Six Flags Magic Mountain is currently running its annual ‘Holiday in the Park’ event, drawing in crowds looking for some festive cheer. On the surface, it’s an attractive proposition. You’re talking about a theme park visit during a generally pleasant time of year, with temperatures that shift from comfortable daytime warmth to a crisp, inviting evening chill. And, frankly, for thrill-seekers, the wait times have been notably short. We’re talking under 30 minutes for most major coasters, which, let’s be honest, is a rare blessing at any major park during a holiday event. That alone might be enough for some people.
But beyond the rides, the park genuinely tries to embrace the holiday spirit. Magic Mountain distinguishes itself with a surprising abundance of actual trees along its pathways, a feature many other urban Southern California parks seem to lack. During ‘Holiday in the Park,’ these trees become a canvas for countless lights, transforming the park into a genuinely cozy, illuminated landscape. It’s hard to deny the aesthetic appeal; it really does look like Christmas.
The entertainment side offers some noteworthy efforts too. The ‘Magic of the Holidays’ tree lighting show kicks off the evening as the sun goes down. It’s a charming production, weaving together traditional Christmas legends with a dash of mythology. This allows for a broad cast of characters, cleverly avoiding the need to license any specific — and often expensive — intellectual property. That’s smart, and it feels appropriately universal for the season.
Then there’s ‘Reindeer Dash,’ located in the DC Universe plaza, right in front of the main Christmas tree. This show, featuring Santa’s nine reindeer, isn’t just another typical holiday sing-along or parade. It’s a high-energy production packed with slides, stunts, and dance numbers. In a landscape often dominated by similar-feeling holiday performances, ‘Reindeer Dash’ stands out. It’s unique, and credit is due when a park tries something a little different, rather than just sticking to the usual script.
However, it wouldn’t be a modern theme park experience without a closer look at the offerings available to guests, especially when it comes to food and treats. The park leans into the cozy vibe with strategically placed fire pits, perfect for roasting marshmallows. A pleasant thought, right? Until you consider the actual cost. A single, fat marshmallow s’mores kit will set you back $5.99. You can buy three and get a fourth free, which slightly improves the per-marshmallow cost, but still, $5.99 for one marshmallow and its fixings is a factual point to consider when budgeting for your festive evening.
Similarly, the park offers refillable hot chocolate mugs for $13. Refills after that are $1.99. But if you want to ‘glow-up’ your drink with flavors or whipped cream, that’s an additional $3 per fill. So, a ‘fancy’ refill could be almost as much as your initial purchase. While some guests were clearly enjoying these beverages, it highlights the premium pricing for what many consider essential holiday treats. You also have bread bowl soups going for $18. These are the facts, laid out for anyone planning a visit.
So, is ‘Holiday in the Park’ worth it? It’s included with regular admission and passes, which is a definite plus for those already holding season passes. You get charming lights, some unique entertainment, and the benefit of shorter ride lines. But, like many theme park events, the devil is in the details, particularly when it comes to the cost of those delightful, single marshmallows and ‘glowing’ hot chocolates. Guests will need to weigh the festive atmosphere against the financial reality of the themed treats. It’s an experience, certainly, but one that comes with its own set of budgetary considerations.
