September 5, 2016

Winterfest and County Fair Returns to Carowinds for a Jam Packed Fun for the Whole Family in 2017


In all the years my family and I have been going to Carowinds, I can pretty much say that we have seen how the park evolved through the years, from when it was still owned by Paramount, to that time the park got an entire makeover, character switches, attraction name changes and transformations, when it was acquired by Cedar Fair. During those years, we had favorite attractions that didn't make the cut during the changes. One of them is Winterfest.

Unfortunately, WinterFest lasted only one season in 2005 under Paramounts flagship. The next year, in 2006, Cedar Fair acquired the park. Now Carowinds is doing a time rewind and will be bringing back not just Winterfest but also County fair! And I'm beyond excited!

Here is why these two attractions are worth going to Carowinds in 2017:


  • WinterFest - Imagine the whole park covered in Christmas lights! Guests will be immersed in the grandeur and enchantment of the holiday season with millions of shimmering lights and spectacular decor, world-class live entertainment, luscious treats, and fanciful holiday experiences throughout the park. A magical winter wonderland for the whole family!

And get this. A 70-foot tall Christmas tree, one of the Carolinas’ largest, will come alive each evening at a special tree-lighting ceremony. How's that for a sweet holiday treat?!

For a little time travel to the past, check out photos from the 2005 WinterFest here

And more holiday treats: 


Midway Merryment will fill the paths of the park with melodious song and dance. Guests will also get to meet some of their favorite holiday characters, including Jack Frost and the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Christmas crafts and activities will be available for the entire family. From ornament decorating and feeding Santa’s reindeer, to making cookies with Mrs. Claus and ice skating on Snowflake Lake, guests will be fully immersed in the Christmas fun.



Holiday themed LIVE shows will be a must-see during this extravaganza. With Christmas musicals and the nightly lighting of a 70-foot tall Christmas tree- little kids and big kids alike are sure to be amazed.

Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree Lot will set up shop in Planet Snoopy. Guests can walk the lot and meet Linus and Charlie Brown from the PEANUTS™ gang.

Families can also enjoy festive food and drink including a holiday style menu featuring smoked turkey and carved hams, and their signature homemade hot chocolate.

WinterFest debuts in November 2017.


  • County Fair - Talk about literally going back in time - but with a modern twist. County fair will transport guests back to the 1950's! With FOUR new rides to complete the blast-in-the-past experience and new food offerings to give guests that timeless, perfect county fair fun for the whole family!

Four classic rides to look forward to: 


Do-Si-Do is a super-fun spiraling adventure that will send guests flying through the air- gliding up, down and around as three giant arms rotate riders in different directions.

Electro-Spin will give park goers a sense of being airborne in free-rotating, floorless gondolas while being suspended and flipping upside down up to 63 feet above the ground!


Rock ‘N’ Roller, a staple of any County Fair, is a fast-paced circular ride that will send guests round and around, up and down as high energy tunes and spectacular lighting round out this awesome experience.

Zephyr, a classic family swing ride, will suspend riders as it rotates in a circular, wavelike motion providing remarkable views of the park.

    County Fair is slated to open spring 2017.

    What's best about all these? They're all included with the purchase of a 2017 Gold Season Pass.

    Start your 2017 right and don't miss out on all the fun at Carowinds next year!


    Disclaimer: I'm a long-time Carowinds season passholder and currently an official Caroblogger for Carowinds. This post is part of the program but all opinions are mine, unless otherwise stated. Photos and additional informations courtesy of Carowinds.

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