Carowinds WinterFest
Carowinds transforms for the holidays with light displays, midway strolls, and up to 29 open rides and attractions, including Snoopy’s Racing Railway. Guests can watch live entertainment like the musical Tinker's Toy Factory, meet Santa, make crafts, and decorate cookies. Seasonal food and drink options include hot chocolate in souvenir mugs, comfort food, and handcrafted cocktails.
What to Expect
Holiday festival featuring live shows, seasonal treats, and up to 29 rides.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Six Flags
Food & Drink
Food and drink options include hot chocolate in a souvenir mug, seasonal sweets and desserts, hearty comfort food, and handcrafted cocktails for guests of drinking age; purchases are extra.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and cheerful
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Live shows, light displays, select activities, and most rides are included with park admission; food, drink, merchandise, and select holiday experiences require a separate purchase. – Get tickets
Tips & Advice
- Download the Carowinds mobile app before you go so you can check showtimes and ride wait times throughout the park during WinterFest.
- Use the app to plan your evening around Tinker's Toy Factory, the holiday musical with Santa, Tinker and the elves.
- Budget for food, drinks, merchandise and cookie decorating, which cost extra, while shows, light displays and most rides come with park admission.
- Dress warmly for an evening outdoors, and pick up hot chocolate in a collectible souvenir mug to keep your hands warm between rides.
- Save time at the end of the night for a stroll along the midway before heading home.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: Snoopy's Racing Railway is part of the WinterFest ride lineup.
- Cookie decorating is available for an extra purchase.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Which rides are open during WinterFest?
Up to 29 rides and attractions run during WinterFest, including the all-new Snoopy's Racing Railway.
What shows are there?
The headline show is Tinker's Toy Factory, a holiday musical with Santa, Tinker and the elves. There are also other live shows and concerts of Christmas music. Showtimes are in the Carowinds mobile app.
What is there for little kids?
Kids can make crafts, decorate cookies and visit Santa. Cookie decorating costs extra.
What is there to eat and drink?
The seasonal menu includes hot chocolate in a collectible souvenir mug, hearty comfort foods and desserts. Handcrafted cocktails are available for guests of drinking age.
Can I do holiday shopping there?
Yes. Gifts include cozy Carowinds-branded apparel and collectible ornaments for your tree.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.