Six Flags Great Adventure revives Holiday in the Park

The basics:

• Holiday in the Park returns to Six Flags Great Adventure in 2026 after hiatus
• Event to feature ‘immersive themed lands,’ shows
• Includes rides, Santa visits, holiday attractions
• Part of broader upgrades at the Jackson theme park

Holiday in the Park is returning to Six Flags Great Adventure.

After the fan-favorite seasonal experience was canceled last year, the Jackson-based theme park said the event will return in 2026 “reimagined, redesigned and more magical than ever.”

The “completely transformed” Holiday in the Park lineup will include “immersive themed lands with elaborate décor.”  It will also feature nightly tree lighting spectaculars, holiday carolers, live musicians, seasonal characters and festive performances, according to a May 5 press release.

Additionally, the company said guests can enjoy interactive holiday experiences, including:

• Photos with Santa Claus
• Family-friendly indoor walk-through attraction
• Cookie decorating
• Gingerbread house building
• Festive photo opportunities
• Seasonal tasting menus curated by Six Flags Great Adventure Executive Chef Jeremy Hacker

The park said many thrill rides and kids’ areas will remain open during Holiday in the Park. Six Flags said it will announce operating dates, hours, show lineup and ride details at a later time. Schedules will aim to maximize daytime warmth, Six Flags added.

Shifting focus

Since 2015, the Jackson-based theme park has transformed itself into a winter wonderland filled with light displays, shows and holiday-themed attractions between late November and early January.

However last summer, Six Flags said it made “a strategic decision to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences during our core operating season — spring through fall,” such as the popular Halloween-themed Fright Fest event. The operators said the shift would allow it to concentrate efforts and resources on when it receives the most guests. “And weather conditions can more consistently support our goal to deliver an enjoyable and memorable visit for all.”

Six Flags Over Georgia also ended its Holiday in the Park event to focus on a new offering that celebrates superheroes. According to Six Flags, the seasonal experience will return there later this year, too.

‘We heard our guests loud and clear’

Six Flags President and Chief Executive Officer John Reilly shared, “We heard our guests loud and clear. Holiday in the Park has long been a cornerstone event at these properties, and we’ve taken everything we’ve learned to thoughtfully evolve the experience.”

“This brand-new Holiday in the Park captures the heart and wonder of the season while maximizing the warmth of the day for rides and entertainment and offering plenty of cozy ways for guests to warm up. This is a more intentional, more magical holiday celebration—designed to delight all generations,” he said.

To: You
From: Mike Fehnel, Park President
Holiday in the Park is back.

Details: https://t.co/oswYEWAiR7 pic.twitter.com/nOWOTgGRRe

— Six Flags Great Adventure (@SFGrAdventure) May 5, 2026

Six Flags Entertainment Director Kelly Daugherty explained, “This event is about wrapping our guests in warmth, wonder and joy the moment they step through the gates. Every detail – from the lighting and décor to the music, characters and shows – has been carefully designed to feel emotionally rich, playful, and celebratory.”

More to experience

Great Adventure is considered one of Six Flags’ flagship destinations. It includes a theme park, water park, drive-thru safari, and luxury resort & spa.

The property is in the midst of a multiyear investment strategy, aimed at modernizing and expanding the park experience.

Recent upgrades include the addition of new tracks on the El Toro roller-coaster, expanded Wi-Fi coverage, new entertainment spaces and dining refreshes. The park is also reimagining its boardwalk area — and laying ground-work for larger future projects, including a major new roller coaster planned for 2027.

Great Adventure recently welcomed industry veteran Mike Fehnel as its new park president.

Fehnel is among the 10 park presidents named this week to lead key Six Flags properties. After eliminating the role company-wide last year, Six Flags reintroduced the position as part of an effort to better support each park’s needs and strengthen performance across its portfolio.