You guys, my kids love the carousel, and we go every single year at Christmastime, but their hours plague me! The Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round transforms every year into a magical winter wonderland, running weekends from December 6 – December 21 on totally unpredictable hours; see the complete schedule below.
Full of Christmas cheer, you’ll find decorated trees, tiny nutcrackers on display, holiday tunes, and a Santa to whom you may whisper your wishes. They’re also offering Breakfast with Santa. How cute is that?
The Christmas Carousel is a perfect outing for the grandparents, even if they don’t like to ride along. Just keep waving!
Tilden Carousel Holiday Hours
The Carousel is open for Winter Wonderland:
- December 6 – Dec 21
- Saturdays & Sundays from 2 to 8 pm
- Thursdays (starting 12/18) & Fridays (starting 12/12) from 4 to 8 pm
- December 22-23 from 11 am to 8 pm
- Santa Hours: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, buzzers to hold your place in line are given out starting at 5 pm
- Open after Holidays: Dec 26 – Jan 4, 11 am – 5:30 pm
And remember, this is weather permitting, so if the weather is crummy, the Carousel might be closed. If you’re not sure if they’ll be open or if the Big Guy will be there, give them a call at (510) 559-1004 before schlepping all the way up the hill!
Reservations are encouraged, but not required. Buy tickets online beforehand, or at the ticket booth once you arrive. Rides for the Carousel are $4/ride or $24 for a 7-pack for everyone over age two. Decorations go up in mid-November, with plenty of twinkly lights, jolly trees, and inflatable holiday decor.
Be sure to check their website or their Instagram for the most up-to-date info.
Don’t forget to stop in the snack bar for a seasonal treat. We opted for gingerbread cookies, but there’s also hot cocoa, churros, ice cream, cotton candy, hot dogs, and pretzels – need I say more?
The Tilden Carousel is located at the intersection of Central Park Drive and Lake Anza Road. Prepare for crowds, and lines, this place gets busy!
For more info on hours or Breakfast with Santa, visit the Merry Go Round website >
