Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Parks

Guide to 2009 Christmas and Holiday Season Events at U.S. Theme Parks

Most parks used to call it a season soon after Labor Day. But, over the last few years, the majority has remained open for Halloween events. More recently, however, seasonal parks--even ones in places where the mercury can dip well below freezing and snow is likely--have been extending their seasons straight through to January with festive holiday celebrations.

Want to know where to find bazillions of twinkling lights, visits from St. Nick, elaborate holiday-themed stage shows, and, yes, coasters and other rides amid winter's chill? Put on your thermal-lined Santa cap and peruse the park guide to Christmas and holiday events.

The guide is arranged alphabetically by U.S. state. This page includes holiday events at theme parks in U.S. states from California to New Hampshire.

The next page includes holiday events at theme parks in U.S. states from New York to Virginia .

CALIFORNIA

2009 Christmas Holiday Events at California Theme Parks
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Then get the heck out of Southern California. But if you want some holiday hoopla along with some theme park fun, you've come to the right place. Includes info about Christmas holiday events at Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Legoland, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, and other parks.

• Disneyland Resort Holiday Season Photo Gallery
• Six Flags Holiday in the Park Photo Gallery

COLORADO

Santa's Workshop

• North Pole (really!-near Pike's Peak)
• 2009 dates: In general, the park will be open daily, except Wednesdays and Thursdays, through Dec. 24.

This small Christmas-themed park is open May through December, but it really glows during the holiday season. Take a ride on the world's tallest (by altitude, anyway) Ferris wheel, the Candy Cane Coaster, and the Peppermint Slide, or catch some stage magic at Santa's Show House. Of course, Mr. Claus awaits all good boys and girls at Santa's House.

FLORIDA

2009 Christmas Holiday Events at Florida Theme Parks
Florida's theme parks are magical throughout the year. Add an overlay of holiday cheer, and the parks supersize the magic and fun between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Includes info about Christmas holiday events at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando

• Hummable Humbug at Universal Orlando- An About.com exclusive interview and article about Universal's holiday events.
• Walt Disney World Holiday Season Photo Gallery
• Universal Orlando Holiday Season Photo Gallery

GEORGIA

Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Christmas

• Stone Mountain
• 2009 dates: Nov. 14, 15, 21, 22, 24-29, Dec. 4-6, 11-13, 18-30

Special features include The Polar Express 4-D Experience, a multi-sensory film based on the popular Christmas movie, a themed train ride, shows such as "Sleigh Ride" and "Simply Christmas," a parade, nightly fireworks, and a laser show.

Wild Adventures
We Need a Little Christmas

• Valdosta (near the Florida border)
• 2009 dates: Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19-23, 26-31, Jan. 1, 2

Home to nine coasters (and a bunch of other rides), a zoo, and a water park, Wild Adventures transforms its park for the season with millions of Christmas lights, a living nativity (called "The Miracle of Christmas"), the show, "We Need A Little Christmas," and visits from Santa and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Some rides will be open during the event.

MASSACHUSETTS

Edaville U.S.A.
Holiday Festival of Lights

• Carver (near Cape Cod)
• 2009 dates: Nov. 13-15, 20-22, 27-30, Dec. 1-24, 26-31, Jan. 1-3.

In the heart of Massachusetts' cranberry country, the featured attraction is the authentic Edaville Railroad steam train. Millions of Christmas lights line the train route as well as the park's turn-of-the-(last) century village. Edaville also features a carousel and other kiddie and spinning rides.

MISSOURI

Silver Dollar City
An Old Time Christmas

• Branson
• Dates: Nov. 7, 8, 12-15, 19-22, 25-29, Dec. 3-6, 10-13, 17-20, 26-30.

Weather permitting, many of the park's rides are open for the event. Special for the season, Silver Dollar City features 4 million lights, the Christmas on Main Street tree-lighting presentation, the Holiday Lights parade, musical performances, and a presentation of "A Christmas Carol." Santa holds court in Kringle's Krossing, and kids can decorate cookies in the Kringle's kitchen. Artisans demonstrate their old-world skills and sell their wares. Special holiday treats include hot wassail and ginger cookies.

• Silver Dollar City's An Old Time Christmas Photo Gallery

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Santa's Village
Christmastime

• Jefferson (in the White Mountains)
• Dates: Nov. 21, 27-9, Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 27-29.

The original and only remaining Santa's Village park (there had been a few other same-named, but separately run parks) celebrates Christmas in the spring and summer but, oddly, was closed during the holiday season until a few years ago. Opened in the 1950s, the park has the perfect blend of authentic nostalgia and contemporary appeal. Most of the rides and shows, including Santa's Skyway Sleigh (a mini-monorail), the 3-D movie, "A Tinkerdoodle Christmas!" and the Merry Christmas Ferris Wheel, are operating, even when there is some snow on the ground. (This is in the WHITE Mountains, after all.) Warm up by the big bonfire, then head back for some more rides.

The next page includes holiday events at theme parks in U.S. states from New York to Virginia.