The Best Theme Parks with Seasonal Events in the U.S.
If you're anything like me, theme parks are not just a place to enjoy thrilling rides, but an experience that transports you into different worlds. One of the most exciting aspects of theme parks are their seasonal events. These events offer a unique blend of entertainment, immersive experiences, and festive fun, making them perfect for both families and thrill-seekers alike. In this article, I will take you through some of the best theme parks in the U.S. known for their unforgettable seasonal events. Whether you're planning to visit during Halloween, Christmas, or summer, these parks offer something for everyone.
Fun Spot America Theme Parks - Kissimmee
2850 Florida Plaza Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34746, USA
1. Disneyland: A Year-Round Wonderland of Seasonal Fun
One of the most iconic theme parks in the world, Disneyland in Anaheim, California, is a place where magic happens every day of the year. But when it comes to seasonal events, Disneyland truly shines. Their Halloween celebration is one of the best, with the entire park transforming into a spooky wonderland. From the haunted "Haunted Mansion Holiday" overlay to the spooky "Halloween Screams" fireworks show, Disneyland goes all out. If you visit during Christmas, you're in for a treat with festive parades, holiday-themed food, and decorations that make you feel like you've stepped into a winter wonderland.
What makes Disneyland's seasonal events stand out is the attention to detail. The decorations are meticulously crafted, and the atmosphere is immersive—whether you're in the Haunted Mansion or visiting Sleeping Beauty Castle, the entire park is reimagined to match the season. It’s not just about the rides, but about the entire experience, making it a must-visit during the holidays.
Kiddy Hawk
300 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273, USA
2. Universal Studios Hollywood: Halloween Horror Nights
For those who love thrills and chills, Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles, California, is a must-visit during Halloween. Their "Halloween Horror Nights" event is legendary, drawing in visitors from all over the country. The park is transformed into a terrifying maze of haunted houses and creepy scare zones that feature some of the most iconic horror films and TV shows.
One of my favorite parts of this event is the immersive experience. The haunted houses are more than just dark rooms with jump scares—they're carefully designed to make you feel like you've stepped into a horror movie. From "Stranger Things" to "The Walking Dead," the park brings these franchises to life in a way that’s both thrilling and terrifying. If you’re brave enough to handle the scares, Universal Studios is a fantastic destination for Halloween enthusiasts.
3. Walt Disney World Resort: Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, is another theme park that excels when it comes to seasonal events. One of the highlights of the year is the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Held in the spring, this event transforms Epcot into a vibrant garden filled with topiary displays, colorful flowers, and beautiful outdoor kitchens that feature seasonal cuisine from around the world.
The Flower & Garden Festival is not just about the plants—it’s about the experience. I’ve spent hours wandering through the park, enjoying the fragrant blooms, watching live concerts, and sampling the seasonal food and beverages. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the arrival of spring and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. Plus, with less intense crowds than during the winter holidays, it’s the perfect time to visit the park without feeling overwhelmed.
4. Six Flags Magic Mountain: Fright Fest
Another park that offers an incredible seasonal event is Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. Known for its high-speed roller coasters, Six Flags Magic Mountain takes the Halloween season seriously with their "Fright Fest" event. The park is filled with creepy creatures and terrifying scare zones, where ghouls, zombies, and other horror characters jump out at unsuspecting guests. The haunted mazes are some of the best in the industry, offering plenty of scares and surprises along the way.
But it’s not all about the fright—Six Flags also offers a more family-friendly version of the event with fun Halloween activities for kids, such as trick-or-treating and themed entertainment. Whether you're looking for thrills or just some spooky fun, Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest has something for everyone.
5. Knott's Berry Farm: Knott's Scary Farm
If you want a spooky, heart-pounding experience, Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, is the place to be for Halloween. Their "Knott's Scary Farm" event is one of the oldest and most well-known Halloween events in the U.S., and it doesn’t disappoint. The park is transformed into a haunted nightmare, complete with terrifying mazes, live shows, and scare zones where creatures lurk around every corner.
What sets Knott’s Scary Farm apart is the variety of experiences it offers. You can enjoy terrifying haunted houses, experience thrilling roller coasters in the dark, or even take in a horror-themed live show. The park’s extensive Halloween transformation makes it one of the best seasonal events in the country, and it’s a must-visit for anyone looking for a truly frightening experience.
6. SeaWorld San Diego: Christmas Celebration
If you're looking for a more family-friendly holiday experience, SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration is perfect. The park comes alive with Christmas lights, a beautiful ice skating rink, and festive shows like "O Wondrous Night" that tell the story of the nativity. What makes SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration unique is its combination of holiday cheer with the park’s marine life exhibits, creating a magical atmosphere that’s perfect for families.
Beyond the holiday decorations and festive shows, SeaWorld offers some incredible opportunities for animal lovers to engage with the sea creatures that call the park home. The Christmas event includes opportunities to meet Santa and interact with penguins, dolphins, and sea lions. It’s an ideal event for those looking to get into the holiday spirit while enjoying a day at the park.
7. Hersheypark: Sweetest Seasonal Celebrations
Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Hersheypark is a family favorite, especially during the holiday seasons. In the winter, the park is transformed into a holiday wonderland, complete with millions of twinkling lights, festive shows, and of course, plenty of chocolate-themed treats. Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane is a must-see, with the park offering some of the most festive light displays in the country.
But what makes Hersheypark stand out is its emphasis on sweets. You’ll find chocolate-themed everything, from hot chocolate to chocolate-themed attractions, making it a deliciously fun destination for families during the holiday season. Plus, it’s a great place to get into the Christmas spirit with its charming atmosphere and unique seasonal events.
8. Busch Gardens Williamsburg: Howl-O-Scream
For a spooky seasonal event, Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia is another great choice. Their "Howl-O-Scream" event is full of scary surprises, from haunted houses to eerie scare zones. The park’s beautiful European-inspired architecture makes for a stunning backdrop, but at night, it transforms into a terrifying landscape where monsters and ghouls roam free.
What I love about Howl-O-Scream is how it combines the park’s world-class attractions with thrilling Halloween fun. The haunted houses are some of the best I’ve experienced, and the scare zones are filled with actors who create an incredibly immersive experience. If you’re looking for a haunted experience with a bit of a European twist, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is the place to be.
Why Seasonal Events Make Theme Parks Even Better
Visiting a theme park during a seasonal event is an entirely different experience than going at any other time of year. The atmosphere is electric, with decorations, themed food, and exclusive shows and attractions. The parks transform, and you get to experience your favorite rides in a whole new light. For me, seasonal events add that extra bit of magic that makes the theme park experience so unforgettable. Whether you're into thrilling scares, festive parades, or just soaking in the seasonal beauty, there’s a theme park event for everyone. If you're planning a trip to a U.S. theme park, don't miss out on these incredible seasonal events—they'll make your visit even more special.
For the best experience, I highly recommend visiting a theme park during their seasonal events. It’s something I look forward to every year, and I know you will too!
