5 Must Do Activities At California’s Great America’s Winter Fest -The Best In Northern California Holiday Fun #CAWinterFest

There’s no better time than today to head to Northern California’s family favorite fun spot California’s Great America where a winter wonderland awaits as WinterFest is now open and waiting for you and your family. 

WinterFest, is  the Bay Area’s newest and most immersive holiday tradition, bringing holiday cheer to California’s Great America on select dates from now through December 30. During WinterFest, Great America is magically transformed into a winter wonderland and holiday festival where guests can skate in front of the iconic Carousel Columbia. Holiday activities include magnificent displays of lights and décor, viewing spectacular live holiday shows, experiencing more than 25 rides and attractions, seeing Santa’s workshop and Mrs. Claus’ kitchen, and enjoying scrumptious holiday fare at numerous dining locations.

The winter scene and Christmas celebration will be dominated by one of the Bay Area’s tallest Christmas trees adorned with thousands of twinkling lights accompanied by giant toy soldiers greeting guests. This amazing new event will feature more than 7 million LED lights, creating a holiday event for the entire family. Here are some of our favorite not to miss activities at this year’s WinterFest.

Outdoor Skating On Snowflake Lake

It doesn’t get any better than going for a spin on the ice on Snowflake Lake as the reflection pond in front of Carousel Columbia is transformed into a holiday ice skating rink.

Twenty-five-foot-tall, brightly lit Christmas trees line each side of the family-friendly skating venue. Up front, three picturesque polar bears sit between twin sets of lighted palm trees, welcoming guests approaching the rink. 

Skating under the stars becomes even more beautiful as the ice is decorated with giant snowflakes projected down from above.

Non-skating guests can take in the wondrous views of Snowflake Lake while enjoying a spin on Carousel Columbia.Santa has provided the ice skates and skate guides for beginners. 

Skating sessions are just $15 for a 30-minute adventure. Sign up early in the evening because this popular attraction often sells out. 

 Holiday Fun In Celebration Plaza

Celebration Plaza serves as the unofficial opening to WinterFest each night as it plays host to the celebratory lighting ceremony for the fabulous 65-foot-tall Christmas tree.

The tree then comes to life while snow falls from above as the cast again breaks into song. 

Later in the evening, Celebration Plaza sets the stage for “Cool Yule Christmas” – an upbeat and energetic Christmas pop show featuring 12 singers and dancers.  Don’t forget to take a magical photo with the ice prince and princess near the entrance to the North Pole (Star Tower).

Then take a trip to the top of the North Pole for an all-encompassing WinterFest view – truly a magical moment.

It’s Christmas Snoopy Ice Show Spectacular 

What would the holidays be without an ice show starring America’s favorite beagle?

In “It’s Christmas, Snoopy!” the lovable PEANUTS star takes center stage, complete with his own Santa costume. Snoopy and his cast of singers, skaters, and fellow PEANUTS friends, including Charlie Brown and Linus, remind everyone of the true meaning of Christmas.

Sweet Treats For The Holidays

Your sweet tooth will be happy with the vast variety of holiday treats waiting for you through the park.

Throughout WinterFest there’s is holiday fare to satisfy every taste bud with menus including the best holiday candied apples every,  cinnamon pull-apart bread, cinnamon rolls smothered in warm spices and of course  holiday cookies.

Enjoy a mug of gourmet hot chocolate—served with a mini-donut, toasted marshmallows and whipped cream!

It’s All In The Decorating

Stepping into the WinterFest you will be magically transported into a winter and holiday frame of mind where you are greeted even before entering the park by a 40-foot LED Christmas tree that continually changes colors and patterns to the amazement of all. Eight giant toy soldiers guard the entrance to WinterFest, providing a memorable photo opportunity and ensuring only good boys and girls are granted admission.

With lights all aglow everywhere, and holiday themed picture spots perfect for that family Christmas card, just walking through the WInterFest Wonderland will leave memories in your heart to last a lifetime.

Whether it’s  Santa Claus and his reindeer atop Gold Striker or the giant toy soldiers, the nighttime spectacular will puts a smile on every face and sets the stage in perfect holiday fashion,

Nonstop Holiday Entertainment

Throughout WinterFest, there’s nonstop entertainment and holiday characters around every turn, The Holly Jolly Trolley performers spring to life with vibrant performances in Hometown Square, Celebration Plaza and other park locations. This musical trolley departs nightly at 6:30, 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 p.m., with both scheduled and impromptu stops all around WinterFest.

The Holly Jolly Trolley singers like to surprise WinterFest attendees with live audience participation.  Tinker’s Toy Factory is musical theater at its best and enjoyable for both parents and children. This fun and upbeat performance in Theatre Royale is the perfect way to relax after enjoying the outdoor activities.  Come help Charlie Brown and Linus pick out a Christmas tree and search for one that “just needs a little love!” Everyone knows the story, but now kids can experience the real thing.

The search begins in a maze of Christmas trees, with holiday surprises sprinkled throughout. There is no question snow falling nightly in Hometown Square is one of the highlights. It’s a wondrous sight when California kids who have never seen snow before look toward the sky to see the soft flakes descending toward them. They truly feel like magic is falling from the heavens.

With so much to see and do, there’s no better gift for the holidays than the gift of making memories and in the Northern California Bay Area, there’s no better place than WinterFest at California’s Great America. Simply head on over to California’s Great America WinterFest website to purchase your tickets now and let the holiday fun begin.  WinterFest is now open on select nights at California’s Great America.

Disclosure: We received tickets for WinterFest as part of our partnership with California’s Great America however the thoughts and opinions expressed here are 100% our own.