When to go
Holiday in the Park finishes in early January at Magic Mountain. Once school resumes, crowds usually ease, but operating days vary by park and a quiet weekday can also be a closed one.
January at these parks: one of the year's best windows. The quietest month on this site.
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.
Low 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 | 5 | Climate normals, not a forecast. |
| Orlando (and Winter Haven) | 71°F | 49°F | 7 | Climate normals, not a forecast. |
| Texas (DFW and San Antonio) | 58°F | 37°F | 6 | Climate normals, not a forecast. |
| New Jersey (Jackson) | 41°F | 24°F | 9 | Climate normals, not a forecast. |
| Chicago (Gurnee) | 31°F | 17°F | 10 | Climate normals, not a forecast. |
Low 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
The Six Flags parks in the north run limited or weekend-only calendars this month — verify daily operation before booking anything non-refundable.
At Magic Mountain, choose a listed Holiday in the Park date in early January if you want lights and shows. Check regular park hours for visits later in the month.
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.