Holiday At Six Flags Magic Mountain: Santa, S'mores and a Midnight Countdown!
Updated: 11 hours ago
Holiday in the Park 2026 at Six Flags Magic Mountain runs on select dates from Thursday, November 26, 2026, through Sunday, January 3, 2027, turning the Valencia theme park into a glowing winter wonderland. Light displays, a nightly tree lighting, live holiday shows, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and family rides like Road Runner Express are all included with regular park admission.
We put together the full 2026 calendar with every night's hours, plus what's included, which treats cost extra, and our favorite tips for visiting with kids. Spoiler: there's one night this season when the park stays open past midnight.
Key Takeaways
When: Select dates from November 26, 2026, to January 3, 2027, including every day from December 11 to January 3.
Where: Six Flags Magic Mountain, 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355.
Hours: The park opens at 10:30 a.m. Closing time ranges from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and the park stays open until 12:30 a.m. on New Year's Eve.
Tickets: Holiday in the Park is included with park admission or a valid season pass or membership.
Included: Light displays, live shows, the tree lighting, select activities, and most open rides.
Extra Cost: Food and drinks, merchandise, S'mores Fire Pits, cookie decorating, and select holiday experiences.
Parking: General parking starts at $42 when you buy online, and season passes include free general parking.
Holiday in the Park 2026 Dates and Hours
Holiday in the Park runs on select days, so check the date before you go. The park also opens on a few days in late November and early December without the holiday event, and it's closed on some weekdays.
Here's the full 2026 Holiday in the Park schedule. The park opens at 10:30 a.m. every event day, and the time listed is when it closes.
Thanksgiving Weekend: Thursday, November 26 (9 p.m.), Friday, November 27 (9 p.m.), Saturday, November 28 (10 p.m.), and Sunday, November 29 (8 p.m.).
First December Weekend: Friday, December 4 (9 p.m.), Saturday, December 5 (10 p.m.), and Sunday, December 6 (8 p.m.).
December 11 to 14: Friday (9 p.m.), Saturday (10 p.m.), Sunday (9 p.m.), and Monday (8 p.m.).
December 15 to 17: Tuesday to Thursday, closing at 6 p.m.
December 18 to 23: Friday, December 18 (9 p.m.), Saturday, December 19 (10 p.m.), then Sunday to Wednesday, December 20 to 23 (9 p.m.).
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Thursday, December 24 (6 p.m.) and Friday, December 25 (8 p.m.).
Winter Break: Saturday, December 26 (10 p.m.), then Sunday to Wednesday, December 27 to 30 (9 p.m.).
New Year's Eve: Thursday, December 31, open until 12:30 a.m.
New Year's Weekend: Friday, January 1, to Sunday, January 3, 2027. Hours: TBA.
Hours can change with weather and crowds, so check the Six Flags Magic Mountain park calendar the day before your visit.
Parent Tip: Holiday in the Park doesn't run on Monday, November 30, or on December 3, 7, and 10, even though the park is open those days, and the park is closed December 1, 2, 8, and 9. Double-check your date before you drive out to Valencia.
What to See and Do at Holiday in the Park
Once the sun goes down, Magic Mountain glows with twinkling light displays around every corner. Last season's event featured more than two million lights, plus larger-than-life ornaments you can walk right into for photos.
The Magic of the Holidays Tree Lighting
The evening kicks off with Magic of the Holidays, a tree lighting ceremony with dancers and singers that ends with an enormous Christmas tree lighting up the park. It's the moment kids will remember most, so plan your evening around it and check the Six Flags app for the showtime.
Live Holiday Shows
Holiday concerts fill the park with Christmas music, and costumed performers bring extra cheer to the walkways. Most shows are included with admission, and showtimes vary by day.
Santa and Mrs. Claus
Santa and Mrs. Claus make appearances during Holiday in the Park, giving little ones a chance to share their wish lists. Visit times change by day, so look them up in the app before you arrive.
Crafts and Kid-Friendly Activities
Younger kids can make holiday crafts, decorate cookies, and roast marshmallows at the S'mores Fire Pits. Cookie decorating and s'mores cost extra, so check prices in the park before you promise them to the kids.
Parent Tip: Bring a phone charger or small power bank. Between the giant tree, the ornaments, and Santa, you'll take more photos than you expect.
Rides Open During Holiday in the Park
Select rides stay open during Holiday in the Park, including family favorite Road Runner Express, and most open rides are included with admission. The lineup changes by day, time, and weather, so some coasters may close on cold or rainy nights.
