Popular US Theme Park Turns Holiday Admission into 2027 Season Passes

Theme park visits are a popular part of the American holiday season, particularly for families who want to combine Christmas entertainment, seasonal food and roller coaster rides in one outing.

Across the country, amusement parks are preparing to compete for those visitors with elaborate light displays, live shows and festive activities that extend beyond traditional Christmas attractions.

This year’s celebrations are also bringing changes for families looking to include grandparents and other relatives in their holiday plans.

Several parks are introducing new entertainment, while Six Flags is rolling out admission offers that could make a family visit less expensive.

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Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced on November 4 that its 2026 holiday celebrations will span 11 theme parks across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with two parks receiving redesigned versions of Holiday in the Park.

Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, and Six Flags Over Georgia in Mableton, Georgia, will each introduce three new themed holiday lands as part of the first phase of a multiyear transformation.

The reimagined celebrations will feature elaborate lighting, nightly tree-lighting shows, carolers, live musicians, holiday characters and indoor theatrical productions. Families will also find activities such as cookie decorating, gingerbread house building, photographs with Santa and seasonal food offerings.

Select roller coasters, family rides and children’s attractions will operate during the celebrations, subject to weather and operating conditions.

“Whether guests come for the rides, lights, entertainment, food or simply to spend time together, there are more ways to celebrate with Six Flags this holiday season,” said Kelly Daugherty, Six Flags’ director of entertainment.

Nov. 20 to Jan. 17 Schedule Spans 11 Parks Across 4 Event Brands

Two California parks are introducing additional entertainment for visitors.

At Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, the Holiday in the Park celebration will feature seven new live shows. The expanded program includes musical performances, holiday comedy, appearances by Looney Tunes characters and festive entertainment.

Meanwhile, Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park will introduce a new ice-skating production called Snoopy’s Christmas Follies. The show will feature Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang alongside professional ice skaters, dancers and a vocal quartet performing holiday classics.

Knott’s Merry Farm runs from November 20, 2026, through January 3, 2027. The park’s official event information also lists Christmas Crafts Village, Santa’s Christmas Cabin and a nightly park-wide holiday lighting celebration.

Free 65+ Admission Anchors Nov. 30 Black Friday Season Pass Deals

Beyond the two redesigned Holiday in the Park celebrations, the company is bringing back seasonal events at nine additional parks.

The participating locations are divided into four holiday programs:

• Holiday in the Park: Great Adventure, Over Georgia, Magic Mountain, Fiesta Texas and Over Texas

• WinterFest: Canada’s Wonderland, Carowinds, Discovery Kingdom and Kings Island

• Knott’s Merry Farm: Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California

• Christmas in the Park: Six Flags México in Mexico City

The celebrations run on selected dates between November 20, 2026, and January 17, 2027, depending on the park.

Visitors should check individual calendars because not every event operates daily.

Six Flags Offers Free Admission for Visitors 65 and Older

One of the company’s additional holiday benefits is free unlimited admission for guests aged 65 and older at their home Six Flags park through the end of its 2026 operating season.

Eligible visitors must register online and activate the benefit at their home park before its season ends. Canada’s Wonderland registration becomes available November 10, while Knott’s Berry Farm is excluded.

Six Flags is also introducing Black Friday promotions through November 30:

• Buy a day, get the 2027 season: At participating parks, a qualifying single-day purchase includes access to the 2027 spring and summer season. Knott’s Berry Farm and Canada’s Wonderland are excluded.

• Free bring-a-friend ticket: New and renewing season passes and new memberships receive a complimentary companion ticket. Redemption dates depend on the participating park.

The company is also offering a third hotel night free when guests book two nights at participating resorts, subject to availability and individual booking conditions.

The promotions give families additional ways to plan holiday outings, particularly those combining theme park visits with overnight stays.

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This story was originally published by TravelHost on Nov 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the Theme Parks section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.