There is a lot to look forward to at Kings Island Winterfest 2024!
If you grew up in the Cincinnati metro, you probably have fond memories of attending Kings Island Winterfest in the ’80s as a kid.
Those memories include holiday activities like ice skating on the royal fountain, carriage rides, and holiday shows with live entertainment.
Kings Island Winterfest continues to build on the nostalgia by creating new experiences for families each year.
Winterfest has over seven million lights, the WinterFest Wonderland Parade, 12 seasonal shows, 24 rides, ice skating on the Royal Fountain, and specialty holiday foods and drinks.
When Does Kings Island Winterfest Start?
Kings Island Winterfest 2024 starts on Friday, November 29 from 5-10 PM.
When is WinterFest at Kings Island Amusement Park 2024?
Select Nights, November 29 – December 31, 2024
Kings Island WinterFest Dates and Kings Island WinterFest hours in 2024 are the following:
- Friday, November 29(5-10PM)
- Saturday, November 30 ( 4-10PM)
- Friday, December 6 (5-10 PM)
- Saturday, December 7 (4-10 PM)
- Sunday, December 8 (5-10 PM)
- Friday, December 13 (5-10 PM)
- Saturday, December 14 (4-10 PM)
- Sunday, December 15 (5-10PM)
- Monday- Friday, December 16-20 (5-10PM)
- Saturday, December 21 ( 4-10PM)
- Sunday, December 22, (5-10PM)
- Monday- Friday, December 23 (5-10PM)
- Thursday – Friday, December 26-27 (5PM- 10PM)
- Saturday, December 28 (4-10PM)
- Sunday – Monday, December 29-30 (5-10PM)
- Tuesday, December 31, New Year’s Eve (5PM-12AM) NYE rides are available until 10PM. From 9:30-10:30 PM The Children’s balloon drop for the NYE countdown in the Festhaus with Tinker cast. Snoopy Rockin Countdown 10PM-12AM at the International Street band stage with the Eiffel Tower countdown and fireworks at midnight. *Fireworks will only be on NYE at Winterfest this year.
The parking tolls will open approximately 30-45 minutes before when the park opens.
Admission turnstiles open approximately 15 minutes before park opening time.
*There are no early ride times.
Purchase Discounted Tickets for Kings Island Winterfest HereWhen is the Best Time to Visit Kings Island Winterfest?
The best time to visit Kings Island Winterfest for lighter crowds is midweek before Christmas. Weekends and midweek, after Christmas have a higher attendance.
What’s New For Kings Island Winterfest in 2024?
There are new additions to Kings Island Winterfest for guests to enjoy in 2024.
New Holiday Show
Yuletide Follies debuts this season featuring a swinging vocal quartet and energetic dancers on International Street.
More WinterFest Rides To Enjoy
24 rides are open for Winterfest including two more coasters, Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers and The Racer.
New Drive-In Movie Theme
The path from the Eiffel Tower to Rivertown will be a drive-in movie theme with vintage cars and holiday scenes.
New Holiday Menu Items
- Honey Ham and Cheese Fries – (Old St. Nick’s Potato Factory| Rivertown Potato Works)
- White Chicken Chili – (Cafe du Pere Noel | French Corner)
- “Classic Country Christmas” roasted turkey breast, honey pork loin, holiday sausage, cranberry BBQ sauce, corn souffle, green beans, sweet potato fries, drop biscuits, and featured holiday dessert (Smokehouse Christmas | Coney Bar B Que)
Winterfest Interactive Nutcracker Wand | Interactive Ornament
The Winterfest Nutcracker Bubble Wand makes bubbles and interacts with several stations throughout the park, such as changing the colors of the light strands on the Eiffel Tower Christmas Tree and making Santa appear at Kings Island Theater.
Winterfest Ornament
The Winterfest Ornament glows different colors as you enter different wonderlands throughout the park and in select shows.
Arrive Early to Attend the Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Kings Island Winterfest Tree lighting ceremony starts at 5:30 PM nightly at the International Street Bandstand Stage.
The Eiffel Tower is transformed into an illuminated, tall Christmas Tree. The holiday lights on the Eiffel Tower shifted through beautiful colors and imagery.
*Allow plenty of time for parking and entry into the park so you don’t miss it!
Don’t Miss the WinterFest Wonderland Parade!
The WinterFest Wonderland Parade takes place at 8:30 PM every night and is fun for all ages!
It has dancing and singing, decorated floats that light up, and even features Santa Claus and his reindeer.
International Street is a popular area to watch the parade which lasts around 20 minutes.
I recommend arriving about 10-15 minutes early to get your desired spot in the crowd along the parade route.
Live Shows at Kings Island Winterfest
There are 12 seasonal shows for guests to enjoy this year during Winterfest.
