Kings Dominion Winterfest 2023: A Merry In Depth Guide
(The post Kings Dominion Winterfest 2023 may contain affiliate links that I may earn a small commission when you click on or purchase from the links. This is at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own. You can learn more about this in my Disclosures & Disclaimers.)
SUMMARY: Kings Dominion Winterfest transforms the park into a holiday extravaganza from November 17th to December 31st, featuring cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, Snowflake Lake ice skating, and a myriad of other attractions including petting zoos and carriage rides. Dazzling lights, live shows such as Cool Yule Christmas, and over 20 thrilling rides boost the festive spirit, with special event nights like New Year’s Eve to celebrate the season.
Wondering how to sprinkle extra magic on your holiday season?
Two words: Kings Dominion.
And, maybe a third: Winterfest.
Being that it’s the merriest time of year, how could I pass up on doing a guide for one of my favorite ways to enjoy the holidays?
Kings Dominion puts on a wonderful Christmas event that offers a wide selection of fun Christmas activities and exclusive holiday attractions that we’ll be diving into in this piece. And as a Christmas present, I’ve linked discounted Winterfest tickets that I’ve found.
So, tuck in, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and let’s unveil the winter wonderland Kings Dominion transforms into!
Related Reading: How To Visit Kings Dominion On A Budget
Winterfest Kings Dominion Tickets
Enjoying the park during the holiday season doesn’t have to break the budget!
You can get $12 off of Kings Dominion Winterfest tickets through that exclusive link (to Undercover Tourist). And, this includes tax, free shipping, no extra fees, and comes with a best price guarantee.
You’ll be able to head straight to the entry turnstile without having to stop by the ticket booth. Just pull up the ticket on your phone (or if you printed it) to get scanned in and enjoy the park!
Just note, children under 3 are able to visit Kings Dominion for free!
Exclusive Holiday Attractions
Unwrap a world of wonder at Kings Dominion’s Winterfest with immersive holiday celebrations from cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus to skating across Snowflake Lake (the iconic fountain turned ice-skating plaza). This holiday season, experience the winter wonderland Kings Dominion transforms into. Here, holiday traditions are brought to life and new memories are crafted with every sparkling light and snowflake.
Snow Flake Lake
Glide into the spirit of the holidays on Snow Flake Lake, where ice skating amidst twinkling lights offers a picturesque winter activity for the whole family. An ice-skating rink just in front of the 300-foot-tall Christmas tree that is the Eiffel Tower, the crisp air and gleaming lights reflecting off the ice create a serene winter skating experience amidst your amusement park trip.
Petting Zoo
Animal lovers will really enjoy the petting zoo, where guests can get up close and personal with a menagerie of adorable animals like goats, sheep, donkeys, and more. This heartwarming attraction is perfect for families seeking a moment of tranquility amidst the holiday bustle.
Cookie Decorating With Mrs. Claus
For those favor festive flavors, Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen is a merry attraction to enjoy. Guests are invited to get creative by decorating their own batch of Christmas cookies, all while enjoying the warmth and hospitality of Mrs. Claus herself.
Reserve Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Experience the magic of Kings Dominion’s midway, decked out as Candy Cane Lane, from a unique perspective in a horse-drawn carriage ride. Blankets and the soft jingle of sleigh bells accompany your journey through the park’s lavish displays of Christmas lights and sights.
Artisan Alley
This selection of festive shops and artisan locations showcases local Virginian vendors and small businesses. It’s a great way to do Christmas shopping the theme park way while supporting Old Dominion artisans.
Winterfest Live Shows
Roll out the red carpet for Winterfest’s fun lineup of live entertainment options that are energetic, heartwarming, and full of holiday spirit. These shows are the perfect addition to a night of festivities.
Side shows like Four Drummers Drumming, Jingle Jazz, Sounds of the Nativity, The Kris Kringles, The Mistletones, and the Tree Lighting Ceremony also accompany Winterfest’s entertainment lineup.
Cool Yule Christmas
Revel in the lively spirit of the season with Cool Yule Christmas, a show that brings together merry music and high-energy dance. With a blend of classic Christmas tunes and modern holiday hits, this vibrant performance is sure to have you humming along.
