Winterfest

**Winterfest** is a seasonal event at Kings Island that occurs during the holiday season from late November through December 31.

## History

In 1982 Kings Island introduced a Christmas event called Winterfest, which ran from Late November through December 31. The International Street fountain attraction was turned into an ice-skating rink, and for a few years a nightly laser light show was centered on the Eiffel Tower. Most rides were closed with the exception of a holiday-themed train ride, the Grand Carousel, hayrides, and the Enchanted Voyage (Now Boo Blasters on Boo Hill). Special shops, restaurants, and other holiday-themed activities were also available. There were live holiday shows at both the American Heritage Music Hall (now the Kings Island Theater) and Festhaus. The event ended after the 1992 season, but made one additional appearance in 2005 during Paramount era. A variety of reasons including low ticket sales prompted new owners Cedar Fair to shelve the idea. In 2016, it was announced that Winterfest would return in 2017 and beyond and would be free to all Gold and Platinum pass holders. In 2020, Winterfest was cancelled for that year due to COVID-19. It returned in 2021.

\*\*\*Fast Lane Not Available During Winterfest\*\*\*

## On New Years Eve

* Charlie Brown’s New Year’s Eve Celebration • 8:00PM – 11:30PM | PEANUTS™ Showplace
	+ The New Year's Eve event continues with the PEANUTS gang in this interactive party zone including character meet & greets, oversized lawn games and fun, family-friendly music!
* Oh, What Fun It Is To Ride • 5:00PM – 10:00PM
	+ (Rides have to be cycled off and all paperwork finished before Midnight). Enjoy your final rides of the year on some of your favorite attractions. Ride operations subject to change due to weather.
* Snoopy’s Rockin’ Countdown • 10:00PM – 1:00AM | International Street Bandstand
	+ Join Snoopy and select Midway Merriment characters as they ring in the New Year like never before! Watch as our 314-ft. tall magical Christmas tree is transformed into a giant countdown. Leading up to Midnight, a live DJ will be spinning modern hits to get you moving and keep you warm.
* New Year's Eve Lounge In The International Restaurant
	+ Ring in the New Year at the New Year's Eve Lounge in the International Restaurant, a warm retreat for guests of all ages to gather and welcome the New Year. Enjoy a catered dining experience including assorted appetizers and hors d'oeuvres, a grand buffet and meat carving station, plus a delicious, all-you-can-eat dessert bar and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight paired with the best view of our fireworks spectacular. This unique experience also includes unlimited hot chocolate, Midway Merriment character encounters and other Winterfest surprises throughout the night. Your ticket grants come-and-go access to the New Year's Eve Lounge throughout the night. Doors will open at 530pm and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
* The other attractions and shows of Winterfest will still happen this evening.

## International Street

#### Shops

* KI Collections (Located on left side, near entrance)(Indoors)(2021-Present)
* North Pole Mercantile (Located in Left Side of Emporium)(Located on left side)(Indoors)*(*2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Peanuts Holiday Gifts (Located in KI Essentials)(Located on right side, near entrance)(Indoors)*(*2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Trim A Tree (Located in Kings Island Trading Company)(Located on right side)(Indoors)*(*2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Christmas Collections (Located in Animal Fair)(Located on right side)(Indoors)(2018-2019, 2021-Present)
* Build-A-Bear Workshop (Located on right side)(Indoors)Formerly located in KI Collections(2017-2017) *(*2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Candy Cane Café (Located in right side of Sweet Spot)(Located on right side)(Indoors)*(*2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Funpix (Located on left side)(All Season Only)(2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Hot Chocolate Mug Buying Stand (Located on Left Side in Fast Lane Buying Stand)(2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Artisan Village Shopping (Located around the Christmas Tree (Eiffel Tower*))*(2017-2019, 2021-Present)*Was o riginally located under Eiffel Tower in 2017 where Jack Frost's Igloo Village is located today.*

#### Attractions

* Snow Flake Lake (Located on Royal Fountain)(Pay Per Skate)(**Upcharge**)(2017-2019, 2021-Present)
	+ Skate Rental (Located in Homage) (Line starts in front of *Viking Fury**)(Located on left side)(Indoors)*
	+ **Waver sign up's at Oktoberfest Bar**
* North Pole Post Office (Located in left side of Sweet Spot)(Located on right side)(Indoors)(2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Mrs. Claus' Kitchen (Located in Right side of Emporium)(Located on left side)(**Upcharge**)(Indoors)(2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Fischer Homes Family Care Center(Located across from Tom & Chee)(Indoors)(2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Jack Frost's Igloo Village(VIP)(Located under *Eiffel Tower)* (**Upcharge**)(2018-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Shows

