Carowinds is open for year-round operation. Beginning January 7, Carowinds opens on Saturdays and Sundays this winter. In addition to select rides and attractions, guests can also enjoy limited-time activities and experiences.

Live Entertainment

Bands in Residence

Live music is featured each weekend, located inside Harmony Hall at Carowinds. Bands in Residence will include local bands: The Parks Brothers and Thirsty Horses. The high-energy performances will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the Harmony Hall stage.

The Parks Brothers: January 7 | January 14-15 | January 22 | February 4-5 | February 11-12 | February 19 | February 25-26 | March 4-5 | March 11-12 | March 19 | March 26

Thirsty Horses: January 8 | January 21 | January 28-29 | February 18 | March 18 | March 25

Character Meet and Greet

Select characters from the PEANUTS Gang will be available for meet-and-greet opportunities on the Harmony Hall patio throughout each operating day.

Activities

Craft Depot

Children 12-years-old and younger are invited to get creative at the Craft Depot with take-home keepsakes. The Craft Depot welcomes guests from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Beer & Snacks patio located in the Crossroads-area.

Snow Flake Lake Ice Skating

Ice-skating on Snow Flake Lake, located in the Celebration Plaza-area near Harmony Hall, is the perfect winter activity. Ice skating can be purchased either online or in-park and includes ice skate rental. Ice skating will be available at Carowinds through Sunday, February 26.

Décor and Photo Opportunities

Throughout the winter operating dates, seasonal décor and photo opportunities will be available for guests to create social media-worthy moments.

How to Stay Warm

Blue Ridge Bungalows

Enhance your Carowinds visit with a private bungalow. The Blue Ridge Bungalows are in the Blue Ridge Junction-area. Each bungalow is heated and includes comfortable seating, satellite TV, a lockable storage box, and a mini fridge. Reserve a Blue Ridge Bungalow online for as low as $79.

Igloos

Embrace the winter atmosphere with a private igloo. Each igloo is heated and fully furnished with seating for up to eight (8) guests. Igloos also include four (4) refillable souvenir hot chocolate mugs. Reserve an igloo online for as low as $99.

Fire Pits

Warm-up by one of the many fire pits at Carowinds this winter. Guests can find fire pits on the Harmony Hall patio and in the Thrill Zone-area, near Juke Box Diner.

Indoor Dining

Guests can grab a bite to eat in one of the Carowinds dining locations with a large, heated dining room like Chickie’s and Pete’s Sports Grill, Blue Ridge Country Kitchen, Harmony Hall, or Starbucks.

Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is available at various dining locations throughout the park, designated with signage. Guests who purchased a 2022 WinterFest souvenir mug can enjoy $2 hot chocolate refills through Sunday, February 26. Guests with an All Season Tumbler receive free hot chocolate refills.

New for 2023, Silver Season Passes are available and include unlimited visits to Carowinds and Carolina Harbor Waterpark through the summer, fall daytime visits, and free parking.