Cold can’t dampen joy at theme parks
Destination parks in sunny California and Florida have been presenting holiday events for years. More recently, smaller regional parks have been hanging Christmas lights and, yes, cranking up their roller coasters and other rides for holiday celebrations.
It’s not just parks in temperate places that will be decking their midways this season. For example, the Six Flags chain, which presents “Holiday in the Park” at select locations, will add Six Flags New England for the first time. Global warming notwithstanding, it’s bound to get mighty chilly in December at the Massachusetts park.
It’s likely to be really cold in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, too. But that won’t stop revelers from riding Rudy’s Rapid Transit Coaster, Santa’s Express Train and the Christmas Ferris Wheel at Santa’s Village in Jefferson on select days through Dec. 17.
Fortunately, Grover, Bert, Ernie and the rest of the Sesame Street gang have built-in coats to shield them from the elements. They’ll be inviting visitors to join them for “A Very Furry Christmas” at Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pa., on weekends and other dates through Dec. 31.
Christmas Candylane will return to Hersheypark in Hershey, Pa., on select days through Jan. 1. There will be 4 million lights glowing amid rides such as the Wildcat and Sidewinder coasters. Each evening, the park will present Noel, a light show synchronized to carols.
Two of the biggest events will be at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, which is running most days through Jan. 1, features shows, a nightly parade and rides such as the Lightning Rod coaster. Visitors can enjoy An Olde Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City on most days through Dec. 30.