There is a lot to look forward to for Kings Island Winterfest 2022!
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 will bring back the nostalgia and continue to build on making new memories each year.
When Does Kings Island Winterfest Start?
Kings Island Winterfest 2022 starts on Friday, November 25 from 5-10 PM.
When is WinterFest at Kings Island Amusement Park?
Kings Island WinterFest Dates and Kings Island WinterFest hours are the following:
- Friday, November 25, 2022 (5-10PM)
- Saturday and Sunday, November 26, 27, 2022 ( 4-10PM)
- Friday, December 2,2022 (5-10PM)
- Saturday and Sunday, December 3- 4, 2022 (4-10)
- Friday, December 9 (5-10 PM)
- Saturday and Sunday December 10-11, 2022 (4-10PM)
- Friday, December 16 (5-10 PM)
- Saturday and Sunday December 17-18, 2022 (4-10PM)
- Monday- Friday December 19-23 (5-10PM)
- Monday- Friday December 26-30, 2022 (5-10PM)
- Saturday, December 31 (4PM- 1AM)
The parking tolls will open approximately 30-45 minutes prior to when the park opens.
Admission turnstiles open approximately 15 minutes before park opening time.
*There are no early ride times.
The Eiffel Tower was transformed into an illuminated, tall Christmas Tree. The holiday lights on the Eiffel Tower shifted through beautiful colors and imagery.
Arrive Early to Attend the Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Kings Island Winterfest Tree lighting ceremony starts at 5:30 pm each evening at the International Street Stage.
Make sure that you allow plenty of time for parking and entry into the park so that you don’t miss it.
Don’t Miss the WinterFest Wonderland Parade!
The WinterFest Wonderland Parade takes place at 8:30pm every night and is fun for all ages!
It has dancing, singing, decorated floats that light up and even features Santa Claus and his reindeer.
International Street is a popular area to watch the parade that lasts around 20 minutes.
I would 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
Make sure that you download the Kings Island app so that you can plan your visit around the shows that you want to see.
These are the live shows at Winterfest and their locations. Check the Kings Island app for show times.
Winterfest Holiday Music
- Swingin’ Into Christmas – Tannenbaumhaus
- The MistleTones – Tinsel Town
- Four Drummers Drumming – Charlie Brown’s Christmas Town
- Sounds of the Nativity – PEANUTS Playhouse
- Blitzen’s Brass Band – Roaming
- Holly Holiday’s String-a-long- Classic Christmas Cafe Patio
- Jingle Jazz – Roaming
Family Shows at Winterfest
- Tinker’s Toy Factory – Kings Island Theater
- A Peanuts Guide to Christmas – Charlie Brown’s Christmas Town
- Cool Yule Christmas – International Street Bandstand Stage
- Bah Humbug… What the Dickens? – PEANUTS Showcase
- Holly Jolly Trolley – Roaming
What Rides Are Open at Kings Island Winterfest?
The following rides are 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
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
- Woodstock Gliders
Roller Coasters
- Flight of Fear
- Mystic Timbers
- The Great Pumpkin Coaster (roller coaster for kids)
*Ride operations are subject to change due to weather conditions
*Fast Lane passes are not valid or sold during Kings Island Winterfest.
Holiday Shopping at Kings Island Winterfest
There are lots of shopping options for holiday gifts located throughout the park including shops on both side of International Street.
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
- 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
*Additional fee required for some of the activities.
Tips for Ice Skating at Kings Island Winterfest
If you plan on ice skating during your visit, I suggest you that purchase your date and time slot online before you arrive.
There is limited availability 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 skate rental and your skate session. The price is between $17-$20/per person online depending on which date you choose.
Everyone on the ice skating rink must have a ticket regardless of age.
There is still a fee if you bring your own skates.
Snow Flake Lake Ice Skating Session Times For Kings Island Winterfest:
- 5-6:30pm
- 7-8:30pm
- 9-10:30pm
A supervising companion (age 14+) must accompany all guests under the age of 10.
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.
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 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 Winterfest Igloo Rentals
Jack Frost’s Igloo Village is a nice area to relax and a private space at Winterfest.
The Kings Island Winterfest igloo rental includes the following:
- The igloo can hold up to 8 people
- 4 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.
*The Winterfest igloo rentals are very popular and can sell out.
Kings Island Season Pass Holder All-Season Dining Perks
With Kings Island season passes, we not only received free parking (and unlimited visits throughout the year), and our All Season Dining Plan works 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.
2022 WinterFest Souvenir Mug
The Winterfest Hot chocolate souvenir mug is $13.99 + tax with unlimited refills your first visit. It’s only $2 per refill on future visits in 2022.
Hot chocolate is an extremely popular menu item. Make sure that you allow extra wait time if you are 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.
FYI: You can’t bring items on Mystic Timbers so you will want to designate a hot chocolate holder.
Ways to Save on Kings Island Winterfest Tickets
- Purchase discount Kings Island Winterfest tickets online at the lowest price here (starting at $28.99 vs $45 at the gate)
- Go with a Season Passholder with a Bring-a-Friend Admission. (Gold & Platinum Passholders may bring up to 4 friends to WinterFest for just $24.99 per person) *Brings a Friend Admission tickets are not valid on Saturdays. They need to be purchased online because they are not sold at the front gate. Gate price $45 per person.
- Go as a Group: Get 15+ Tickets Each for Only $26 + taxes & applicable fees 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 that it’s an added value to 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 that I share my love for the park and enjoy perks and behind-the-scenes access.
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?