Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Holiday in the Park 2018
The costumes have been packed away. The trick-or-treaters have finished their candy. The jack-o-lanterns have been turned into pumpkin spice… everything. The lights have changed from orange and black to red and green. And the weather in Los Angeles finally requires a jacket. ‘Tis the season for Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain!
The Displays
Many of the decorations and highlights of Holiday in the Park are similar to last year, which saw Magic Mountain adorned with beautiful sparkling lights of every color. This year’s new Merry Lane, outside Battle for Metropolis, expands on that tradition with larger-than-life Christmas ornaments – they are more than big enough to walk inside! – that change colors and dance with the yuletide soundtrack. At timed increments, snow is released from above, creating a magical combination with the lights and sounds.
Santa’s Cottage has been wisely moved this year to the more family-friendly area of Bugs Bunny’s World, which is filled with photo ops and rides for younger kids. Santa is available for good boys and girls to sit on his lap, while his elven helpers take commemorative photos for purchase. Mrs. Claus is just outside the cottage with an area for arts and crafts beginning at noon daily.
Different areas around the park offer a variety of other magical sights that are perfect for holiday cards or Instagram. Winter Wonderland‘s trees are decorated like candy canes, and pathways are lined with animal “ice” sculptures and dangling icicles. Rockin’ Universe, home to DC’s Green Lantern ride, dances with a tens of thousands of lights choreographed to holiday musical arrangements. The Gleampunk District houses unique steampunk creations, the holiday acrobatics show Kwerkmas, and an enormous projection of the inner workings of a toy shop. The Six Flags Plaza is transformed into Holiday Square, which is a kaleidoscope of color and provides many opportunities for gift-buying and treat-eating.
The Entertainment
My favorite area this year is Snowy Nights, outside Full Throttle. Not only did we enjoy the beautiful decorations and snowflakes, but we watched in delight as the Tinsel Toy Dancers performed sparkling choreography to several upbeat holiday mash-ups. Rotating with the Tinsel Toy Dancers, the Snowy Nights stage also plays host to a DJ, live holiday music by The Mistletones, and silly contests to win prizes. I found myself standing on a stage getting wrapped in toilet paper by my teammate in the hopes of winning front-of-the-line ride passes. Since it doesn’t snow in Los Angeles, toilet paper is another way to build a snowman. Sad to say, my team did not win, but it was silly fun nonetheless!
The Traveling Toy Soldier Troupe and Holiday Cheer Carolers, performing more traditional holiday favorites, visit Holiday Square – perfect festive entertainment for waiting in line for a funnel cake! In addition to Kwerkmas, mentioned above, the Gleampunk District also sees intricate Tinker Toy Stilt Walkers wandering around and happy to pose for photo ops.
The Food
The treats Six Flags brings out specially for the holidays are always drool-worthy, and this year is no exception. Along with traditional pumpkin spice and hot chocolate, try out several seasonal craft beers and festive cocktails. Warm and fill up with broccoli-cheddar soup, mac ‘n’ cheese, turkey legs, chili, or stuffed baked potatoes. But save room for dessert! Pumpkin pie, banana pudding, caramel apples, deep-fried sno-reos, peppermint bark (and fudge), and pumpkin spice funnel cakes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. And, of course, it wouldn’t be the holidays without several bonfires around the park used to melt those marshmallows for a perfect s’more. Indulge in a plethora of culinary delights!
A Worthy Cause
Holiday in the Park has taken up a worthy cause this year. Available for purchase are two adorable, super-soft plush toys – a snowman and a reindeer. For every plush toy sold, Six Flags will donate one to a charity for children. Keep an eye out for these and make a difference in not one, but two children’s lives.
This year’s Holiday in the Park did not include a themed roller coaster, but there was plenty of holiday entertainment to go around, and the existing rides at Six Flags remain some of the best. I thoroughly enjoyed holding a hot chocolate in my gloved hands, watching the colorful lights dance around me, and smelling the smoke from the campfires in the air. Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Holiday in the Park is a family-friendly joy, and provides whimsical spectacle worthy of the cheerful holidays.
Find more info on Holiday in the Park 2018 here.
Buy your tickets to experience the magic and wonder here.
