The Holidays are Even Brighter at California's Great America's New WinterFest 2016

The long awaited return of holiday events to the Cedar Fair chain of parks has arrived! California's Great America has announced that toward the end of this year the theme park will be holding WinterFest, described as "a spectacular larger than life holiday event."

The 2016 season marks the park's 40th anniversary, and WinterFest will extend the season by five weeks; the events will start weekends-only on November 25th and then run December 19th through 23rd and the 26th through the 30th.

California's Great America has a variety of holiday events planned for WinterFest, including "one of the Bay Area's tallest Christmas trees adorned with hundreds of twinkling lights and accompanied by giant toy soldiers."  The winter wonderland will include the ability to ice skate in front of the Carousel Columbia, live holiday shows, Santa's workshop and Mrs. Claus' kitchen, 18 rides and attractions and of course plenty of lights and decorations.  The park will offer special holiday food and beverage treats, along with WinterFest retail opportunities.

WinterFest will be free for both Gold and Platinum level season pass holders, adding even more value to the passes than ever before.  Also new in 2016 is the previously announced Mass Effect 4-D attraction, featuring motion based seats, an in-theater live actor, special effects and 3-D glasses.

"WinterFest will be one of Northern California's most spectacular winter events, delivering a unique experience where friends and families can create memories and traditions during the holiday season," Great America's Vice President and General Manager Raul Rehnborg said. "Mass Effect and WinterFest are the first of many exciting additions planned for Great America in the coming years."  We can't wait to see what else is in store!