Festive Fun for the Whole Family at California’s Great America!

WinterFest is a beloved Bay Area event and an exciting holiday tradition. In 2019, festivities run from November 29 through December 31. This spectacular and immersive celebration at California’s Great America, a favorite amusement park and waterpark, transforms it into a holiday festival and a winter wonderland. The admission ticket includes all live shows, rides, and attractions in operation on that day and also admission to Boomerang Bay waterpark.

Visitors will be dazzled by millions of lights and one of the Bay Area’s tallest Christmas trees, adorned with sparkling lights and accompanied by giant toy soldiers that greet the visitors. You can skate in front of the Carousel Columbia, view live holiday shows, go on over 60 attractions and rides, and enjoy holiday eating at numerous locations. While in California remember there are ton of places to check out and also a number for great spots for family in San Diego too!

Some of the Other Attractions at Great America

Holly Jolly Trolley

The Trolley brings back memories of the famous San Francisco cable cars in the early 20th century. Wherever it stops, special singers and performers do a routine, with audience participation, of a mix of old-fashioned Christmas songs. The women are in colorful dresses from that era, and the males have brightly colored pants, top hats, and long coats.

Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen Cookie Decorating

Decorate with Mrs. Claus as she makes cookies for Santa in a replication of her North Pole kitchen and her stove where her secret recipes appear piping hot. Children of all ages can decorate the special oversized creations any way they want with frosting and extra sugar. They can take pictures with the most famous cookie maker in the world while enjoying holiday tunes and possibly buying cookies and/or a souvenir ornament.

Cool Yule Christmas at Great America

Continuing throughout the night are performances on the main stage under a 70-foot-tall Christmas tree. Twelve professional dancers and singers in candy cane dresses and holiday sweaters perform a high-energy choreographed Christmas show that everyone can enjoy. There is even falling snow as part of the show.

Charlie Brown’s Christmas Town

The PEANUTS gang has decorated Planet Snoopy with oversized lights, and Snoopy has decorated his red doghouse with lights and tinsel and will be wearing his favorite Santa suit! There are Lucy’s Crabbie Cabbies, Peanuts 500, Charlie, Linus, Pig-Pen, a Christmas tree lot, and the Woodstock Express. Sally’s Christmas Crafts allows children ages 12 and under to decorate an ornament and make a Christmas card.

Gingerbread Village

See larger-than-life gingerbread houses in a land of lollipop trees, icing icicles, sugary sprinkles, and confectionary mansions, all of which will delight anyone with a sweet tooth.

Candy Cane Lane

Meet Ms. Candy Cane as she shows off her world and offers sweet treats. Enormous 20-foot candy canes mark the trail that goes through the lane. It is a wonderful place to take a family photo, and you can include Ms. Candy Cane with her matching wardrobe.

How to Find a Place to Stay

When you are considering Santa Clara hotels, you’ve got a lot of options. The Hyatt House Santa Clara is a popular choice for people visiting California’s Great America. This 4.5-star hotel is right in the heart of the city and offers complimentary shuttle rides to nearby theme parks. The Hilton Santa Clara offers guests great selection, with 280 rooms to accommodate parties of all sizes. The hotel features a heated indoor pool, a well-liked restaurant, flat-panel TVs, mini-fridges, and more.

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