Dec 22 2008
The guide is arranged alphabetically by U.S. state. This page includes holiday events at theme parks in U.S. states from New York to Texas.
The preceding page includes holiday events at theme parks in U.S. states from California to New Hampshire.
NEW YORK
Santa's Workshop
Christmastime
- North Pole--where else?! (150 miles north of Albany, near Lake Placid)
- Dates: Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 22 to Dec. 21. Also open Friday, Nov. 28.
The small, Christmas-themed park is open in the summer and during the Christmas season. It offers a few rides such as a Ferris wheel and carousel (that are open weather-permitting) as well as shows such as the Mother Goose Guild and a Nativity Pageant.
PENNSYLVANIA
Dutch Wonderland
Dutch Winter Wonderland
- Lancaster
- 2008 dates: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, Nov. 21 to Dec. 28, plus Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 29 and 30.
Like sister property, Hersheypark, Dutch Wonderland will also be thawing out some of its rides for the holidays. The Princess of Dutch Wonderland will be offering some Christmas stories. Santa will be on hand to see who's been naughty or nice. And the Dutch Winter Wonderland Royal Light Show will feature colorful lights synchronized to holiday music.
Hersheypark
Hersheypark Christmas Candylane
- Hershey
- 2008 dates: Nov. 14 to 16, 21 to 23, 26 to 30, Dec. 4 to 7, 11 to 23, and 26 to 31.
The park will scrape off the ice and open some of its rides (weather permitting) for hardy souls to enjoy. The park's great coasters won't be open, but you will be able to board the Tilt-A-Whirl, the Scrambler, and other selected rides. It'll be quite a sight to see riders, all bundled up in mittens and parkas, twirling on the Wave Swinger. Shows will include the musical, "Home Sweet Home For Christmas." Hershey also offers a drive-through holiday light display beginning November 14. Called Hershey Sweet Lights, it features 2 miles of trails with over 1 million lights on more than 500 animated tableaux. Hershey offers hotel packages and other holiday promotions as well.
Sesame Place
Sesame Place Holiday Party
- Langhorne (near Philadelphia)
- 2008 date: Nov. 29
- $9.95 admission
It's only one day, but the party will include select rides, character appearances, Elmo's World Live! show, and holiday shopping and dining with the Sesame Street gang.
TENNESSEE
Dollywood
Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival
- Pigeon Forge (near Knoxville)
- 2008 dates: Nov. 8 to January 3. Closed Nov. 27, Dec. 24, 25, and 31.
Weather permitting, many of Dollywood's rides will be operating during the festival. If it's open, you could check out the park's 3.5 million twinkling lights from the top of one of a coaster. Some of the lights will be synchronized to holiday tunes. The park will also feature an ambitious production of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" and other holiday shows, including "Dollywood's Babes in Toyland" and "Christmas in the Smokies." The park will present The Polar Express 4-D Experience, a ride film based on the popular Christmas film. At Santa's Workshop, children will be able to make their own holiday craft projects.
TEXAS
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort
Schlitterbahn's Hill Country Christmas
- New Braunfels
- 2008 dates: Nov. 28 -30, Dec. 5-7, 12-14, 19-23, 26-31, Jan. 1-4.
No, you won't be able to take a ride on the Master Blaster water coaster alongside Santa. None of Schlitterbahn's water rides will be open for the holiday festival. But you will be able to jump into the "Winter Wassail Hot Tub," which will be cranked up to keep guests warm. And you'll be able to visit Santa, as well as marvel at the oodles of twinkling lights, and go ice skating and sledding. The park will also present two holiday shows, carolers, bands, and street performers.
SeaWorld San Antonio
SeaWorld's Holiday Celebration
- San Antonio
- 2008 dates: Nov. 22 -30, Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20-24, 26-31.
Shamu Claus, as well as Santa Claus, will be on hand to greet guests. The park will present The Polar Express 4-D Experience, a multi-sensory film based on the popular Christmas movie. Special shows will include “Shamu Christmas…Miracles” and “Deck the Halls with Clyde and Seamore,” featuring the park's sea lions.
Six Flags Over Texas
Holiday in the Park
Snow sledding in Texas? With a little ingenuity and some theme park magic, Six Flags makes it possible at its annual Holiday in the Park festival. In addition to its world-class lineup of roller coasters and thrill rides, Six Flags amps up the holiday hoopla with thousands of lights, festive food, a special parade, and a slew of themed shows, such as "Honky Tonk Christmas" and "A Jolly Holiday." Bugs and his Looney Tune pals will be decked out in their holiday finery, Mrs. Claus will be presiding over a Christmas crafts workshop, and a huge Lionel train display will wind through the park.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Holiday in the Park
In addition to its lineup of roller coasters and thrill rides, Six Flags is offering snow sledding this year. It will also amp up the holiday hoopla with choreographed lights, festive food, and special shows, such as "The Majesty of Christmas" (requires an extra fee). Bugs and his Looney Tune pals will be decked out in their holiday finery, carolers will roam the streets, and Santa will be on hand for photos.