* Swingin’ Into Christmas(Located in Festhaus)(Has Indoor Seating)(2022-Present)
* Tinkers Toy Factory(Located in Kings Island Theater)(Has Indoor Seating)*Was originally located in Festhus from 2017-2019 and 2021*(2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* “Tree” Lighting Ceremony (Located on International Bandstand) (The Christmas Tree is the Eiffel Tower*)*(2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Cool Yule Christmas (Located on International Bandstand)(2017-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Dining

* Tom & Chee(Located on right side near Great Pumpkin Coaster) **(MP)**(2023-Present)
* International Restaurant Winter Buffet (Located above Entrance)(Has Indoor Seating)(2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Blitzen's Hot Beverage Bar (Located in Greater's Ice Cream)(Has Indoor Seating)(Located on right side)(2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Cinnabon(Located on right side)(2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Prancer's Pizza (Located in LaRosa's Pizza)(Located on right side) **(MP)**(2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Wishbone Grill (Located on left side) *Formerly called Turkey Legs to Go in 2017(*2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Starbucks (Located on left side)(Has Indoor Seating)(2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Café du Pere Noel(Located in French Corner)(Located on right side)(Has Indoor Seasting)was outside from2017-2019(2021-Present)
* Grain & Grill (Located on left side)(Has Indoor Seating) **(MP)** *(*2023-Present)
* Auntie Anne's(Located on left side)*(*2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Sugar's Cake Factory (Located in International Street Funnel Cakes)(Located on left side)
* Tannenbaumhaus(Located in Festhaus-LaRosa's Pizzeria)(Has Indoor Seating)**(MP)** *Formerly called Tinkers Speizeug Haus 2017-2019 and 2021(*2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Drink Express Refill(Located in Tannenbaumhaus)*(*2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Panda Express (Located in *Festhaus*)(Has Indoor Seating)**(MP)** *(*2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Hot Chocolate Stand(Located in International Street Height Wall near Kings Island Theater)*(*2017-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Restrooms:

* Mens- (Located to the right of the main entrance next to Trim a Tree)
* Women's- Located to the right of the main entrance in the same building(when looking at the main entrance from the fountain it is on the left of the building next to PEANUTS Holiday Gifts)
* Men’s(Located in *Festhaus* near *Tannenbaumhaus*)
* Women’s(Located in *Festhaus* near *Tannenbaumhaus*)

### Former

* Charlie Brown's Christmas Spectacular(Was Located in Kings Island Theater)(Was a Show)(2017-2019, 2021) Replaced by Tinkers Toy Factory in 2022
* Yogurt Plus(Food)(2017-2019) Replaced by Café du Pere Noel in 2021
* Pop Culture Christmas(Shop)(2017-2017) Replaced by Christmas Collections in 2018.
* Santa's Little Helpers(Shop)(2017-2019)Was in the now Build-A-Bear in 2017 and in 2018 it was in KI Collections.
* Skyline Chili(food)(2017-2019, 2021-2022) Replaced by Grain & Grill in 2023
* Chick Fil La(food)(2017-2019, 2021-2022) Replaced by Tom & Chee in 2023

## Candy Cane Lane

Located in the Tower Gardens to the left of the *Eiffel Tower* and the *Grand Carousel*. *(*2017-2019, 2021-Present)

## Winterfest Way

Located on the pathway past the *Eiffel Tower* that connects International Street to Coney Elf Village, Tinsel Town and Rivertown Wonderland. *(*2017-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Restaurants

* Toy Town Treats (Located in Paradise Island)*(*2017-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Former

* 'Twas The Plight Before Christmas(Was Located in *Skyline Patio*)(Was a Show)(2017-2017)

## Tinsel Town

Located in the back of the Coney Mall in front of Kings Mills Antique Autos*.* This area was added to Winterfest in 2018.

#### Attractions

* Kings Mills Antique Autos (2019-2019, 2021-Present)
* Shake, Rattle, and, Roll (2018-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Restaurants

* Tinsel Town Diner (Located in Juke Box Diner, across from Shake, Rattle, and, Roll) **(MP)** (2018-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Shows

* The Mistletones (Located near Kings Mills Antique Autos on Tinsel Town Stage, In the Goblet Toss Game Stand) *Located in Rivertown in 2017* (2017-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Former

* Carriage Rides (Located in between Zephyr and Kings Mills Antique Autos)(**Upcharge**)(2018-2019, 2021)

## Coney Elf Village

Located in the Coney Mall section closer to the Front (2017-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Attractions

* Scrambler (2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Grand Carousel (2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Dodgem (2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Zephyr (2017-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Games

* Peach Basket Midway Game(Located Near Smokehouse Christmas) (2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Ring Toss Midway Game(Located Near Dodgem and Zephyr) (2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Coney Elf Village Arcade(Located Near Zephyr)(Indoors) (2017-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Restaurants

