Christmas Activities at Carowinds' Annual Christmas Event, WinterFest

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Park: 5 PM - 10 PM
Waterpark: Closed
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Park: 5 PM - 10 PM
Waterpark: Closed
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Step Into A World Of Holiday Magic
WHEN
Nov. 15 - Jan. 4
WHERE
Parkwide
VISIT
From $32.99
Find Your Way to Fun

Download the WinterFest Map and Park Guide

WinterFest

Select Nights, November 15 - January 4, 2025

Gather with friends and family to make lifelong memories at Carowinds' WinterFest, the Carolinas’ most immersive holiday event. Savor the season with a festive ambience and fun holiday activities at WinterFest. ​

Celebrate the holiday season at Carowinds with holiday light displays complete with millions of shimmering lights, ice skating, family activities, live entertainment, holiday-inspired comfort food and beverages, and select attractions. Find the perfect present at specialty holiday gift shops, play holiday-themed games, and catch the season's festive live entertainment. ​

Embrace the season with holiday music from crooning carolers throughout the park and find joy in Christmas activities and holiday attractions for the entire family. Help children write letters to Santa and watch their eyes grow as thousands of glimmering holiday lights appear during the Carowinds’ Christmas tree lighting, adorning one of the largest Christmas trees in the area. ​

After an evening of FUN, get caught up in the merry procession of the WinterFest Wonderland Parade, a nightly Christmas parade with lavishly decorated floats, festive music, and performers.
Unlimited WinterFest with a 2025 Gold Pass

WinterFest Wonderland Parade

Location: Parkwide
Start Time: 9 PM

Guests will be treated to a grandiose showcase of dazzling displays and extravagantly decorated floats with the WinterFest Wonderland Parade filled with classic holiday themes such as toy boxes, gingerbread houses, choo-choo trains, and more.​

Your favorite WinterFest merriment characters, singers, and dancers will take part in this magical nighttime parade, and maybe, just maybe, Santa Claus will join, too!

Live Entertainment

Let our world-class performers put the spirit into your season.  Enjoy your favorite holiday live entertainment including the popular Tinker’s Toy Factory, The MistleTones, or the festive Cool Yule Christmas and so much more.

Lights & Sights

Enter WinterFest and be transported to a whole new world as you experience warm displays of soft, ambient holiday lights. Gather around to watch brilliant lights dance to festive holiday music or take a trip back to heart-warming holidays of yesteryear with traditional sights, sounds, and experiences.

Experiences & Activities

Fill your night with holiday fun like ice skating on Snow Flake Lake, write a letter to Santa, decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus, find that perfect gift for someone special and get a family photo with the big man in red himself!

Festive Food, Shopping & More

Festive Food

Treat your taste buds to a delectable menu of holiday fare, including savory mains, delicious desserts and irresistible snacks. Our gourmet hot chocolate and other delightful drinks will keep you warm all night long.

Christmas Shopping

Find the perfect Christmas gift! Our shops are packed with charming holiday finds including plush toys, apparel and souvenirs, plus a huge selection of ornaments and holiday décor.

WinterFest Rides

Experience the thrills of up to 24 rides and attractions during WinterFest!

Attraction availability is subject to change without notice.

Stay & Save

Turn your WinterFest experience into a holiday getaway with an overnight stay at Carowinds Camp Wilderness or SpringHill Suites Charlotte at Carowinds. Book your stay with a WinterFest package and save on event admission.