Download the Kings Island app to help plan your visit around the holiday shows you want to see.
Winterfest Holiday Music
These are the live shows at Winterfest and their locations. Check the Kings Island app for show times.
- Yuletide Follies – International Street Bandstand Stage
- Swingin’ Into Christmas – Tannenbaumhaus
- The MistleTones – Tinsel Town
- Songs of the Nativity – Charlie Brown’s Christmas Town
- Holly Holiday’s String-a-long- Enrique’s Christmas Cafe Patio
- BBlitzen’s Brass Band – Roaming
- Jingle Jazz – Rivertown Wonderland
Family Shows at Winterfest
- Tinker’s Toy Factory – Kings Island Theater
- A Peanuts Guide to Christmas – PEANUTS Showcase
- Ice Carvers- Action Ice Zone
- Coca-Cola Polar Party – Coca-Cola Polar Bear Plaza
- Reindeer Roundup – Rivertown Wonderland Midway
- Cool Yule Christmas – International Street Bandstand Stage
What Rides Are Open at Kings Island Winterfest?
There are 24 rides open during Kings Island Winterfest:
Family Rides
- Boo Blasters on Boo Hill
- Dodgem
- Grand Carousel
- K.I. & Miami Valley Railroad
- Kings Mills Antique Autos
- Scrambler
- Shake, Rattle & Roll
- Zephyr
- Cargo Loco
- Sol Spin
Kids Rids
- Character Carousel
- Charlie Brown’s Wind Up
- Joe Cool’s Dodgem School
- Linus’ Launcher
- PEANUTS 500
- Sally’s Sea Plane
- Snoopy vs. Red Baron
- Snoopy’s Space Buggies
- Franklin’s Flyers
- Woodstock Gliders
Roller Coasters
- Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers
- Flight of Fear
- The Racer
- Mystic Timbers
- The Great Pumpkin Coaster (roller coaster for kids)
*Ride operations are subject to change due to weather conditions
*Fast Lane passes are available for purchase on select nights for Kings Island Winterfest.
Holiday Shopping at Kings Island Winterfest
Plenty of shopping options for holiday gifts are throughout the park including shops on both sides of International Street.
You can shop at the following stores during Winterfest:
- Candy Cane Cafe
- Build-a-Bear Workshop
- Christmas Collections
- Trim-A-Tree
- PEANUTS Holiday Gifts
- KI Collections
- North Pole Merchantile
- Custom Christmas Creations
- Sugar Plum Sweets
- Artisan Village Crafters
- Antique Photo
Make sure that you check out the artisan village with local vendors located underneath the Eiffel Tower.
Experiences and Activities at Kings Island Winterfest
- Snow Flake Lake Ice Skating
- International Restaurant Winter Buffet
- North Pole Post Office
- Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen
- Jack Frost Igloo Village
- Snow Works
- Ice Carvers
- Holiday Games
- St. Nick’s Pics
- Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree Lot
- Sally’s Christmas Crafts
- Artisan Village
*An additional fee is required for some of the activities.
Tips for Ice Skating at Kings Island Winterfest
You must purchase your ice skating session in advance.
There is limited availability for each time slot and the time slots can fill up fast and sell out.
Save time and fill out your required waiver online before you go.
The ice skating voucher includes a skate rental and skate session. The price is $20/per person online and your session must be purchased online in advance because they can sell out.
Everyone on the ice skating rink must have a ticket regardless of age.
Skate rentals are first come, first serve, and there is still a fee if you bring your own skates.
Snow Flake Lake Ice Skating Session Times For Kings Island Winterfest:
- 5-6:30 PM
- 7-8:30 PM
- 9-10:30 PM
A supervising companion (age 14+) must accompany all guests under age 10.
Photo Opps at Winterfest
Winterfest has many beautiful areas that are great for taking photos together.
The Winterfest Snowglobe is one of the unique ones that’s perfect for a holiday card.
Kings Island WinterFest Bucket List
Use the WinterFest Bucket List to cross everything off your list.
Younger kids will enjoy meeting Santa Claus (and maybe even Mrs. Claus!) and older kids will find several areas throughout the winter wonderland, perfect for selfies.
Photos with Santa are an additional fee but you can bring your own camera and take your own pictures.
Holiday-Themed Activities at Winterfest
There is a small sledding hill and live shows that the whole family will enjoy. The sledding hill is for guests 42″ or taller. Single tube riders only.
Check the times for holiday shows and the ice carving demos in the app when you arrive. That information will help you get the most value out of your visit.
Kings Island Winterfest Igloo Rentals
Jack Frost’s Igloo Village is a nice area for guests to relax and enjoy a private space at Winterfest.
