Kings Island WinterFest

Kings Island’s WinterFest transforms the amusement park into a winter wonderland from late November through New Year’s Eve. The park features holiday lights, seasonal shows, the WinterFest Wonderland Parade, and up to 20 rides operating (weather permitting), including fan-favorite Mystic Timbers.

The Eiffel Tower

Let’s start with what WinterFest does exceptionally well: the Eiffel Tower light display is stunning. The tower is wrapped in lights and serves as a beacon visible from across the park. It’s genuinely beautiful and worth seeing.

The iconic Eiffel Tower lit up for the holidays

Rides in Winter

The appeal of WinterFest is partly the novelty of riding coasters and other attractions in the cold. With up to 20 rides open, it’s a decent selection if you’re itching to hit some rides during the off-season. Just be prepared for the cold—bundling up for a coaster is a different experience.

The Parade

The WinterFest Wonderland Parade runs through the park and is included with admission.

The WinterFest Wonderland Parade

The Value Problem

Here’s where WinterFest falls short for me: if you don’t already have a Kings Island season pass, the value proposition is tough. Tickets start at $32, but when you compare what you’re getting to other holiday events in the area, it doesn’t stack up well on pure holiday content.

The holiday-specific offerings—lights, shows, parade—are fine but not particularly extensive for the price. You’re essentially paying amusement park prices for a light display and some rides. Compare that to the Cincinnati Zoo’s Festival of Lights, which is included with regular admission (or your zoo membership) and offers a more immersive holiday experience.

Ice skating on Snow Flake Lake is an extra charge on top of admission.

Who Should Go

WinterFest makes sense if:

• You have a season pass (it’s included)
• You want to ride coasters in winter
• You’re looking for something to do and don’t mind the price

It’s a skip if:

• You’re looking for the best holiday lights bang for your buck
• You don’t have a pass and are weighing it against other holiday events

Practical Details

• Dates: November 28 - December 31, 2025
• Hours: Typically 5pm - 10pm (later on select nights, open until 1am on New Year’s Eve)
• Closed: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Final Thoughts

WinterFest is fine. The Eiffel Tower is beautiful, and riding coasters in the cold is a unique experience. But as a holiday event competing with the other options in Cincinnati, it doesn’t offer enough for the standalone ticket price. If you have a pass, it’s a nice bonus. If you don’t, I’d recommend the zoo or other dedicated light displays first.