Check ride status in the Six Flags app once you're inside. Visiting with little ones? Our Six Flags Magic Mountain coaster ratings by age can help you decide which rides to try.
Parent Tip: Ride the big coasters in the afternoon while it's still light out and the lines are shorter, then spend the evening enjoying the lights and shows.
Holiday Treats, S'mores and Cookie Decorating
The seasonal Holiday in the Park menu is half the fun. Look for hot chocolate in a collectible souvenir mug, hearty comfort foods, kid-friendly desserts, and handcrafted cocktails for grown-ups.
Past seasons have also offered hot cider, custom fudge, and holiday funnel cake flavors. Food, drinks, S'mores Fire Pits, and cookie decorating are not included with admission, so set aside a little extra for treats.
Want a souvenir that lasts? Holiday in the Park sells Magic Mountain apparel and collectible ornaments, which make a fun keepsake from your visit.
Parent Tip: Buy the souvenir hot chocolate mug early in the evening so the kids can stay warm while you explore.
Holiday in the Park Tickets, Passes and Parking
There's no separate ticket for Holiday in the Park. A regular park ticket, membership, or season pass gets you in.
Daily Tickets: Online tickets started at $45 when we checked in late October (regularly $110), and prices change by date. See the latest prices on the Six Flags Magic Mountain daily tickets page.
2027 Season Passes: Passes are good for the rest of 2026 and all of 2027. The Silver Pass is $99, the Gold Pass is $139, and the Prestige Pass is $349. The Gold Pass price goes up November 2. Compare them on the Six Flags Magic Mountain season passes page.
Parking: General parking starts at $42, preferred parking at $62, and front gate parking at $77 when you buy online. Season passes include free general parking. Details are on the Six Flags Magic Mountain parking page.
Parent Tip: If you plan to visit more than once this winter, a season pass can pay for itself in a single visit once you add up a daily ticket and parking.
Tips for Visiting Holiday in the Park with Kids
Arrive in the Afternoon: Come a few hours before sunset so the kids can ride in daylight and then catch the tree lighting.
Dress in Layers: Valencia gets chilly after dark in December, so pack jackets, hats, and gloves, even if it's warm in LA.
Use the Six Flags App: Showtimes, Santa visits, and ride status are all in the app.
Pick Your Night Wisely: Friday and Saturday nights stay open the latest but are the busiest. Weeknights from December 15 to 17 close at 6 p.m., which gives you only a short window of evening lights.
Plan Holiday Hours: The park closes at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, opens 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Day, and stays open until 12:30 a.m. on New Year's Eve.
Bring a Stroller: Magic Mountain is big and hilly, and tired little legs will thank you by the end of the night.
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Takeaway
Holiday in the Park 2026 at Six Flags Magic Mountain brings twinkling lights, a show-stopping tree lighting, Santa, and cozy treats to Valencia on select dates from November 26 to January 3. It's all included with park admission, which makes it one of the best-value holiday outings for SoCal families who also want a few rides.
Pick a date from the calendar above, bundle up, and plan to stay until the lights come on. For the most current hours and showtimes, check the official Holiday in the Park page.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Holiday in the Park 2026 at Six Flags Magic Mountain?
Holiday in the Park 2026 runs on select dates from Thursday, November 26, 2026, through Sunday, January 3, 2027. The event runs Thanksgiving weekend, the first weekend of December, and every day from December 11 to January 3. Check the park calendar for each day's hours.
Is Holiday in the Park included with Six Flags Magic Mountain admission?
Yes. Light displays, live shows, the tree lighting, select activities, and most open rides are included with a park ticket, membership, or season pass. Food, drinks, merchandise, S'mores Fire Pits, cookie decorating, and select holiday experiences cost extra.
Is Six Flags Magic Mountain open on Christmas Day 2026?
Yes. Six Flags Magic Mountain is open on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., with Holiday in the Park running all day. On Christmas Eve, the park closes early at 6 p.m.
Can you see Santa at Six Flags Magic Mountain?
Yes. Santa and Mrs. Claus appear during Holiday in the Park, so kids can share their wish lists and take photos. Visit times change by day, so check the Six Flags app for that day's schedule before you arrive.
How much is parking at Six Flags Magic Mountain?
General parking at Six Flags Magic Mountain starts at $42 when you buy online, preferred parking starts at $62, and front gate parking starts at $77. Season passes include free general parking. Prices may change, so check the parking page before you visit.
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