When to go
Magic Mountain runs Holiday in the Park on select December days. Check the park’s calendar before choosing a weekday for the lights and shows.
December at these parks: holiday weeks are busiest at the warm parks. Check each northern park's published calendar before treating December as an operating month.
Expected — not yet announced · Checked November 2026
Holiday timing checked November 4, 2026 against Magic Mountain’s event calendar. Crowd and cost estimates describe multi-year patterns. Weather figures are regional climate normals.
High crowds
Climate normals for each resort. These are averages over a long reference period, not a forecast — the only figures on this site that do not decay.
| Resort | Avg high | Avg low | Rain days | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern California (LA basin to San Diego) | 68°F | 48°F | 4 | Climate normals, not a forecast. |
| Orlando (and Winter Haven) | 73°F | 50°F | 6 | Climate normals, not a forecast. |
| Texas (DFW and San Antonio) | 60°F | 38°F | 5 | Climate normals, not a forecast. |
| New Jersey (Jackson) | 46°F | 29°F | 9 | Climate normals, not a forecast. |
| Chicago (Gurnee) | 37°F | 22°F | 10 | Climate normals, not a forecast. |
High cost
Each of these has its own page with pricing, strategy, and a verdict.
Seasonal overlay
Six Flags Magic Mountain celebrates Holiday in the Park on select dates from November 26, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Admission includes the light displays, live shows and most rides. Food and some holiday activities cost extra.
ConfirmedWith eligible admission
Christmas-to-New-Year week is often a peak at parks that are open, especially in warm regions. Check each park's December calendar before treating a holiday week as an operating week.
The first two December weeks can be calmer than Christmas week at warm parks. Verify that the park and its holiday program are operating on your exact date.
Height requirements, ride mechanics, accessibility detail, and permanent dining live on our evergreen guide, our year-round sister site. They do not change with the season, so we do not repeat them here.