April 2024 note: the prices have increased at Fairyland since this post was written. Thank you to Children’s Fairyland for sponsoring 510families.com this holiday season.
Fairy Winterland: United by Light! is the wintertime celebration that takes over Children’s Fairyland with twinkly lights and Santa Claus December 15-17, 20-23, and 26-30 (note that Santa will head back to the North Pole after December 23). Just like a daytime visit to Fairyland, it is best for toddlers through about age eight and their adults who love to see them smile.
For these exciting days, Fairyland gets a special holiday makeover with thousands of twinkling lights, candle making, free cocoa, apple cider, festive music from around the world, wintertime stories, seasonal crafts, and a visit from Santa Claus (Black Santa since 1993!).
We ended up making it to all the performances! My kids absolutely loved the magic show- Fairyland performers are amazing at entertaining little kids. Get there 5 minutes early for a good seat at the front. And if you can’t, don’t fret, most adults stand in the back rows so smaller kids can still see the stage. The puppet show was also very sweet, as always.
If the train is a must-ride for your kids, go there first. I didn’t even bother with the line- there were at least 40 people in line by the time we reached that part of the park. The carousel on the other hand is a crowd-pleaser and fits a lot of kids. We rode it at least three times.
Pro tips:
- Wearing pajamas adds to the holiday spirit!
- Some families brought dinner and had it at their picnic tables. Genius. I will definitely do this next time. Nothing better than a hot dinner outside on a cold night.
- Give kids some twinkly light necklaces or glow-stick necklaces to keep track of them running around after the sun sets.
I asked my kids what was their favorite part and they both said the candy canes and the magic show.
Plan your visit to Fairy Winterland
Open from noon to 7 pm, things get exciting just before closing time when Santa Claus leads a parade through Fairyland and hands out treats (usually at 6:30 pm). All activities are weather permitting. Fairyland will be decked out with thousands of twinkly lights and culturally diverse holiday displays.
Admission prices: $18 for people over the age of one | $9 for members
($5 Fairyland for all discounts available)
Fairy Winterland Schedule and Highlights
Santa Claus Santa Claus will march in the parade and collect letters of holiday wishes. There will be a letter deposit box in the Chapel of Peace. Write a letter with your wishes before coming, and grab a small candy cane on the way out.
United by light craft projects include ornament making, Rangoli chalk art, and candle dipping.
Hot cocoa and apple cider for all.
6:30 pm parade time! Santa Claus leads a dance party on stage and a tot walk that is called the Festival of Lights Parade. Adorbs.
Reservations are encouraged to manage capacity. Buy tickets now >>
Find out more about a visit to Fairyland >>
[Photos by Heather Flett and Julia Gidwani]
