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(Alicia Gomez/ Lincoln Lion Tales)

California’s Great America, located in Santa Clara, debuted their first opening for the winter season ever, known as Winterfest. The event opened to the public on November 25, 2016 and its last day was December 30, 2016. Winterfest includes many attractions for all ages. People are able to ice skate in front of Carousel Columbia and enjoy the rides Great America has to offer, such as the famous Gold Striker. However, only the first half of the park is open to the public during this season.

Families can enjoy live shows with Snoopy and his friends. The park’s main stage also has performers and Christmas carolers roam the park. Children can take pictures with Santa and help Ms. Claus decorate cookies. Planet Snoopy caters to younger children and is decorated with grand Christmas decor.

On the California’s Great America website the park is said to include, “..more than 7 million LED lights, creating such a vibrant experience that it will be visible from the International Space Station, more than 270 miles away.” Children can also enjoy the artificial snow in the Planet Snoopy area. Families can be entertained by the themed area’s extravagant displays, which are: Snowflake Lake, Hometown Square, Celebration Plaza, Toy Land, Candy Cane Land, Crafter’s Corner, Planet Snoopy, Coca-Cola Polar Bear Plaza, and Orleans Place.

The park’s dining is also Winterfest themed. Candy cane cookies, eggnog funnel cakes, and hot chocolate are a few of the many desserts offered at the park.

Great America is planning to make Winterfest an annual event. Since the park is only open during the summer and Halloween Haunt seasons, Winterfest can bring Great America more booming business. If you enjoy the holiday season and want to get more holiday cheer, check out Great America’s Winterfest this winter!