In 2017, we were invited to Six Flags Great Adventure to check out Holiday in the Park. Of course, we said yes! We were provided with complimentary admission for our family along with a few drinks and snacks!
Holiday in the Park was a big hit for us. We all enjoyed the festive atmosphere and there was so much to see that we only went on one ride the whole time! For 2019, Holiday in the Park has updated some shows and added new experiences. Here are 6 Reasons we think you should go see Holiday in the Park at Six Flags!
Maybe it was the lights. Maybe it was the hot chocolate and s’mores. Or maybe it was just that our family enjoys the chill of a snowflake on our nose more than the chills that run down our spine. But It’s safe to say we enjoyed Holiday in the Park a lot more than Fright Fest. Not that Fright Fest was bad, it was just… interesting. (You can read about our Fright Fest experience here.)
We visited Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Great Adventure on a sunny, but windy day in November. The wind made it a bit chilly, but it wasn’t cold enough to stop the rides from running. We stopped short of wearing winter hats, scarves, or mittens, but in hindsight, they might have been useful and possibly have added to the festive winter feeling.
1. Festive Atmosphere
The lights, holiday music, and falling snow all worked their magic to transform the park into a winter wonderland. It felt festive to us the moment we walked in during the afternoon. It got even better as it got dark out and the lights really shined.
The different areas had their own unique style and it was fun to wander around checking them all out. Another touch that we liked was how each ride was renamed with a holiday theme.
2. Characters and Photo Ops
There were many opportunities to take pictures and we saw a good number of characters. Some were familiar and others, not so much. But they all were dressed for holiday fun!
Other photo ops were set up for Christmas card-worthy photos.
A little cropping turn this photo into something from a winter wonderland.
3. North Pole Research and Development Show*
This cute show is aimed at the younger family members but we all enjoyed it. It was definitely a good way to help get us into the holiday spirit.
This show is outside, and you might be sitting to wait in addition to the nearly 20 minutes that the show runs. Next time, we’re bringing a blanket with us to the park!!
*For 2019, this show has been updated to “The Elf That Saved Christmas”.
4. Spirit of the Season – A Holiday Celebration Show*
This song and dance show features both modern and classic holiday songs all performed live on stage. It even includes some audience participation, which we weren’t a part of, sadly.
We all enjoyed it, but I think our budding Song and Dance star, Bella got the biggest thrill out of it!
*For 2019, this show is now “Frost”, a holiday cirque spectacular.
5. Meeting Santa
We’ve met Santa in a lot of places over the years. In other settings, I may have just lumped meeting Santa into the character/photo op category. But at Six Flags, meeting Santa was an experience worthy of getting its own mention.
We loved his house and Santa and his elves were wonderful hosts. We never felt rushed and Santa took the time to talk to us all. On the way out, we were able to purchase our photos (this was an added charge).
6. Hot Chocolate and S’mores by the Fire under the Lights
Our final reason is the one that brings it all together. Throughout the park were several areas with fires going to keep guests warm, complete with stands selling hot chocolate, s’mores kits, and other festive treats.
We found one spot that was particularly festive with trees surrounding us in the warm glow of Christmas lights. We toasted marshmallows and, when a bench opened up, sat down to take the edge off the chilly wind.
Exploring these little areas was an unexpected treat. It was one of our favorite parts of Holiday in the Park.
If you are near a Six Flags, consider heading over for Holiday in the Park to help get into the spirit this Holiday season! We think you’ll enjoy it!
We closed out our night enjoying Holiday Magic on the tree on Main Street. So that’s how we’ll close out this review. If you’ve been to Holiday in the Park at Six Flags, let us know how you liked it in the comments!