The Kings Island Winterfest igloo rental includes the following:
- The igloo can hold up to 8 people
- 4 refillable hot chocolate mugs
- VIP seating at select shows
- Priority access to ice skating and cookie decorating
*Priority access is given upon purchase of additional experiences)
Kings Island Winterfest Igloo rentals are available to purchase online and do not include Winterfest admission.
*The Winterfest igloo rentals are popular and can sell out.
Kings Island Season Pass Holder All-Season Dining Perks
With Kings Island season passes, you receive free parking and unlimited visits throughout the year. The All Season Dining Plan still works at Winterfest too.
You’re going to eat dinner anyway, either before you go, or while you’re there.
When we did eat before a visit, my kids would get hungry as soon as entered the park anyway.
The All Season Dining Plan offers several restaurants throughout the park to choose from. My favorite restaurant is Coney Bar-B-Que.
I suggest grabbing a flyer as you enter the park for all of your meal options and locations.
Where to Eat And Drink at Kings Island Winterfest
You can find food, drinks, and treats during Winterfest at the following locations:
- Sugar’s Cake Factory
- Cafe du Pere Noel
- Blitzen’s Hot Beverage Bar
- Cinnabon
- Prancer’s Pizza
- Grain and Grill Scrooge’s Sausage Haus
- Starbucks
- Wishbone Grill
- Auntie Annie’s
- Tannebaumhaus Panda Express
- Dasher’s Diner
- Jack Frost’s Liquid Libations
- Enrique’s Cozy Cantina
- Enrique’s Christmas Cafe
- Smokehouse Christmas
- Skyline Chili
- Candy Cane Concoctions
- Tinsel Town Diner
- Pipers Piping Pizza
- Claus Confectionary
- Old Saint Nick’s Potato Factory
- Blitzen’s Brewhouse
- Yuletide Tavern
- Ghost of Restaurant Past
- Tiny Tots Hot Chocolate
- Tom+Chee
- Toy Town Treats
*International Restaurant Buffet is open on select nights with limited ability.
2024 WinterFest Souvenir Mug
The Winterfest Hot chocolate souvenir mug is $13.99 + tax with unlimited refills on your first visit. It’s only $1 per refill on future visits in 2024. (This doesn’t include gourmet hot chocolate)
Hot chocolate is a popular menu item. Allow extra wait time if you’re getting a refill before attending a show.
There are no season pass discounts and you can purchase your Winterfest souvenir mug online or at the park.
*You can’t use the previous year’s mug for refills.
FYI: You can’t bring items on the Mystic Timbers ride so you will want to designate a hot chocolate holder.
Ways to Save on Kings Island Winterfest Tickets
Check out these ways to save on your visit to Kings Island Winterfest.
Purchase Discounted Tickets to Kings Island Winterfest
Find the lowest price for General Admission tickets to Kings Island Winterfest below.
Season Pass Add-ons
Season Pass Add-ons for 2024 & 2025 are valid during Winterfest for lockers, FunPix, dining, drinks, and Fast Lane
Go with a Season Passholder with a Winterfest Bring-a-Friend Admission
Gold & Platinum Passholders may purchase up to 6 friends tickets, per day, per passholder with the WinterFest Bring-A-Friend discount.
Guests can save up to $20 off the gate price.
*Bring a Friend Admission tickets are not valid for Saturdays and are not sold at the front gate.
Go to Kings Island Winterfest as a Group
Groups of 15- 99 can purchase tickets for $24.99 + taxes & applicable fees on single-night admission when you buy a minimum of 15 tickets online.
Winterfest guests will enjoy creating new holiday memories with their loved ones. Season pass holders will find it’s another added value of their season pass.
More Information on King Island Winterfest
You can find additional information on the Kings Island website.
Where is Kings Island Winterfest Located?
Kings Island is located at 6300 Kings Island Dr, Mason, OH.
I’m a Kings Island Ambassador, which means I share my love for the park and enjoy perks and behind-the-scenes access.
Enter Kings Island Winterfest Ticket Giveaway 2024
I’m giving away 4 tickets to Kings Island Winterfest plus a single-day parking pass!
a Rafflecopter giveawayAdditional Kings Island Articles
- What to look forward to at Winterfest this year
- How to Visit Kings Island with a Special Needs Guest
- Everything you need to know about dining at Kings Island
- 10 Fun Things for Non-Riders to Do at Kings Island
- Why I Bought the All-Season Dining Plan at Kings Island
- Non-Scary Adventures for Families at Kings Island in the Fall
My kids love going and we have so much fun the couple of times we’ve gotten to go. Would be fun to go again.
I have never been to Winterfest at Kings Island. I’ve always wanted to go, just haven’t made it yet. I’d love to take my future stepdaughters and fiancé there for a Christmas gift since wedding planning is killing the fun budget.
We have never been to Winterfest and it would be fun to go!