* Skyline Chili (Located in between Scrambler and Dodgems) **(MP)** (2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Candy Cane Connections (Located in Coney Treats, near Dodgems) (2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Smokehouse Christmas (Located in Coney Bar-B-Que, Near Scrambler)(Has Indoor Seating) **(MP)** (2018-2019, 2021-Present)
* Drink Express Refill(Located in Smokehouse Christmas) (2018-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Shopping:

* Sugar Plum Sweets (Located in Coney Confections)(Located across from Classic Christmas Café)(Indoors)(2017-2018, 2021-Present)

#### Former

* Subway(Food)(2017-2019)
* Santa's Visit(2019-2019)(Walkthrough)Was in Sugar Plum Sweets

## Area 72

Added in 2018 in *Coney Elf Village*, removed in 2019 for *Orion* construction and added again in 2021-Present as *Area 72*.

#### Attractions

* Flight of Cheer(Indoor Ride)(\*\*\*No Bags allowed in queue\*\*\*)(2018-2018, 2021-Present)
	+ **Single Rider Line Available(Enter near exit through the Fast Lane door on the right)**
	+ Funpix Exclusive

## Coca-Cola Bear Plaza

Located in the Adventure Port section of the park near *Classic Christmas Café* (2017-2019, 2021-Present)

Attractions

Sol Spin(2023-Present)

Cargo Loco(2023-Present)

#### Restaurants

* Enrique’s Classic Christmas Café (Located in Enrique’s)(Has Indoor Seating) **(MP)** (2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Jack Frosts Liquid Libations (Located in Mercado, behind, Classic Christmas Café)(Has Indoor Seating) (2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Coca Cola Freestyle(Located across from Classic Christmas Café) (2017-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Shows

* Coke Polar Party (Located in front of Enrique’s Classic Christmas Café) (2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Holly's Holiday's String Along (Located at the Jack Frosts Liquid Libations patio)(Has Indoor Seating) (2017-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Shops

* Custom Christmas Creations(Located in Airbrush, across from Enrique’s Classic Christmas Café)(Indoors) (2017-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Restrooms:

* Mens- (Located across from Enrique’s Classic Christmas Café)
* Women’s- (Located across from Enrique’s Classic Christmas Café)

## Rivertown Wonderland

Located in the Rivertown section of the park. (2017-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Attractions

* Mystic Timbers (\*\*\*No Bags allowed in queue\*\*\*) (2017-2019, 2021-Present)
	+ **Single Rider Line Available(Enter near entrance through Fast Lane)**
	+ Funpix Exclusive
* 12 Days Of Christmas Train Ride (Line starts at the entrance of White Water Canyon) (2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Saint Nick's Pics (Located in Diamondback Trading Post)(Indoors) (2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Antique Photo (Located in Rivertown Potato Works across from 12 Days of Christmas Train Ride)(**Upcharge**)(Indoors) (2017-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Games

* Rivertown Wonderland Arcade and Midway Games(Located near 11 Pipers Piping Pizza) (2017-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Shows

* Reindeer Roundup (Located in front of Mystic Timbers) (2017-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Restaurants

* Old St. Nick's Potato Factory (Located in Rivertown Potato Works near 12 Days of Christmas Train Ride) **(MP)** (2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Auntie Anne's (Located across from 12 Days of Christmas Train Ride) (2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Blitzen's Brewhouse (Located in Miami River Brew House near Mystic Timbers)(Has Indoor Seating) **(MP)** (2022-Present)
* Claus Confectionery (Located in Rivertown Funnel Cakes across from 12 Days of Christmas Train Ride) *Called Sally's Festive Funnel Cakes in 2017* (2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* 11 Pipers Piping Pizza (Located in LaRosa's Pizzeria) **(MP)** (2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Hot Chocolate Refill(Located in Outpost Coctails Stand) (Located near Saint Nicks Pics)(2017-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Restrooms:

* Mens- (Located to the right of Linus Launcher)
* Women’s- (Located to the right of Linus Launcher)
* Mens- (Located across from 11 Pipers Piping Pizza)
* Women’s- (Located across from 11 Pipers Piping Pizza)
* Mens- (Located in *Blitzen's Brewhouse)*
* Women’s- (Located in Blitzen's Brewhouse*)*

#### Former

* Snow Day Buffet(2018-2019, 2021-2021) Replaced by Blitzen's Brewhouse in 2022.
* Reds Hall Of Fame Grille(2017-2017)(Food) Replaced by Snow Day Buffet in 2018.

