CLICK HERE if you are having trouble viewing these photos on a mobile device.
Here’s what’s going on for the holidays at Northern California’s top theme parks:
California’s Great America
WinterFest returns to the popular Santa Clara theme park Nov. 29-Dec. 31, bringing with it a winter wonderland’s worth of seasonal attractions and holiday cheer. Lace up your skates and glide across the large ice rink near the double-decker carousel. Explore the festively decorated grounds, take in a live holiday show, visit Santa’s workshop or – our favorite – decorate cookies at Mrs. Claus’ kitchen.
Details: 5-10 p.m. select nights Nov. 29-Dec. 30 (6-10 p.m. on Dec. 15), until midnight Dec. 31; www.cagreatamerica.com/play/winterfest
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
The 12th annual Holiday in the Park celebration lights up this Vallejo theme park with seasonal cheer and zillions of twinkling lights Nov. 29-Jan. 5. Visitors can enjoy holiday-themed sections – Candy Cane Lane, Toy Land and Christmas Tree Forest – as well as seasonal treats, such as peppermint and mocha fudge and festive funnel cakes.
Holiday-themed entertainment throughout the park includes the nightly lighting of the huge Christmas tree, the synchronized Six Flags Dazzle light show and appearances by Santa.
Details: Hours vary, Nov. 29-Jan. 5; www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom/special-events
Gilroy Gardens
Geared for families with younger children, this Gilroy theme park will host its annual holiday celebration Nov. 29-Dec. 31, with sparkling light displays through the manicured, tree-studded park. Chat with Santa, enjoy holiday themed food items and ice skate at the open-air rink. Fans of Snoopy and the Peanuts gang will want to check out “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” performed nightly at the park’s Lakeside Amphitheater.
There are holiday feasts, as well, with roast turkey, baked ham and all the trimmings every night except Dec. 31. Extended hours that night let you count down to 2020 while enjoying fireworks.
Details: 4-9 p.m. weekends Nov. 29-Dec. 30, until midnight Dec. 31; www.gilroygardens.org/holiday
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
There’s nothing like ice skating on the Boardwalk while you enjoy postcard-worthy views of the Pacific. Santa Cruz’s Boardwalk Holiday Ice runs from Nov. 16 to Jan. 5. Other attractions include holiday lights, festive treats, children’s crafts, mini golf and more.
Details: Hours vary, Nov. 16-Jan. 5; https://beachboardwalk.com/Boardwalk-Holiday-Ice
