Parents' Guide to WinterFest at Carowinds
Ashlyn Pecchio
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Carowinds' WinterFest offers an enchanting holiday experience for guests of all ages. Immerse yourself in the festive ambiance, captivating light displays featuring millions of shimmering lights, ice skating, family activities, lively live entertainment, delectable holiday-inspired comfort food, and attractions. Explore specialty holiday gift shops to find that perfect present and participate in holiday-themed games.
WinterFest Admission
Children two years old and younger receive free admission to Carowinds, including WinterFest. Parents or guardians with a Gold, Platinum, Prestige, or Prestige+ Season Pass can register two children three to five years old for a complimentary Pre-K Pass. With a Pre-K Pass, children can enjoy unlimited visits to Carowinds, Carolina Harbor Waterpark, and select seasonal events including WinterFest. The pass-holding parent or guardian must be present for the child to gain entry to the park.
A qualifying season pass or a single-day WinterFest admission ticket is required for all other guests. Admission can be purchased in advance online, or on-site at the North Gate.
Family-Friendly Holiday Activities
WinterFest at Carowinds is brimming with holiday family-friendly activities spread throughout the park. Here are five festive activities tailored especially for younger children:
Ice Skating on Snow Flake Lake: Located near Harmony Hall, this is one of the most unique ice skating venues you'll find anywhere. Our picturesque ice rink is family-friendly with skate guides for beginner skaters. Your spirits will lift as you glide along the ice, amid giant projected snowflakes gracefully swirling over the icy surface. Ice skating is not included with WinterFest admission. Reserve your spot online for $15, which includes skate rental.
Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen: Children can unleash their creativity by decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus in her kitchen. Each sharable box includes four large cookies and an assortment of colored frosting and toppings, allowing young artists to create delicious masterpieces. Available for purchase in-park or online for $22.99. Located in the Thrill Zone area, near Fury 325.
North Pole Post Office: Children can send their heartfelt letters to Santa Claus with the assistance of WinterFest elves. After sealing their letters, kids can drop them into the magic mailbox to be delivered directly to the North Pole. Located in Celebration Plaza, near Starbucks.
Sally’s Christmas Crafts: Children 12 years old and under are invited to Sally's Christmas Crafts. WinterFest elves will guide children as they create their craft, which they can take home as a keepsake or gift. Located in Crossroads, near the covered bridge.
St. Nick's Pics: Children can meet Santa Claus during WinterFest at St. Nick's Pics. Here, Santa Claus is surrounded by holiday merriment where children and families can gather around to take a photo. Families are welcome to visit Santa at no charge, and a variety of photo packages are available for purchase. After December 25, Santa Snoopy will be available for photo opportunities. Located in Crossroads.
Tinker's Reindeer Round-Up: Join Tinker, one of Santa's elves, on an interactive scavenger hunt to locate all nine of Santa's reindeer, who have gone on the loose throughout WinterFest. As kids embark on this adventure, they will receive a sticker at each stop. Once all the reindeer have been found, children should bring their completed activity map to Santa Claus at St. Nick's Pics, where they will receive a special prize for helping Tinker save Christmas. Begin this adventure at the reindeer stable, located near the Plaza Stage.
Rides and Attractions for All Ages
Up to 24 thrilling rides and family attractions are available to enjoy during Carowinds' WinterFest. Little ones can enjoy up to eight kid-friendly rides in Camp Snoopy:
- Camp Bus
- Charlie Brown’s Wind-Up
- Flying Ace Balloon Race
- Kite Eating Tree
- PEANUTS Trailblazers
- Pig Pen’s Mud Buggies
- Snoopy vs. Red Baron
- Woodstock Express
The entire family can enjoy rides together on these festive family attractions:
- Boo Blasters on Boo Hill
- Carolina Skytower
- Do-Si-Do
- Kiddy Hawk
- Mountain Gliders
- Rock ‘N’ Roller
- Scrambler
- The Grand Carousel
- Zephyr
Reference the Oh, What Fun it is to Ride at WinterFest blog post for a full list of available rides and attractions.
Kid-Friendly Dining
Carowinds offers a wide variety of food and beverage options to please all ages. Dining locations like Camp Cookout and Harmony Hall offer typical kid-friendly options like chicken tenders, hamburgers, pizza and hot dogs. During WinterFest, guests can enjoy limited-time menu items crafted by Carowinds’ culinary team for the holiday season. While most of the seasonal menu items boast unique flavors for an elevated experience, a few items are picky eater approved.
- Honey Baked Ham: Tender ham, sliced and in a honey glaze. Available at Blue Ridge Country Kitchen.
- Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread: Freshly baked cinnamon sugar bread with vanilla icing and sprinkles. Available at Blue Ridge Fixins, Tinker’s Treat Stop and Candy Cane’s Sugar Shack.
- Gingerbread Funnel Cake: Classic funnel cake topped with gingerbread spices, powdered sugar, caramel and whipped cream. Available at Funnel Cake Emporium.
- S’mores: Who doesn't love to roast marshmallows over a fire? S'mores kits and fire pits are available at Tinker’s Treat Stop and Candy Cane’s Sugar Shack.
Check out the Foodies’ Guide to WinterFest at Carowinds for a full list of the savory delights, sweet treats, and seasonal sips available for a limited time during the signature holiday event.
Live Entertainment
Carowinds' WinterFest boasts diverse line-up of eight live shows, and the captivating WinterFest Wonderland Parade. Two shows, "A PEANUTS Guide to Christmas" and "Tinker's Toy Factory," are designed with younger guests in mind.
A PEANUTS Guide to Christmas: Join Charlie, Lucy, and Linus in a delightful holiday musical as they prepare to celebrate the most beautiful time of the year. A PEANUTS Guide to Christmas is located inside Harmony Hall.
Tinker’s Toy Factory: Dive into the bustling holiday season at the toy factory and follow Santa, Tinker, and the elves as they discover the importance of family and friends during this heartwarming holiday musical. Enjoy Tinker's Toy Factory at the Carowinds Theater, located in the Carousel Park area.
WinterFest Wonderland Parade: Children will be mesmerized by the grand WinterFest Wonderland Parade, featuring dazzling displays and beautifully decorated floats. This nightly spectacle includes WinterFest merriment characters, singers, dancers, and three interactive show stops. The parade begins each night at 9:00 PM in Celebration Plaza, with show stops in Celebration Plaza, Thrill Zone, and County Fair areas. Find the parade route on the WinterFest digital map and guide.
Carowinds' WinterFest promises an unforgettable holiday experience for families, with a wide array of activities and entertainment to make this season memorable. Plan your visit and create cherished memories with your loved ones at the Carolinas' immersive holiday tradition.
