It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and if you’re seeking plans to get the full flavor of the season, then Great America’s Winterfest is sure to be one of Northern California’s most spectacular winter events. Delivering a unique experience where friends and families can create memories and traditions during the holiday season, Great America should make your winter list. My family had to miss out on opening day due to an injury, but it’s definitely on the agenda!
Great America’s Winterfest features nine unique and decorative themed areas, including 20 ft. tall candy canes in Candy Cane Lane. Then head over to Hometown Square to experience the wonder of snow falling. Children and adults will adore Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree in Planet Snoopy, and you can all take photos with toy soldiers and oversized toys in Toy Land.
During Winterfest there’s Live shows including a nightly tree lighting, carolers throughout the park, “It’s Christmas, Snoopy!” ice show and more. You may find that unique gift from the Holiday crafters and there will be plenty of holiday characters to interact with, including Jack Frost, Candy Cane and the Sugar Plum Fairy. I can’t wait to see the homemade crafts available for purchase because sometimes these make the best gifts.
Winterfest has so much to offer kids, and adults who are kids at heart. Experience decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus, taking a picture with Santa, writing holiday letters to family members and petting reindeer. The food has got me really excited because I mean – eggnog funnel cakes and peppermint churros? Yes, please! For savory, they’ve got a turkey dinner sandwich, which you can wash down with all-you-can-drink hot chocolate and many more traditional holiday favorites. Be prepared that some of these events may require an additional fee.
No Holiday Celebration is complete without great food, and at the Great America Winterfest guests can enjoy the Pavilion Holiday Buffet for $16.49 (plus tax) which includes roast turkey with festive dressing, baked ham, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, vegetarian baked pasta, tossed salad, dessert squares, Christmas cookies and fountain drinks. The Yummy Buffet runs from December 17-23, from 5pm-7pm.
Single day tickets are available online for as low as $24.99 and admission to WinterFest is included with a 2016 or 2017 Gold or Platinum Pass. The five-week WinterFest celebration will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with daily operations December 19-23 and 26-30 from 5pm-10pm (December 11 from 7pm-11pm).
I had planned to take my family for Winterfest the day after Thanksgiving, but an injury kept us from going. How can I resist taking my family with all the fun going on at Great America? I guarantee we’ll be making the trip sometime before the end of the year just to make sure we can experience not only the fabulous rides and attractions, but the added bonus of Winterfest. Will I see you there?
But wait, hold on to your hats, as Great America has announced the 2017 opening of Patriot, the first floorless coaster in the park’s 41-year history. Patriot takes the place of the Vortex coaster and features a 91-foot height before plummeting riders into a 360-degree loop at 45 miles per hour. Something to look forward to for those thrill seekers.
Leave a Reply