Paramount's Kings Island sparkles with millions of twinkling lights. In addition, guests will delight in a magical winter parade, gorgeous White Christmas Express train ride, mesmerizing outdoor light show, sumptuous holiday foods, handmade crafts, ice skating, spectacular live stage entertainment, visits by Santa and Scrooge and much more.

“WinterFest 2005 will be a spectacular memory-making event that guests are going to want to share with family and friends from throughout the Midwest. This will be the singular defining holiday event throughout the entire region, with the scope and quality of Christmas in New York and Rockefeller Center,” said Ross.

WinterFest’s signature attractions include:

International Street – International Street transforms into a wonderland of holiday cheer with the majestic Eiffel Tower decorated as the world’s largest glittering Christmas tree. An array of quaint shops, outlined in thousands of twinkling white lights, offer holiday crafters from throughout the Midwest selling unique holiday gifts and mouth-watering treats.

Ice Skating on the Royal Fountain, International Street – Nostalgic holiday tunes echo through the crisp air as ice skaters of all ages glide across the area’s largest outdoor ice rink, adorned with gorgeous metallic fountains. Special guest star skaters – including classic Nickelodeon pals – join guests on the ice for a spin around the fountain. Skates are available for rent at the adjacent skate shop.

The White Christmas Express, Rivertown – All aboard the most enchanting Christmas train ride in Paramount's Kings Island history! Departing throughout the evening from Rivertown’s Holiday Junction, the train journeys into yesteryear. A cast of 1940’s-era characters interact with guests around the station. The express travels through a series of wondrous wintertime scenes before arriving at a quaint snow-covered village. Music and magic enchant families aboard The White Christmas Express.

Holiday Illuminations, Swan Lake in Rivertown– Be mesmerized by an innovative, immersive light show reflecting off the waters of Swan Lake and the surrounding forest. Lights dance and pulsate on larger-than-life Christmas trees to a high-energy medley of old and new favorite holiday tunes – just enough to put that festive magic in your head and in your heart!

Christmas Parade – Santa takes center stage in a spirited parade sure to invoke memories of yesterday’s festive hometown holiday celebrations.

Toy Factory Musical, Paramount Theatre - A holiday family favorite performed several times nightly in the beautiful Paramount Theatre, this lively and nostalgic stage show gives the audience a peek into the North Pole’s secret toy workshop where Santa, his elves and a few other friends – dancing reindeer and singing penguins – take to the stage in musical fun as they get ready for their big night! WinterFest Haus, International Street – Guests are invited to come inside and enjoy the cuisine of the season while limbering up your vocal chords to sing and laugh with live entertainers on a revolving turntable stage. Also enjoy a roving troupe of international performers as they present traditional holiday songs and dances from their homelands.

Santa’s Christmastown, Nickelodeon Central – Reminiscent of a Christmas department store visit gone by, kids and parents can discover…Santa Claus! Flanked by his helpers and surrounded by trees and presents, the jolly old elf is eager to listen to everyone’s special wishes. Mrs. Claus is also on hand to help spread holiday cheer.

Nickelodeon Holiday Tree Lot, Paramount Story on International Street – Guests can meet all of their favorite Nickelodeon characters in an imaginative Christmas tree lot filled with fragrant, fresh-cut trees. In addition, guests can pose for a special holiday photo with all of their favorite Nick pals. And, if you just can’t wait for that first snowfall of the season, know that it WILL magically snow every day in the Nick Tree Lot!

Bubba Gump’s Yuletide Feast – Interested in a rockin’ Christmas? Head over to the obnoxiously decorated Bubba Gump Shrimp Shack and enjoy shrimp, shrimp and more shrimp…and take in some jingle jams on the enclosed patio, a perfect spot to enjoy a festive light display and holiday decorations along the waterfront.

Scrooge’s House, International Street – He’s back and he’s not happy about the holidays. Be sure to catch all the banter and wit of Mr. Bah Humbug himself! He’ll be sure to give his opinion (and then some) of the holidays!

Nightly Lighting, International Street – Each evening, as dusk settles on International Street, one lucky family is selected to light the beautiful Eiffel Tower Tree, magically beginning the evening’s festivities.

WinterFest debuts on Friday, November 25 and runs weekends through December 18. Nightly operations begin Monday, December 19 and continue through December 23. WinterFest reopens December 26 – 31. Please note that Paramount's Kings Island will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The park opens at 4 p.m. each day and closes at 10 p.m. most evenings. WinterFest ends at 9 p.m. each Sunday and on Saturday, December 31.

Tickets go on sale for WinterFest 2005 Monday, July 25. Specific day tickets are available in limited quantities through November 6 for $17.99. This event may SELL OUT and a specific day ticket guarantees your admission! General admission if available is $24.99. 2006 Season Pass holders can purchase tickets beginning August 1 through November 6 for $16.99.

WinterFest parking is offered at a reduced price of $5.