Winterfest facts for kids

Winterfest is the name for many fun winter festivals held in different places across North America. These festivals celebrate the colder months with exciting activities, bright lights, and special events for everyone to enjoy!

What is Winterfest?

Winterfest is a special time when towns and amusement parks get into the spirit of winter. It's a chance to enjoy the snow, ice, and festive atmosphere before spring arrives. Many Winterfest events feature beautiful light displays, ice skating, and delicious seasonal treats.

Winterfest at Amusement Parks

Some big amusement parks, like those owned by Cedar Fair, host their own Winterfest events. These parks stay open in November and December, turning into winter wonderlands.

• California's Great America in Santa Clara, California
• Canada's Wonderland in Vaughan, Ontario
• Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina
• Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia
• Kings Island in Mason, Ohio
• Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Missouri

At these parks, you can see amazing light shows and enjoy seasonal foods. There are often ice skating rinks and performances by famous characters like the Peanuts gang. Some parks even use special machines to make snow, creating a magical winter feeling!

Winterfest Celebrations Across the USA

Fort Lauderdale, Florida: The Boat Parade

In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Winterfest is famous for its incredible Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade. This parade started in 1971 and is known as the "Greatest Show on H20." It's even called "The World's Most Watched Boat Parade"!

About 100 decorated boats, often with celebrity guests, float along a 12-mile waterway. Over a million people watch this amazing show every December.

Lowell, Massachusetts: A Festival of Fun

The annual Winterfest in Lowell, Massachusetts, began in 2001. This two-day festival happens in downtown Lowell after the Super Bowl.

Human Dog Sled Competition

One of the most popular events is the Human Dog Sled Competition. Teams of six people dress in funny costumes and race against each other. They compete for titles like the fastest team or the best-dressed team. This fun event was even recognized for being animal-friendly!

Soup Bowl Competition

Another tasty competition is the Soup Bowl. Local restaurant chefs create new soup recipes. Festival visitors get to taste and vote for their favorite.

Other Activities in Lowell

Lowell's Winterfest also offers lots of other activities. Kids can enjoy special entertainment. There's hot food and drinks, live music, and free ice skating at Tsongas Arena. You can also go on a hay ride, join a snowman building contest, or see an art show by local artists. The festival usually ends with a big fireworks display, which many say is as good as the Fourth of July fireworks!

Beloit, Wisconsin: Ice and Fun

Similar to Lowell, the Winterfest in Beloit, Wisconsin, has many exciting events. These take place in different spots, from the Eclipse Center to Riverside Park and downtown.

Activities include an indoor playland for kids. You can also go ice skating on the lagoon. There are amazing ice sculpting displays and thrilling toboggan races.

Wausau, Wisconsin: Winter Activities for All Ages

The annual Winter Fest in Wausau, Wisconsin, started in 2012. It offers activities for people of all ages throughout downtown Wausau.

You can enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, create art projects, and decorate cookies. There are also impressive snow sculptures and opportunities for ice-skating.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee: A Gathering with Entertainment

In Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Winterfest is a special event that brings people together. It often includes gatherings and entertainment like magicians or comedians. Visitors also have time to relax and explore the city. They can visit restaurants, arcades, and other fun places.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Skating by the River

Winterfest in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, takes place at the Blue Cross RiverRink. This is an outdoor ice skating rink and event area located at Penn's Landing.

During the winter, it becomes the Blue Cross RiverRink WinterFest. It features beautiful winter decorations, cozy fire pits, and an outdoor area for refreshments. The first Winterfest here was held in 2013. In the summer, the ice rink changes into a roller skating rink called SummerFest.