Now through January 1, you can find holiday cheer and unforgettable attractions at Carowinds WinterFest! Located on the border of South and North Carolina, this event features incredible live entertainment, festive activities, delicious refreshments, and plenty of thrilling coasters and rides.
We were honored to be invited to attend this year’s WinterFest to experience all its incredible Christmastime offerings. Thank you, Carowinds, for having us out! Now, let’s take a look at all the seasonal activities and other fun to be had at WinterFest:
Tree Lighting Ceremony
We started our evening with Carowinds’ stunning Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Plaza Stage. Featuring lively dance numbers, fan-favorite songs, and even a short visit from Santa Snoopy; this is a gorgeous way to set the tone for your WinterFest visit.
Tinker’s Reindeer Round-Up
Don’t forget to grab your booklet for Tinker’s Reindeer Round-Up! This fun scavenger hunt takes participants on a search through the park for Santa’s lost reindeer.
Scattered throughout Carowinds’ attractions, these beautifully decorated and (pretty much) fully sized reindeers each come with their own special riddle. Kids and adults will need to solve the riddle to determine the deer’s identity and then head to a check-in station to receive a corresponding reindeer badge!
After finding all of the lost deer and collecting your achievement badges, head to St. Nick’s Pics for a large, grand prize button.
Tinker’s Toy Factory
Located in the Carowinds Theater, Tinker’s Toy Factory tells the story of Tinker, the rest of the elves, and Santa Claus as they work together to deliver all the toys by Christmas morning. This Broadway-style show includes live singing, large-scale dance numbers, colorful costumes, lighting effects and lots of holiday fun. My whole family enjoyed this adorable musical spectacular.
WinterFest Wonderland Parade
A breath-taking display of holiday characters and striking floats; the WinterFest Wonderland Parade includes appearances from Jack Frost, Tinker the Elf, Mrs. Claus, and, of course, Santa!
@freaks_of_hhn Here are some scenes from the WinterFest Wonderland Parade! #carowinds #carowindswinterfest #carowindswinterfest2023 #winterfest #winterfestwonderlandparade @Carowinds ♬ Sleigh Bells (PhatCap! Trap Remix) – Ronettes
@freaks_of_hhn It’s Santa! In the Carowinds WinterFest Wonderland Parade! #carowinds #carowindswinterfest #winterfest #carowindswinterfest2023 #winterfestwonderlandparade @Carowinds ♬ original sound – Freaks_of_HHN
@freaks_of_hhn Season’s Freezings from the Jack Frost unit of the Carowinds WinterFest Wonderland Parade! #carowinds #carowindswinterfest #winterfest #carowindswinterfest2023 #winterfestwonderlandparade @Carowinds ♬ original sound – Freaks_of_HHN
You can find more videos of the WinterFest Wonderland Parade on our TikTok!
North Pole Post Office
Still working on your Christmas list? Kids can write and mail their own letters to Santa at the North Pole Post Office! Just grab a special, themed notecard and drop your creation in the provided mail box.
A PEANUTS Guide to Christmas
If you’re hungry for a snack but don’t want to miss all the WinterFest fun, head to Harmony Hall for delicious refreshments and live entertainment! Charlie Brown and his friends are here to teach us everything they know about the holiday in A PEANUTS Guide to Christmas.
@freaks_of_hhn A PEANUTS Guide to Christmas provides cute holiday entertainment in Carowinds’ Harmony Hall! #carowinds #carowindswinterfest #carowindswinterfest2023 #winterfest #peanuts #charliebrown #apeanutsguidetochristmas @Carowinds ♬ original sound – Freaks_of_HHN
Live Music
Throughout the park, you’ll find a variety of live musical acts including acoustic sounds from the Down Home Duo, smooth hits from Jingle Jazz, and traditional holiday merriment from Cool Yule Christmas.
@freaks_of_hhn One of the most magical parts of Carowinds WinterFest is the live music and entertainment you can find all around the park! Here’s a taste of the Down Home Duo! #carowinds #carowindswinterfest #carowindswinterfest2023 #winterfest #downhomeduo @Carowinds ♬ original sound – Freaks_of_HHN
Holiday Traditions
NEW for 2023, Holiday Traditions is a fascinating, outdoor exhibit explaining various cultures’ and communities’ wintertime celebrations. Featured displays include Hanukkah, Kwanza, the Nativity, and more.
@freaks_of_hhn Holiday Traditions, an outdoor exhibit at Carowinds WinterFest, highlights and educates guests on the seasonal celebrations of various communities and cultures. Some of the notable inclusions are Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and La Befana! #carowinds #carowindswinterfest #winterfest #carowindswinterfest2023 #carowindsholidaytraditions @Carowinds ♬ All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
Sally’s Christmas Crafts
Next to Camp Snoopy, kids and kids-at-heart can create their very own Christmas crafts!
And More!
There’s a TON to see at Carowinds WinterFest. In addition to the activities and entertainment discussed above, you’ll find holiday decorations, photo opportunities, special refreshments, and more!
Premium Activities
If you’re looking for even more festive fun, consider adding a premium activity to your WinterFest evening.
Snow Flake Lake Ice Skating
Starting at $15 per ticket, guests can enjoy a traditional ice skating rink surrounded by coasters and other theme park sights. Admission includes skate rental and guides for novice participants.
Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen
Stop by Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen to decorate your very own Christmas cookies. For $22.99, your group will receive four sugar cookies plus all the frosting and toppings necessary for a beautiful (and tasty) dessert! You might even get to grab a picture with the famous matriarch during your visit.
St. Nick’s Pics
A time-honored holiday tradition, get your family’s Santa Claus portraits at WinterFest!
Freaky Thoughts: Carowinds WinterFest
If you live near the Carowinds park or will be passing through that area during your holiday travels, I highly recommend checking out WinterFest! It’s an adorable event – filled with high-quality entertainment, stunning holiday light displays, and a variety of seasonal and family-friendly activities. And all of these features are IN ADDITION to a selection of the park’s exciting attractions! There is something for everyone at Carowinds WinterFest!
Visiting Carowinds WinterFest
Carowinds WinterFest runs select dates now through January 1. Visit carowinds.com to purchase your tickets and plan your holiday evening!
