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Six Flags Magic Mountain Presents Holiday in the Park

November 29, 2014

Six Flags Magic Mountain has seen its share of ups and downs, and we’re not just talking about the record setting coasters. Over the years the park has struggled to maintain a family friendly atmosphere while still promoting ever more extreme attractions. This winter, the park will hold its first ever “Holiday in the Park,” Christmas event. I’m happy to report that this new event goes a long way toward offering that special ingredient which should delight families of all ages.

Magic Mountain is a vast property that covers a wide range of terrain; flat, hilly, forested, wide-open. Wisely, the entertainment team took a cue from Fright Fest and developed four separate themed areas throughout the park. These are Holiday Square at the front of the park, Winter Wonderland in the area leading from Revolution up into Rapids Camp Crossing, Snowy Nights in the Full Throttle Plaza, and finally Rockin’ Universe in the D.C. Universe area of the park.

Holiday Square

Located at the front of the park, at the main entrance, is Holiday Square. This is a contemporary-style Christmas overlay of the existing entry plaza. The buildings in the area are dusted with a coating of “snow” and the trees are wrapped in a dazzling array of colorful lights. This area seems to set the tone of the event nicely as it is contemporary, yet family friendly. Cool and edgy, but at the same time festive.

The Holiday Cheer Carolers greet crowds coming in with some a cappella holiday songs. They are really quite good too.

Even the Carousel’s surrounding trees are lit up. It looks great.

Snowy Nights

We move on next to the area of the park now called Snowy Nights. Located at Full Throttle Plaza, this area offers an edgier version of Christmas. Contemporary trees are the centerpiece to this area, giving it all a surprisingly pretty and sophisticated feel.

Of course the Full Throttle Stage is used here to present a live holiday show with DJ’s, Dancers and more. They do a great job of being cool without trying too hard. None of it is taken too seriously and that is the key here.

Winter Wonderland

In what is probably our favorite area of the park, we come upon Winter Wonderland. Located on the trail leading from Revolution and going up into Rapids Camp Crossing, Winter Wonderland is as Christmas as you can get. The area resembles a snowy landscape straight out of a Currier and Ives painting. Here, we find snow, lights, sculptures, and of course, Santa Claus.

Of course, they found a way to work in product placement.

At Rapids Camp visitors can interact with Mrs. Claus and the elves creating Christmas crafts all day. This is also the location of Santa’s Toy Workshop.

DC Universe

The rockin’ version of Christmas in D.C. Universe is certainly the most dazzling of the Christmas zones. In what is one of the largest programmed light shows on the West Coast, thousands of sparkling LED lights blanket the entire area. Original music was composed for the dancing luminaries, so we are thankfully sparred the cliche Manheim Steamroller dreck that usually accompanies such displays. Lighting Designer and Programmer, Zach Moore designed and choreographed the three original shows. No nuance in the music was missed as the little lights sparkle and beam.

It may seem like we are gushing, but the lighting display here is actually quite spectacular. It’s not as long and grandiose as Osborne Family Lights in Orlando, but it is remarkable for a first effort. This is a must-see for the whole family.