5 Of The Best Theme Parks For A Festive Getaway Full Of Christmas Spirit

'Tis the season for visiting family and friends, indulging in one too many Christmas cookies, and jumping in your car at night to scour the neighborhood for the best-decorated house in town. While some people love staying cozy indoors beside a roaring fire around the holidays, getting outside to enjoy the festivities can be a lot of fun, and visiting an amusement park is a great way to do so. These hotspots are something most consider for a summer day out, but there are tons of theme parks around the U.S. hosting special events bursting with Christmas spirit that will surely put a smile on your face.

When you think of the ultimate amusement parks bucket list, you may think of thrilling rollercoasters instead of holiday treats, and finding an amusement park that the whole family will love isn't all that it's cracked up to be. Theme parks know how to do holiday magic right with twinkling lights strewn around, speakers playing Christmas music, and stalls serving up decadent holiday treats, hot drinks, and festive cheer.

Add a little magic to your winter festivities and head to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, Grinchmas at Universal Studios, Christmastown at Tampa Bay's Busch Gardens, Knott's Merry Farm at Knott's Berry Farm, or WinterFest at Kings Island. Enjoy some over-the-top Christmas decorations, massive trees lit with colorful lights, and winter activities to keep the little ones busy. You may even get to see Santa make an appearance, so here are 5 theme parks to visit if you want to be on the nice list this year.

As if the Disney parks couldn't get any better, the Most Magical Place On Earth turns into a winter wonderland every year starting around early November through to Christmas. All of your favorite childhood characters can be found at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom in Orlando, turning Main Street U.S.A. into a festive and cheerful atmosphere for both children and adults alike. 

The party runs in the evenings from 7 p.m. to midnight on select dates and events do sell out, so booking tickets early is imperative during the holiday season. From impressive firework displays lighting up the sky to dance parties and yuletide parades showcasing festive floats, making a visit to Magic Kingdom is the best way to experience the ultimate display of Christmas joy. Whether you're a Disney fan or not, this should definitely be on your theme park bucket list.

Fuzzy, green, and just a little bit mean, the Grinch may have famously been known for his sour taste towards Christmas cheer and presents, but in the end turns out to be a big 'ol softy. Known for sarcasm, wit, and dry humor, the Grinch can be found lurking around mischievously at Universal Studio's Seuss Landing during Grinchmas in Orlando. But he's not alone, there's lost of festive Whoville cheer sprinkled all around. 

The event really comes to life during the musical show, "The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular." Grinchmas runs daily from mid-November to early January and admission is included with your theme park ticket or annual pass. You can also book in a special breakfast feast with the Grinch and some Whoville residents for a memorable holiday meal.

Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay might not be the first place you think of when it comes to holiday festivities, but there's more to do than go on an animal safari during the Christmas season. Along with festive entertainment, visitors will have some shopping opportunities to find that extra special gift. Kids will love the chance to meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, taste some sweet holiday treats, or hop on the HollyJolly Express train ride around the park. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy a festive holiday-inspired cocktail before heading to one of the impressive performances, including Christmas on Ice. 

From mid-November to early January every year, Busch Gardens guests can visit the magical Christmas Town as part of their park admission ticket. For those seeking a bit of adrenaline, you're in luck. All the regular rides and attractions are open during the festival, and Busch Gardens is home to one of the 20 scariest rollercoasters in America. 

Known as one of the best budget-friendly theme parks in America, Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, transforms into a festive winter wonderland every year. There's no shortage of things to do for the whole family at Knott's Merry Farm. Open daily from November 21, 2025 to January 4, 2026 (excluding Christmas Day), guests are sure to have a magical visit with live shows, a Christmas Crafts Village, access to rides, cookie-decorating alongside Mrs. Claus, and the opportunity to meet Santa.

In the evenings, the twinkling lights really shine and guests will be treated to a magical Californian snowfall every hour. It only lasts a few moments but certainly enhances the holiday spirit, so be sure to head to the Ghost Town area of the park for the experience. Both young and old can enjoy "A Charlie Brown Christmas," performance and meet the characters throughout the park grounds, which is sure to spark nostalgia.

Kings Island, the largest amusement park in the Midwest, is always bursting with family-friendly fun., but WinterFest takes it a step further. On select dates from late November through to the end of December, the iconic amusement park in Mason, Ohio hosts a month-long event full of holiday cheer and festivities, perfect for a Christmas getaway with family and friends.

With attractions such as a nightly tree-lighting ceremony, live shows, ice skating, and even baking cookies with Mrs. Claus, kids of all ages (even if you're now a kid at heart) will have no trouble getting into the holly jolly spirit. Park Manager, Tony Carovillano, explained in a press release that, "Each holiday season, our team takes so much pride in creating an atmosphere that warms your heart." Those looking for New Year's Eve plans can book reservations in advance to enjoy a live DJ from 10 p.m. until midnight, as well as fireworks.