Winterfest is back at Kings Island Amusement Park.
If you grew up in the Cincinnati metro, you probably have fond memories of attending Winterfest in the ’80s as a kid.
Winterfest had some pretty big shoes to fill with its return. I was comparing it to my fond childhood memories from previous visits.
Those memories include holiday activities including ice skating on the royal fountain, carriage rides, and holiday shows with live entertainment.
If you experienced Winterfest as a child in the 80s’, Kings Island will bring back the nostalgia. But its even better now.
The Eiffel Tower was transformed into an illuminated, tall Christmas Tree. The holiday lights on the Eiffel Tower shifted through beautiful colors and imagery.
You can still ice skate on the fountain. There is music everywhere, both by live performers and with holiday music filling the air.
The stunning mix of dazzling displays throughout the park are absolutely beautiful, creating an unforgettable experience.
What to Expect at Winterfest
You can ride up to 17 rides during your visit. The most extreme ride is Mystic Timbers wooden roller coaster. (There are far more ride options than when I was a kis. We only had the Smurf Enchanted Voyage ride open when I was a kid… But I really did love that Smurf ride!).
There are lots of shopping options for holiday gifts located throughout the park. Make sure that you check out the artisan village with local vendors underneath the Eiffel Tower.
Learn more about what to forward for WinterFest in 2021
Tips for Ice Skating at Winterfest
If you plan on ice skating during your visit, I suggest you purchase your date and time slot online before you arrive. There is limited availability and the time slots can fill up fast.
The ice skating voucher includes skate rental and your skate session.
There is still a fee if you bring your own skates.
Photo Opps at Winterfest
Winterfest has also created lots of areas that are the perfect spot for taking photos together.
The Winterfest Snowglobe near the Banshee roller coaster is definitely one of the most unique.
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 that are perfect for a selfie throughout the nine winter wonderlands.
The pictures with Santa are an additional fee if you purchase the photos from Kings Island. 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.
Check the times for all of the shows and ice carving demos when you arrive. That information will help you get the most value out of your visit.
Kings Island Season Pass Holder All-Season Dining Perks
With season passes, we not only received free parking (and unlimited visits throughout the year), but I was very happy to discover that our All Season Dining Plan still worked at Winterfest too.
You are going to eat dinner anyway, either before you go, or while you are 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 has several restaurants throughout the park to choose from. My personal favorite restaurant is the Coney Bar-B-Que.
I suggest grabbing a flyer as you enter the park for all of your meal options and locations.
You can also use the 2021 Refillable Drink Cup at Winterfest as well for an even greater value.
WinterFest Souvenir Mug
For $12.99 you can get enjoy hot chocolate in a souvenir mug. On your first visit you get free refills with 15 minute intervals between refills. On your return visits enjoy $1 refills (tax included) during the 2021 season.
FYI: You cannot bring items on Mystic Timbers so you will want to designate a hot chocolate holder.
Hot chocolate is an extremely popular menu item. Make sure that you allow for wait time in line if you are getting a refill before attending a show.
Ways to Save on Winterfest Tickets
- Purchase tickets online
- Go with a Season Passholder with a Bring-a-Friend Admission (Gold & Platinum Passholders may bring up to 4 friends to WinterFest for just $19.99 each)
- Go as a Group: Get 15+ Tickets Each for Only $24! Buy a minimum of 15 tickets online and save $21 per ticket off of the price at the front gate.
When is Winterfest at Kings Island Amusement Park?
Winterfest will take place select nights Nov. 26 – Dec. 31, 2021.
Winterfest guests will enjoy creating new holiday memories with their loved ones. Season pass holders will find that its an added value to their season pass.
You can find additional information on the Kings Island website.
Additional 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
Nedra McDaniel
I will see what I can find out for you.
Paige
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
Nedra McDaniel
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.
Kelly
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.
Nedra McDaniel
The 2018 Hot Chocolate Mugs will be available for sale at WinterFest. The 2017 Mugs will not be refillable.
Nedra McDaniel
Yes! Winterfest is a great event for families.
Jessica Fulk
Is this good for a 7 year old?
Nedra McDaniel
I’m checking on that with my King Island contact.
Sara
Can I use my 2017 winterfest hot chocolate mug for 2018 or will I have to buy a new one for this year?
Nedra McDaniel
They do!
Julie
Do they serve alcohol there?
Marcy
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!
Nedra McDaniel
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.
Nedra McDaniel
That’s a good question! I’ll find out.
Marcy
Could you get coffee in the hot chocolate mugs?
Todd
thanks for the input,,, we r going to get teh winterfest cho mug for 10 .99,,, we are going to Carolwinds in Charlotte tomorrow
Josie
Yes!!!!
Nedra McDaniel
You can bring your own skates but there is still a fee.
Michele Beckett
Can we wear our own skates?
Nedra McDaniel
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.
Melissa
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.
Nedra McDaniel
Thanks for sharing that Julie!
Nedra McDaniel
Hi Gene- You can use your 2017 refillable cup at Winterfest.
Julie
Yes you can use ur pop cup I used mine last weekend when my kids and I went
Nedra McDaniel
I send an email to my contact and will let you know as soon as I hear back.
Gene
Is my pop cup also good at winter fest?