November 26, 1982: Kings Island welcomed guests for the first-ever WinterFest celebration

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History

November 26, 1982: Kings Island welcomed guests for the first-ever WinterFest celebration

November 26, 2021

The holidays came alive and took on a new and special meaning in the Midwest when Kings Island opened its gates for its first-ever WinterFest celebration Nov. 26, 1982.

With more than 20,000 twinkling white lights all around International Street and on the Eiffel Tower, which was transformed into one of the world’s largest and most magnificent Christmas tree displays, Kings Island was aglow for the holiday season.

The original WinterFest featured a mecca of holiday gift shopping on International Street, old fashioned horse-drawn buggy rides, ice skating on the Royal Fountain, captivating holiday musicals, international food and beverages in the new $2.5 million Festhaus and the taste and warmth of seasonal favorites like roasted chestnuts and hot spiced wine.

Following a preview weekend Nov. 26-28, WinterFest was open daily Dec. 4-23 and Dec. 26-31 for guests to discover the many ways to celebrate the holiday season at Kings Island. And share the warmth of WinterFest.