas tree, and get holiday advice from the whole gang at A PEANTUS Guide to Christmas.
What to see:
- Sounds of the Nativity – Celebrate the origins of Christmas as carolers perform traditional Christmas classics in a manger complete with live farm animals.
- A PEANUTS Guide to Christmas – Get holiday advice from Charlie, Snoopy, and the whole gang in this holiday sing along.
- Holly Jolly Trolley – Keep an eye out for the Holly Jolly Trolley and the Holly Jolly Trollers as they spread the holiday spirit throughout Charlie Brown’s Christmas Town with live, interactive shows.
- What the Dickens?! – Watch on as the WinterFest carolers perform their version of the Christmas classic A Christmas Carol.
What to do:
- Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree Lot – Navigate a maze of Christmas trees to help Charlie and Linus find the perfect tree and learn the true meaning of Christmas.
- Sally’s Christmas Crafts – Hang out with Charlie Brown’s little sister and create a holiday craft to take home.
- Holiday Thrills – Plenty of Plante Snoopy rides are still open during WinterFest including favorites such as Boo Blasters on Boo Hill, Snoopy’s Space Buggies, Linus Launcher, Snoopy vs. Red Baron, and The Great Pumpkin Coaster.
Where to eat:
- Tiny Tots Hot Chocolate – Serving specialty popcorn, holiday treats, and, of course, hot chocolate.
Tinsel Town
As you stroll through Tinsel Town, the melodies of Christmas classics mixed with the vintage décor will take you back to Christmases of yesteryear. Add a little bit of snow and you’re hit with a wave of nostalgia that makes you feel like a kid on Christmas morning all over again.
What to see:
- The Mistletones – Listen to three songstresses as they perform holiday classics reminiscent of the 1950s.
What to do:
- Carriage Rides – Complete the perfect winter night with a ride through the dazzling lights of Tinsel Town in a horse-drawn carriage.
Where to eat:
- Tinsel Town Diner – In keep with the nostalgic theme, stop by the retro Tinsel Town Diner to try their new 12 Days of Christmas Burger.
Action Ice Zone
Chill out in this wonderland and experience the thrills of all things snow and ice. With everything from a giant inflatable snow globe, to fascinating ice-carving demonstrations, Action Ice Zone is the ‘coolest’ place at WinterFest.
What to see:
- WinterFest Snow Globe – This life-size inflatable snow globe is a sight to see and makes for a unique and festive holiday photo.
- Ice-Carving Demonstrations – Watch as artists turn blocks of ice into familiar characters at the daily ice-carving demonstrations held at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 every night of WinterFest.
What to do:
- Snow Works – Hit the slopes on WinterFest’s very own sledding hill.
- Holidays for Heroes – Record a digital message to wish troops overseas happy holidays.
Where to eat:
- Dasher’s Diner – Keeping it simple with chicken tenders and salads.
Coca-Cola Polar Bear Plaza
Keep the holiday festivities going at Coca-Cola Polar Bear Plaza where the Kings Island DJ is playing modern and classic holiday tunes in a vintage Coca-Cola holiday-themed wonderland.
What to see:
- Coca-Cola Santa – Stand in amazement at the 30 ft. inflatable Coca-Cola Santa in all his glory as he prepares to take a sip of his favorite soda.
- Coca-Cola Polar Bear – Not to be outdone by the big guy, the iconic Coca-Cola Polar Bear can be found ‘chilling’ outside his igloo awaiting his photo op.
What to do:
- Polar Party – Every night the Coca-Cola Polar Bear Plaza transforms into Polar Party, a holiday-themed dance party with interactive games and nightly prizes.
Where to eat:
- Classic Christmas Café – Take your mac-n-cheese to the next level at this build your own mac-n-cheese bar.
- Jack Frost’s Liquid Libations – Warm up with some “Adult” hot chocolate and ciders.
Coney Elf Village
Watch on as Santa’s elves work and play in Santa’s workshop in this wonderland full of dancing light displays and fun rides.
What to see:
- 30 ft. Christmas Tree – Offering a photo that is too good to pass up, this fully decorated three-story Christmas tree captures the true spirit of WinterFest.
- Elf Shows – Keep an eye out for the spontaneous shows put on by the elves of the village. But watch out for the Giant Elf. You don’t want to wake him.
What to do:
- Holiday Thrills – Coney Mall favorites such as Dodgem, Scrambler, and Zephyr are open during WinterFest.
Where to eat:
- Candy Cane Concoctions – Serving up warm beverages and holiday snacks.
- Smokehouse Christmas – Here you’ll find finely cured and smoked meats perfect for your holiday dinner.
Candy Cane Lane
Stroll through a sparkling walkway full of dazzling lights and life-size candy treats at Candy Cane Lane, where you’ll meet the gingerbread clan and Ms. Candy Cane herself. The larger-than-life gingerbread house and spectacular light displays provide unbeatable photo opportunities so make sure to have your camera ready.
Artisan Village
Underneath the 314 ft. Christmas tree you’ll find WinterFest’s Artisan Village. At the base of the Eiffel tower, local artisans have gathered to display their hand-crafted products including holiday trinkets, homemade ornaments, and holiday-themed apparel, artwork, and jewelry. Complete with carolers and familiar holiday characters like Jack Frost and the Sugar Plum Fairy, you’ll feel like you’re shopping at the North Pole.
WinterFest Way
Bathe in soft whimsical light and festive decorations as you make your way through WinterFest Way from the base of the Eiffel Tower converted Christmas tree towards Rivertown Wonderland where the man of the season, Santa awaits.
Start a New Holiday Tradition near our Mason Apartments at WinterFest
Experience the holiday season on a grand scale and create new holiday memories with the whole family at WinterFest at Kings Island, now open Friday through Sunday every week through the end of December. For tickets, showtimes, and park info, check out their website. Also, schedule a tour of our luxury apartments in Mason to see why they are the perfect place to call home this holiday season.