WinterFest is Back!3 min read

You can see it from the highway. A huge Christmas tree that changes patterns and colors. The excitement builds. It reminds me of when I was little, and we went to Kings Island once a year (if we were lucky). We’d get off the highway, and my stomach would flutter knowing weed be there all day!! When I saw the Eiffel Tower lit up like a huge Christmas tree, I got exited all over again. Just like when I was a kid (well… because I kind of still am :).WinterFest has come back after years of absence due to ownership changes. Let me tell you, they’ve brought it back 10 times better with sugar on top! They’ve used over 5 million lights, and it’s spread out over 180 acres of the park. You walk in and instantly everyone whips out their phone to start taking pics. The Royal Fountain is transformed into a magical ice skating rink. All of the stores are open, and all the merchandise has been changed to Christmas items. The restaurants are open with a few special holiday sit down places.While you’re walking around to hit one of the many shows or one of the 17 open rides, you’ll run into strolling characters––like Jack Frost or Ms. Sparkles––ready for a picture or a brass band and carolers performing throughout.The kids’ area has the Peanuts characters ready to high five you and a little show on stage. There’s a live Nativity scene with a bunch of animals that everyone can feed and pet while someone is singing Christmas songs on stage. Also in the kids’ area, you can visit with Santa. Or, if you want to bring your wish list, you can take it to the elves who will help you put it in the special mailbox for the North Pole.Don’t miss WinterFest Way behind the Eifel Tower. It’s decorated with lights and music plus a 40ft. tree. There’s Candy Cane Lane which has the cutest gingerbread houses and giant lollipops. If you’re still looking for that great photo for your Christmas card, this is the place to do it! They have so many photo backgrounds. I love the giant snow globe or the sleigh that you can stand in… really the whole place is a photo backdrop!

Other fantastic highlights include the ice sculptures that are made every night and shopping under the Eifel Tower. All prizes at the games are Christmas-themed. You can dance the night away with the D.J. and dancing elves over in Coca-Cola Plaza. Or make cookies with Mrs. Claus. And ohhhhh yes…snow! It snows every night! Ok, ok…you get the picture. It is a fun time, I promise!As you can tell, I’m a big fan of this Winter Wonderland. I walked around with a smile on my face the whole time. It was so fun to have my 3 yr. old niece with me so I could see her face light up.

Hours:
Friday-Sunday 5 p.m.-10 p.m.

Starting December 16th open everyday until December 30th except the 24th and 25th.Gates open at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and 4:30 p.m. other daysThe park “lights up” at 5:30 p.m.Tickets:

•Save $10 per ticket if ordered online

•If you buy a Gold Pass for next year you get a free night at WinterFest

•If you have a friend with a Gold Pass be nice to then because they can take you at a discount ;)

• You can buy souvenir cups, then get $1 refills on your drinks (good hot chocolate)

• Parking is extra

• Check herefor pricing. They have many different options (even tickets that include meals)