Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom 2026: What’s New This Season

Dates, zones, tickets and what's new as the third season of Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom returns to Louisville.

Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom returns to Louisville for its third season, running November 21, 2026 through January 2, 2027 on select days. Flying Fox is open, the four themed zones are back, more than 1.5 million lights are glowing, the state's largest snow tubing hill is waiting, and admission is included for Season Passholders. Here's what's new this year and everything you need to plan your family's night out.

Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom 2026, at a Glance

• Dates: November 21, 2026 through January 2, 2027, select days. Always confirm the day's hours on the park calendar before you go.

• Four themed zones: Snow Zone, Classic Christmas, Holly Jolly Junction™ and Santa's Village.

• Blizzard Bluff, a 175-foot snow tubing hill that Kentucky Kingdom describes as the largest in the state.

• Flying Fox, the park’s newest roller coaster, open during the event.

• Over 1.5 million lights, more than 300 Christmas trees, a 60-foot illuminated tunnel, and a synchronized Christmas tree light show.

• King Louie's Candyland (10 or more rides) and Tin Lizzie's Starlight Speedway, plus meet-and-greets with Santa, Rudolph and Bumble.

• Included with Daily Admission, free for all 2026 and 2027 Season Passholders: Silver, Gold, and Diamond.

• Water rides and some other attractions are closed for the season.

When Is Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom in 2026?

Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom runs November 21, 2026 through January 2, 2027, on select days. The park typically closes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so plan an evening before or after if those dates matter to your trip. Hours shift throughout the run, especially around the holidays and school break, so check the park calendar for the exact day you're planning to visit before you head out.

What's New at Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom This Year?

Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom is back for its third season and Flying Fox, the park's newest roller coaster, is open during the event. You and your family can ride it alongside the four themed zones, the snow tubing hill, the trees, the lights and the character visits.

Flying Fox is the park's sixth coaster, and its first new one since 2019. It debuted in 2026, which makes this the first Christmas season where your family can add a suspended coaster ride to a night of lights and snow play. 

Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom first opened in 2024, so 2026 marks the third season. The four-zone layout, Blizzard Bluff and the light displays families already know are all part of it.

What Can You Do at Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom?

Beyond the lights, Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom splits into four themed zones, each built around a different part of the holiday experience, plus rides, food and nightly entertainment running throughout.

The Four Zones

• Snow Zone: home to Blizzard Bluff, the 175-foot-long snow tubing hill, plus fire pits for warming up with hot cocoa and s'mores.

• Classic Christmas: traditional holiday decor and a children's play area.

• Holly Jolly Junction™: meet-and-greets with Rudolph and Bumble.

• Santa's Village: photos and visits with Santa himself.

Beyond the zones, King Louie's Candyland runs 10 or more rides, and Tin Lizzie's Starlight Speedway adds another ride to the lineup. More than 1.5 million lights, a 60-foot illuminated tunnel and a synchronized Christmas tree light show round out the nightly spectacle.

Is Flying Fox Open During Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom?

Yes. Flying Fox, the park's newest roller coaster, is open during Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom, so your family can ride it between trips to the snow tubing hill and the holiday zones. Ride hours can shift from night to night, so check the park calendar for the day you plan to visit.

Flying Fox is a suspended family coaster. Riders need to be at least 38 inches tall and no taller than 81 inches. Children from 38 to 47 inches ride with a supervising companion, and riders 48 inches and taller can ride on their own. See the Flying Fox ride page for the full details.

Are Water Rides Open?

No. Kentucky Kingdom closes its water rides and some other attractions for the Christmas season, which runs through the coldest stretch of the year. The rides that do stay open are built around the holiday theming, including Tin Lizzie's Starlight Speedway and the King Louie's Candyland lineup.

How Much Does It Cost, and Is It Included With a Season Pass?

Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom is included with Daily Admission, so there's no separate ticket to buy. It's also free for any current Season Passholder, and every 2027 Season Pass includes free admission to the 2026 event.

If you're deciding between a day ticket and a season pass, remember a pass covers more than just this one visit. A 2027 pass also includes the entire 2027 season, so a family planning more than one outing is likely to come out ahead. See current pricing on the season pass page and the daily tickets page.

Tips for Planning Your Visit

• Check the park calendar before you go. Hours shift night to night, and the park is typically closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

• Dress for the cold, and in layers. Several of the best photo spots are outdoors, including the light tunnel and the tree light show.

• Arrive in the late afternoon if you want daylight for photos before the lights come on at dusk.

• Bring a credit card for hot cocoa and s'mores at the Snow Zone fire pits, a nice break between rides.

• If you already have a 2026 Season Pass, bring it. It gets you in free, and so does any 2027 Season Pass.