Christmas on Wheels: A Drive Through Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Holiday in the Park

Difficult times call for clever solutions. Six Flag’s Magic Mountain’s Holiday in the Park event has become a joyful tradition in recent years, but with regular theme park operations still off the table in California, the park has come up with a unique way to experience the lights and entertainment . . . from the safety and comfort of your car! That’s right, this year you’ll be able to drive through the millions of lights, theming, and holiday entertainment. We were there on opening weekend and have photos and video to share. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The park describes the event as:

Holiday in the Park Drive-thru Experience will include eight distinctly different areas throughout the park with millions of twinkling lights choreographed to festive music, beloved holiday characters decked out for the holidays, iconic Holiday in the Park decorations, and a drive-by featuring Santa and his elves. New this year, go for a ride in The Underground featuring several of the famous West Coast Customs show cars on display.

Well, what are we waiting for, let’s hit the road . . . 

Let’s Take a Drive Through Six Flags Magic Mountain Holiday in the Park

We arrived at Magic Mountain as the sun was setting. 

Cars were lining up for the opening. 

Safety first . . . wear a mask, even in your car. And drive 3 miles per hour! 

The journey took a little over 30 minutes, and nearly the entire path was dotted in lights, projections, and filled with fun characters and performers. 

There are lots of staff to help keep cars moving in the right direction and at the right speed. 

As you drive through the park, you’ll see lots of rides, some of which are in motion for dramatic effect. 

There are several areas where you’ll even encounter snow: 

The “Gleampunk District” has several cute characters. 

But you’ll also find performers for all sorts throughout the ride . . . 

There were a couple of bands. 

Mrs. Claus and her elves . . . 

And the event ends with the jolly old elf himself, Santa . . . 

Here’s a quick 90-second video of the experience: 

Know Before You Go

Holiday in the Park will be offered November 20-29, December 4-6, 11-13, 18-31, January 1-3.

Prices for this event range from FREE for passholders to $20 per person (price goes up as the date gets closer to Christmas). 

For your sweet tooth and merch needs, Magic Mountain is offering bundles they drop off at your car. The Holiday Snack Pack includes 4 cups of hot chocolate, 1 dozen holiday cookies, 2 bags of candy, and 1 large popcorn & souvenir bucket. The Holiday Merchandise Bundle includes 4 Holiday in the Park themed face masks, 4 holiday light-up necklaces, and 4 holiday 3D light glasses. Each bundle is $50.

You can also buy 1.5lbs of Coaster Candy Fudge or a Holiday Funnel Cake ($12.49 and $10.00 respectively). While we love Magic Mountain’s funnel cakes, we can only imagine how your car will look after eating one. Bring plenty of napkins for this one. 

You really do get to drive all the way around the park. Here’s the map for the experience: 

Let’s Hear From You

It’s interesting to see how different theme parks are adapting to theme park restricted operations, and Six Flags certainly is no exception! Does the Six Flags drive-through event sound interesting to you? Would you eat a funnel cake in your car? Let us know in the comments below!

Six Flags isn’t the only local park offering a holiday experience, Knott’s has their Merry Farm event, SeaWorld has a Christmas Celebration, and Disneyland has reopened Buena Vista Street. So the competition for your dollars has really heated up this holiday season.