Walk into a Winter Wonderland at Kings Dominion’s WINTERFEST this Holiday season! Visiting the park during this time of year is truly magical. I put together this guide to help families plan out a special and stress free trip to Kings Dominion’s WINTERFEST. I hope to shed some light on what this enchanting event is all about, provide information on what rides are open and what to expect. After reading these useful tips, you will be a pro and ready to go!
WHAT IS WINTERFEST
WINTERFEST is a annual event held during the holiday season at Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia. This years festivities take place November 29, 2024 through January 4, 2025. The park features extravagant light displays, live stage shows, revolving street performances, snow flake lake ice skating, festive food, and rides that are sure to get you into the holiday spirit. During WinterFest, Kings Dominion is transformed into a magical winter wonderland. The first thing that you will see is the beautiful 300 foot tall Eiffel tower tree, that changes colors and dances to Christmas music. Everywhere you look are beautiful lights, in fact the entire park is adorned with millions of lights that illuminate the walkways and rides.
RIDES OPEN DURING WINTERFEST
There are a plethora of rides open; many of which are selected to create memories and provide family bonding. Here is a list of the rides open during WinterFest 2024: Americana, Apple Zapple, Bad Apple, Berserker, Blue Ridge Tollway, Carousel, Dodgem, Dominator, Drop Tower, Flying Eagle, Twisted Timber, Wave Swinger and Planet Snoopy: Charlie Brown Wind Up, Flying Ace, Flying Balloons, Great Pumpkin Roller Coaster, Kite Eating Tree, Linus Launcher, Lucy Crabby Caddies, Lucy Tugboat, Peanut 500, Sally’s Sea Plane, Snoopy Junction, Snoopy’s Rocket Express, Snoopy Space Buggy & Woodstock Whirly Bird.
HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
There are a lot of things to see and do! So many in fact it’s nearly impossible to squeeze everything all in just in one visit. Here’s a look at some activities that make WinterFest extra special…
Mrs. Clause’s Kitchen : Kids and the kid at heart, are able to decorate huge sugar cookies with icing and sprinkles. Once complete, be sure to take a quick picture before eating them! ***This activity is an additional cost.*** This is a activity to step inside and warm up a bit. On the night we went performs stepped inside for photo ops and to sing!
North Pole Post Office: Guests can write a letter to Santa and send it off. My youngest had a great time here! He wrote a letter, a Elf stamped it, and then sent it flying across the room to another elf who put it in a special Santa Letter Box! Activity included in admission.
Petting Zoo: Don’t miss stopping by the stable with live animals! Feed and pet these adorable creatures that include: sheep, goats, camels and donkeys. While in this section be sure to check out the majestic nativity scene next to the stables. Petting the animals is FREE, feed is available for $3 per cup or 2 cups for $5.
Sally’s Christmas Craft: Kids ages 12 and under are invited to create a craft for FREE! Located at Joe Cools Pit Stop.
Shows: Be sure to check the show schedule to catch a entertaining live show on stage. The tree lighting ceremony takes place around 5:20 PM in front of the Eifel Tower Christmas tree, and is a great way to start the night. I highly recommend catching the musical “Tinkers Toy Factory” at the theater. It’s a great way to stay warm and get off your feet for about 25 minutes. The show was up beat and kept the interest of my three year old wonderfully. If you are worried your kids don’t have the attention span for a full stage play, as you stroll through the park, stop and listen to the many street performers. Some of the outdoor street stage shows include: Four Drummers Drumming (International Street), Jingle Jazz (Grove Stage), Cool Yule Christmas (Grande Band Stand Stage), The MistleTones (Old Virginia Christmas Gazebo), The Kris Kringles (roam around the park), Sounds of Nativity (Toy Solider Alley), and A Peanuts Guide to Christmas (Peanuts Play House.)
Skating: The 22,000 square foot ice skating rink located on the International street fountain (also known as “I Street”) allows visitors to be able to skate. This activity is an additional fee.
Snow in the Park: While walking through the night, notice snow dropping from sky as you frolic through the park! Really it is just soap bubbles; however, little details like these help bring the holiday atmosphere to life.
St. Nick’s Pics: Taking a pic with jolly old St. Nick is a fun holiday tradition.
TIPS & TRICKS
- Timing– Check the park hours before you go. Park opens later than spring/summer season. WinterFest is open 5PM-10PM most nights. Due to opening a little later, you can always eat fast food on the way to the park so you don’t waste anytime on fun.
- Save money- One way to save money is to invest in a season pass. This is a worth while investment since the park offers phenomenal full year round events. Plus, parking is free for season pass holders!
- Stroller Friendly– This is a fully paved, stroller and handicap accessible park. I see a lot of parents having fun decorating the wagons and strollers with lights to make it fun.
- Family restroom areas– There are a few family restrooms. The one that I was able to test out and approve is over by The Bad Apple. Another location is in the middle of Planet Snoopy at the Family Center; where you will also find baby changing and feeding stations.
- Food– Theme park food can be expensive. However, you could always eat dinner before coming and than splurge on some tasty snacks like cupcakes, popcorn, funnel cake or board walk fries! If you go with eating in the park, consider getting a meal deal online or if you have a large family order an entire pizza.
- Prepare for lines: The day we went lines were not long at all. However, as the season gets closer to Christmas it might get more crowded. So always prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Be prepared to entertain your little one during the wait. Bring some small fidget toys, bubbles or purchase a fun light toy at the front of the park early on so that they can play with it in line.
- Stay Warm- Be sure to bundle up and dress for the weather. On cold nights don’t forget your jacket, hat, scarf, gloves and thick socks. For added warmth bring some HotHands heat packs and a extra lap blanket for the stroller. There are awesome warming stations setup through out the park. Stop at a fire pit and warm your hands up. Try a few heated indoor activities like a show or activities like Sally’s Crafts, North Pole Post Office, Santa’s Work Shop or Mrs. Clause Cookie Station. Another idea is to get a souvenir cup and keep refilling it with hot chocolate!
PARK INFORMATION
KINGS DOMINION – WINTERFEST
Dates: November 29, 2024 – January 4, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM- 10:00 PM
Address: 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047
Website: WinterFest LINK
*** The Playful Parent does not receive payment for featuring attractions. All opinions are my own non-biased opinion; I like to share experiences and information so that parents have resources on fun family outings. Discounted or complimentary tickets are an advantage but not a requirement. The Playful Parent is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that advocates learning through play and promotes family bonding, all information and photographs are intellectual property of TPP. I hope that these tips help with your planning so that you have a great time during your next Kings Dominion Visit! Thank you for reading…Play, Learn, Grow! ***
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