Holiday Theme Parks

The holiday season has once again rolled around, and many theme parks are beginning their holiday festivities. The most notable in Southern California include Disneyland Resort, Knotts Berry Farm, Universal Studios, Seaworld, and Six Flags. 

      Disneyland Resort began its holiday festivities soon after Halloween ended, with decor and specialty food in both parks. Special holiday merchandise and nighttime displays will become available later in November. Holidays at the resort will be held from Nov. 11 to Jan. 8 of the new year. Other seasonal offerings include California Adventure’s Festival of the Holidays. This event includes Holiday and the holiday version of It’s a Small World will return on Nov.11 as well.

       Events such as a Christmas parade, a Christmas fireworks display, and special Christmas lightings will be held as well. Seasonal candy canes and gingerbread cookies will return, but will most likely sell quickly as they are often in high demand. 

         Kayanna Williams (9), says “I always love Disney at Christmas time. Everything is so festive and it gets me excited for the holiday season.”

        Knott’s Berry Farm will also feature its seasonal overlay of Knott’s Merry Farm. Knott’s Merry Farm will begin on Nov. 18 and will end on Jan. 8. Similar to Disneyland, Knott’s is decorated with Christmas flair and features various Christmas activities. The park will hold a nightly Christmas Tree Lighting, and seasonal favorite food such as crispy breaded turkey balls filled with both cranberry sauce and stuffing. A light show will be held in Camp Snoopy, and the Snow and Glow experience will feature Christmas songs and dancing. 

           The holiday season at Universal Studios Hollywood will kick off Nov. 25 and will end Jan. 1. Christmas is celebrated in a variety of different ways, each based on a popular franchise. The first unique experience takes place in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, with a nightly light show on Hogwarts. The fan favorite Grinchmas c;ebration will also be returning this year. Park guests will be able to visit Whoville and see a Christmas tree lighting every evening. 

           Makena Mosher (12) says, “Seeing Hogwarts all lit up is one of my favorite things during Christmnas time. As a Harry Potter fan it’s a fun way to celebrate.”

            Further down south in Seaworld San Diego, the holidays will be celebrated from Nov. 14 to Jan. 8. This year the park will feature a new nighttime spectacular, titled Donner and Blitzen’s Laser Light Show. The festivities will also feature the opportunity to meet live reindeer, and a tunnel of lights display guests can walk through. Other events such as specialty holiday shows with animals and nightly themed fireworks will also be included in the celebration. 

            Six Flags Magic Mountain will host their annual Holiday in the Park on select days beginning on Nov. 20 through Jan. 2. Each select night will begin at 5 p.m. and will include an expansion to the usual light display. Speciality items such as cranberry pulled pork sandwiches and cinnamon apple funnel cake will also be making a return. 

              Overall, all the theme parks in Southern California are ready for the upcoming holiday season, with a variety of options for all to enjoy.