## Action Ice Zone

Located in the Action Zone section of the park.(2017-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Attractions

* Snow Works (Located in front of Drop Tower*,* Line starts in Congo Falls queue and also uses Drop Towers queue)(2017-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Shows

* Ice Carvers (Located in the Action Zone Pavilion Stage, near Snow Works)(2017-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Restaurants

* Dasher's Diner (Located in Chicken Shack, near Snow Works)(Has Indoor Seating) **(MP)** (2017-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Restrooms:

* Mens- (Located Next to Banshee near the entrance of the Bat)
* Women’s- (Located Next to Banshee near the entrance of the Bat)

#### Former

* Holiday's For Hero's: Presented by American Red Cross(Was Located in *Coaster Connections*)(2017-2017)
* Boy's & Girls Clubs of America Hospitality House(Was Located in *Coaster Connections*)(2017-2017)
* Winterfest Snow Globe(Photo Op)(Was located in front of Banshee*)*(2017-2019, 2021-2021)

## Charlie Brown's Christmas Town

Located in the Planet Snoopy section of the park.(2017-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Attractions

* Sally's Christmas Crafts (Located in Snoopy Boutique, Near *Character Carousel)(Indoors)(2017-2019, 2021-Present)*
* Sounds of the Nativity Manger(Petting Zoo) (Located near Joe Cools Dodgem School)*(2017-2019, 2021-Present)Formerly located in PEANUTS Playhouse(2017-2022)*
* Charlie Brown's Christmas Tree Lot (Located across from *Linus Launcher)(2017-2019, 2021-Present)*
* Boo Blasters on Boo Hill(Indoor Ride)(2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* The Great Pumpkin Coaster(2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Charlie Brown's Wind Up(2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Joe Cool's Dodgem School(2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* PEANUTS 500(2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Snoopy Vs. Red Baron (2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Character Carousel (2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Snoopy's Space Buggies (2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Woodstock Gliders (2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Sally's Sea Plane (2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Linus Launcher (2017-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Restaurants

* Ghost of Restaurant Past (Located in Planet Snoopy Grill) **(MP)** (2021-Present)
* Tiny Tots Hot Chocolate (Located in Snoopy Treats, Near *Woodstock Gliders* and *Sally's Sea Plane*)(2017-2019, 2021-Present) Formerly called *Snoopy's Hot Chocolate*(2017-2017)

#### Shows

* A Peanuts Guide To Christmas (Located in *PEANUTS Showplace* behind *the Great Pumpkin Coaster)(Has Indoor Seating) Formerly located Infront of Snoopy Snow Cone in 2017 (2017-2019, 2021-Present)*
* Bah Humbug! What the Dickens?! (Located in *PEANUTS Showplace* behind *the Great Pumpkin Coaster)(Has Indoor Seating)Formerly located in Coney Elf Village in 2017* (2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Songs of the Nativity(Show)(Located near Joe Cools Dodgem School)*(2017-2019, 2021-Present)Formerly located in PEANUTS Playhouse(2017-2022)*

#### Games

* Midway Holiday Games (Located in front of Peanuts 500, Character Carousel, Sally's Sea Plane and Snoopy vs Red Baron)(2017-2019, 2021-Present)

#### Restrooms:

* Mens- (Located to the left of Sally’s Sea Plane)
* Women’s- (Located to the left of Sally’s Sea Plane)

#### Former

* Tom & Chee(2017-2019)(Food) Replaced by *Ghost of Restaurant Past* in 2021.
* Mistletoe Munchies(Food) (Located in Snoopy's Snack Shack)(2017-2019, 2021-2022) Formerly called *Peperment Pattys Holiday Treats*(2017-2017)Replaced By Snoopy’s Soapbox Racers
* Four Drummers Drumming (Located near Boo Blasters on Boo Hill)(2017-2019, 2021-2022) Was located in front of Festhus in 2021

## Midways Around The Park

#### Shows

* Midway Merriment(2017-2019, 2021-Present)
* Winterfest Winter Wonderland Parade(2021-Present)(Starts In Coney Elf Village by Zephyr and goes down towards Classic Christmas Cafe, then goes towards the Front entrance down International Street and makes its way back up towards the International Street Bandstand, Celebrate the spirit of the holiday season as the WinterFest Wonderland Parade winds its way through the park each night of the event. Guests will be treated to a stunning mix of dazzling displays and extravagantly decorated floats with classic themes such as toy boxes, gingerbread houses and choo-choo trains, along with the WinterFest singers, dancers, classic holiday characters and the big guy himself, Santa Claus! The nightly parade starts at 8:30 p.m. in Coney Elf Village. Line up along any of the parade route Show Stops for an opportunity to celebrate with the performers as they pass.

Former:

* Holly Jolly Trolley(2017-2019, 2021-2022)
* Blitzen's Brass Band(2017-2019, 2021-2022)
* Jingle Jazz(2017-2019, 2021-2022)