Sounds like they’re offering alot. Would be great to take all the mids!
I’d love to take my family!
I love Winterfest! Hope to attend this year.
This would be a fun family night with my college daughter being home for the holidays!
My family would love to go!!
Would love the opportunity to win this! I have never been to Winterfest!
We LOVE winterfest! Would be awesome to bring some friends along 🙂
Would love to go with my family ?
I haven’t been to Winterfest since I was a kid! I would love to take my kids and see it through their eyes!
Would love to win this and bring our family! They would love it!
I’d like to win because I (shockingly) have never been to king’s island and I’ve lived here for over 18 years.
Would love to be able to take my kids as they have never been!
I would love to take my kids to see the lights . We didn’t get season passes this year but hope to get them for the 2024 season as a Christmas present 🙂 we love the lights at winterfest!!
Thanks for the opportunity! Fingers crossed!
We didn’t renew our passes this year, so we haven’t had a chance to get up there! Would love to win and go before NYE!!! How fun
I love seeing all the adventures you go on and the types to make them even more magical.
I would love to get these to take the kids. We haven’t been in a couple of years and they loved it last time.
I would love to visit this magical wonderland!
Hey I am commenting in hopes to win this for myself and 3 older children. Times are tuff this would be a great memory made over Holiday break that would last a lifetime. My oldest are 8, 10 and 11 and have not been to a coaster park in years since they were toddlers and we have yet to go to a holiday lights event this season. So here’s to takin’ a chance. ????
I would love to win these because this has been the Christmas of experience gifts. We aren’t doing as many physical presents so this would fit perfectly for my boyfriend and his two daughters and I.
I’ve never been to Winterfest! Thank you for the opportunity to win tickets! I hope you have a great holiday, Nedra!
My daughter would love to ice skate in such a unique spot.
My kids have never been to Winterfest and it would be fun to go!
My boys would love WinterFest!! I’d love to take them!
We would like to win tickets to experience KI in the winter. We have only been their in the summer.
Such a great article, I love Wintergest!!!
We went last year for the first time and my kids had a blast. I would love to take them again!
Thanks for the chance! I haven’t been to Winterfest in years would love to go!
Hi Joseph- Camp Cedar is a great option located down the road from Kings Island and they have cabins that you can stay in https://adventuremomblog.com/kings-island-camp-cedar-luxury-outdoor-resort/ you can also save on your stay combined with a King Island admission here https://reservations.arestravel.com/package/info/16087/7294
Hi my name Joseph my wife and my 16 year old are looking for new attractions every year and I happen to pop up kind Island winter fest were looking forward to go we have to plan it for were from buffalo ny so we need a place to stay if not this year we will plan it fir next year with all my kids
I will see what I can find out for you.
Would you be able to tell me what all is included in the 15+ group tickets this year and how much the hot chocolate mugs are? I hate to be a pain but until I found this thread I was having extreme difficulty finding answers! Lol
Any ticket that includes parking, includes parking for the entire vehicle even if the other members of the party do not have parking on their Tickets.
If we have four people in our group (2 adults, 2 kids) do we all need to buy an all inclusive pass or can I purchase for one adult, get one mug for us share and cover parking and than get the rest a plain one day ticket to save on cost? Didn’t know how that worked with parking and all being in the same car.
The 2018 Hot Chocolate Mugs will be available for sale at WinterFest. The 2017 Mugs will not be refillable.
Yes! Winterfest is a great event for families.
Is this good for a 7 year old?
I’m checking on that with my King Island contact.
Can I use my 2017 winterfest hot chocolate mug for 2018 or will I have to buy a new one for this year?
They do!
Do they serve alcohol there?
Thanks so much for checking for me! We are headed there this weekend. My husband and I used to go before when they were open and we are hoping it’s just as fun this time!
Hi Marcy- Great question! I talked to Kings Island and you can use the mug for hot chocolate or coffee at participating locations but Starbucks is not a participating location.
That’s a good question! I’ll find out.
Could you get coffee in the hot chocolate mugs?
thanks for the input,,, we r going to get teh winterfest cho mug for 10 .99,,, we are going to Carolwinds in Charlotte tomorrow
Yes!!!!
You can bring your own skates but there is still a fee.
Can we wear our own skates?
Holiday Shows, North Pole Post Office, and rides are included with your admission. You can still use your 2017 Season Pass Dining Plan for meals. Skating is an additional fee and so is Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen.
How many of these things listed were free and what did you have to pay to do? I know you have to pay for ice skating but wasn’t sure about everything else.
Thanks for sharing that Julie!
Hi Gene- You can use your 2017 refillable cup at Winterfest.
Yes you can use ur pop cup I used mine last weekend when my kids and I went
I send an email to my contact and will let you know as soon as I hear back.
Is my pop cup also good at winter fest?