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Skip The TMC Movie Marathons For These Five Theme Parks Open in Winter

December 10, 2009 at 11:24 AM | by | Comments (0)

If shopping at the mall just isn't getting you into the holiday spirit, it might be time to take a trip to one of the country's theme parks. Of course there's Disney and all of their merry Mickey stuff, but we wanted to experience some commercial holiday fun at a couple lesser known parks. Here's five that we found to be on our nice list this year.

· Schlitterbahn’s Hill Country Christmas – New Braunfels, TX
The country’s best water park transforms the slip and slides into something more appropriate for the season. There’s way more here than just shopping, lights, and lots of Santa. The park has some special rides just for their Christmas celebration including the Luge Sled Run and Bobsled Racer—they’re no water roller coaster like their summer offerings, but we’ll take it. Remember to take some time and relax at one of the park’s seasonal shows. Holiday Illuminations should please anyone in your crowd as the park’s huge Christmas tree dances to the beat with its 50,000 lights. Tickets run about $18 per person.

More holiday parks, rides, and huge trees after the break.

· Smoky Mountain Christmas – Pigeon Forge, TN
Few things are better than being stuck inside a lob cabin within the Smoky Mountains with snow falling outside—assuming there’s a strong WiFi signal of course. If this isn’t a possibility in your area, just make a trip to Dolly Parton’s theme park to experience her version of the holidays. She’s brought out over four million lights to decorate the park. The place is big into holiday performances so be sure to spend a little time checking out at least one. Babes in Toyland is like their own mini musical where huge marching toy soldiers come to life on stage. It might be getting cooler, but all the main rides should still be open at the park. That’s why it’ll cost you about $54 to attend their version of a country Christmas.

· Hersheypark Christmas Candylane – Hershey, PA
Chocolate is one of the best ways to celebrate the season, so if you have a sweet tooth, Hersheypark has to be on your list. The park is closed for the season, but they’ve gone into their attic to retrieve plenty of Christmas decorations. New for this year is N.O.E.L. or Nights of Extraordinary Lights—so clever. Over 125,000 dancing lights come to life several times a night, so grab a good spot near the SuperdooperLooper coaster and enjoy. Only $11 will get you into all the holiday celebrations, but they will hit you with a $7 parking charge in addition to your admission fee so be sure to pack the minivan tightly.

· Knott's Merry Farm – Buena Park, CA
The scary stuff has been shipped out for the season, and the park has finished putting their final touches on all the holiday decorations. The Peanuts gang plays a strong part in the park’s Christmas party, and they even have their own parade to celebrate the season. A Peanuts’ Holiday Parade shows Charlie Brown and company preparing for the holidays while they trim their tree and build some toys. If you need a little more beagle there’s Snoopy's Cool Christmas where the wonder dog celebrates the season on ice. For those that want more coasters and less Christmas it’s no problem—all the rides are open year round. Admission here is $33 for the month of December.

· Legoland Holly Jolly Holidays – Carlsbad, CA
We realize that there are more thoughtful things to think about during the holidays, but who can resist thinking about toys. That’s why Legoland has to be one of the best places to celebrate the season. Besides their usual rides and attractions there’s plenty of Lego decorations that only come out to visit during the season. Make sure you get your picture taken next to the huge Christmas tree made up of the famous blocks—it's 30-feet tall and is the world's largest. If you and your crew wear some dorky sweaters it would be perfect for next year's holiday card. The holiday fun is happening during the weekend, but on December 19 things go daily until the big day. After that it's fireworks every night until 2010. Try to find a coupon or something because admission is $65 per person. However, all the usual park offerings are open for business—it's not just reindeer here.

Related Stories:
· Schlitterbahn Christmas [Official Site]
· Dollywood Christmas [Official Site]
· Christmas in Hershey [Official Site]
· Knott’s Merry Farm [Official Site]
· Holly Jolly Holidays [Official Site]
· The Top Five Places To Have A Drive-Thru Christmas [Jaunted]

[Photo of Schlitterbahn at Christmas: Official Site]

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