Tinker’s Toy Factory
A must-see for the little ones, Tinker’s Toy Factory takes audiences on an enchanting journey into the magical world of toy-making. Join the cast of lovable characters as they prepare for the biggest toy-giving season of the year—with a few hiccups along the way.
Charlie Brown’s Christmas Spectacular
Celebrate with the beloved PEANUTS gang in Charlie Brown’s Christmas Spectacular. This nostalgic treat brings the timeless charm of the PEANUTS to the stage, featuring your favorite characters and the true meaning of Christmas in an unforgettable show for all families.
Holiday Lights
The heartwarming glow of holiday lights is a cornerstone of Winterfest at Kings Dominion, setting the winter nights ablaze with cheerful radiance. Everyone can bask in the warmth of the holiday season amongst the unique scenes of light displays.
Eiffel Tower Christmas Tree
Witness an iconic transformation as the park’s central Eiffel Tower becomes a grandiose Christmas tree. This glittering marvel stretches towards the sky, bedecked with multicolored lights, and serves as a beacon for all the park’s merry festivities. Its magnificence is truly a sight to behold and stands as a centerpiece of Winterfest’s extravagant Christmas trees.
Festive Décor
A stroll through Kings Dominion during Winterfest is met with a visual feast of breathtaking décor. Every corner of the park is adorned with holiday adornments–candy canes, snow flakes, gingerbread houses, and Christmas trees alight–with each contributing to the jubilant atmosphere of Winterfest.
Old Virginia Christmas
Step back in time in Old Virginia, a section of the park that captures the essence of a classic Christmas. Lit by the soft glimmer of thousands of lights, Old Virginia Christmas is a gentle reminder of quaint holiday traditions, fostering a nostalgic retreat perfect for those who admire the simpler joys of the holidays.
Winterfest Event Nights
Winterfest doesn’t end once Christmas passes. While you can pop back in to thank Santa Claus for the season’s gifts, you can also ring in the New Year under the Eiffel with special Winterfest event nights.
Kings Dominion New Years Eve
Cheer in the New Year with a spectacular celebration at Winterfest. As the clock counts down to midnight, bask in the elation of excitement and countdowns, complemented by a breathtaking fireworks display that illuminates the night sky. It’s an unforgettable way to commence the New Year.
Kings Dominion Winterfest FAQs
Here are quick answers for some of the most common Winterfest questions.
When did Winterfest start at Kings Dominion?
Winterfest started five years ago in 2018 at Kings Dominion.
What amusement rides will be open during Winterfest?
Americana, Apple Zapple, Bad Apple, Blue Ridge Tollway, Carousel, Dodgem, Dominator, Flying Eagles, Twisted Timbers, and Wave Swinger will be open during Winterfest.
Which nights will Winterfest be open?
Winterfest is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November 17th until December 31st. They are also open Monday through Friday the last two weeks of December. However, Winterfest will not be open Christmas Eve or Christmas Day (a Sunday & Monday).
What happened to the Winterfest Wonderland Parade?
The Winterfest Wonderland Parade was a spectacle of whimsical floats, live entertainment, and joyful spirits traversing the pathways of Kings Dominion from the midway to the Eiffel tower. Unfortunately, the parade has been discontinued for the 2023 season of Winterfest. No official reason has been given by the park, but it’s been rumored that low viewership and budget cuts are the culprits.
Summary
As the festive season approaches, Kings Dominion Winterfest emerges as a standout of holiday celebrations, bundling joy and entertainment into every event and attraction.
With its cheerful celebrations and heartwarming attractions, Kings Dominion Christmas proves to be a very merry time of year indeed. Happy holidays!
Are you heading to Kings Dominion Winterfest this year? Drop a line below!
For more Kings Dominion tips, you can also check out:
- How To Visit Kings Dominion On A Budget
- 5 Best Hotels Near Kings Dominion
- All Kings Dominion Roller Coasters Ranked
- Get $25 Off Official Kings Dominion Discount Tickets
- A Carnie’s Guide On What To Bring To An Amusement Park
Thanks for reading!
2 Comments