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Ready to turn your next theme park visit into an unforgettable adventure? Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a foodie, or a parent hunting for kid-friendly magic, 2025’s theme park festivals are where memories (and Instagram-worthy snacks) are made! This guide is your golden ticket to savoring seasonal spectacles, dodging crowds, and stretching your budget—without missing a single bite of the action.
From EPCOT’s mouthwatering Food & Wine Festival (hello, crab sliders and violet lemonade!) to Knott’s Berry Farm’s Boysenberry Festival bonanza, we’re breaking down the best festivals for families, hidden gems you’ve never heard of (Gilroy Gardens’ North Pole Night light displays, anyone?), and pro tips to avoid overeating (spoiler: share that $15 lobster mac). Crave more than snacks? Discover limited-edition merch like glow-in-the-dark Universal Mardi Gras tumblers and Figment popcorn buckets that are a collector’s dream.
We’ve got you covered for every season:
- Spring: Dance in Universal’s bead-tossing Mardi Gras parades
- Summer: Sip local wares at Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration
- Fall: Snag a lil’ pumpkin-spice at LEGOLAND’s Brick-or-Treat
- Winter: Chase jazzy vibes at Hollywood Studios’ Jollywood Nights
Parents, we’ll help you dodge scare zones and find toddler-friendly festivals (LEGOLAND’s Brick-or-Treat = zero nightmares). Couples, sneak in a date night with adult-centered festivals like Hollywood Studios’ Jollywood Nights or Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. And budget warriors? Learn how to save 30% with multi-park passes and $45 tasting passports.
Packed with sizzling BBQ, secret road trips, and merch drops you need to stalk on TikTok, this guide is your roadmap to 2025’s most epic festivals. Grab your sunscreen (and stretchy pants)—let’s make this your best park year yet!
Complete Festival Lists: General • Halloween • Holidays
Why Theme Park Festivals Are Worth It (Cost vs. Experience)
Theme park festivals offer a unique blend of immersive entertainment, seasonal magic, and culinary adventures that justify their cost. While tickets and food expenses can add up, the value lies in the curated experiences you won’t find elsewhere.
For example, Disney’s Festival of Holidays features multicultural dishes like Tamale de Barbacoa and interactive cookie strolls, while Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras includes live parades and international food booths—all included with general admission.
That’s not to say that all festivals are all included in general admission (some events like Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, Disney’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and Knott’s Berry Farm’s Scary Farm are considered hard-ticket events, meaning they cost extra, so you either come in only for that event OR you pay for the entire day and for that hard-ticket event so you’re there from open to close).
For families, festivals like Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas combine dazzling light displays with hands-on activities like ornament-making, creating memories that outlast the price tag. Even budget-conscious travelers can maximize value by prioritizing included perks: free shows, character meet-and-greets, and seasonal overlays on popular rides.
As you’ve probably gathered, there are a lot of different kinds of theme park festivals, and if one doesn’t catch your fancy, one most definitely will.
Best Theme Park Festivals for Families
Planning a family trip around a theme park festival and have little kiddos in tow? There are a couple of factors to take into consideration—are you looking for cultural immersion, hands-on fun, or kid-friendly thrills?—depending on those things, these festivals offer unforgettable experiences tailored for families. Here are some of the best family-friendly festivals, packing with activities, tips, and hidden gems:
Great Festivals for Kids
Top is subjective to us here at Theme Park Bites as we’re centered around festivals with food (which is why it doesn’t say top), so, take this list bearing that in mind. But, here’s a mix of some common and, potentially, uncommon festivals you may find interesting to take your kids to around the United States.
- Disneyland’s Festival of Holidays (CA, November – January)—
- Why kids love it: Countless opportunities to meet Santa, watch multicultural performances (like joining Mirabel from Encanto and Miguel from Coco in songs!), and festive ride overlays like it’s a small world Holiday.
- Food fun: Annual Holiday Cookie Stroll and a wide selection of food to try for kids like Sticky Toffee Pudding Macaron’s, Peanut Butter-Marshmallow Churros, Savory Kugel Mac & Cheese, and a Holiday Mash Bowl filled with chicken, cheddar mashed potatoes and turkey gravy among so many others.
- Pro-tip: Grab the Sip and Savor Pass (they come in 4 or 8 swipes).
- Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival (TN, April – June)—
- Why kids love it: The Umbrella Sky (an iconic kaleidoscope of hanging umbrellas), butterfly-themed play zones and the Scavenger hunts for giant floral sculptures. Alongside every day things like daily drone shows synced to Dolly Parton songs. and steam train rides through the Smokies.
- Food Fun: Kids might go crazy for the Dragonfly Lemonade with its boba pearls, the Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade, Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese, Chipotle-Honey BBQ Ribs, PB&J Ice Cream Donut, or the Wild Berry Cream Cheese Funnel Cake, but there’s so much more to try!
- Pro-tip: Grab the Flower & Food Tasting Pass to enjoy 5 festival food items ($42.99; FYI: Gold and Diamond passholders receive an extra discount)
- Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts (FL, January – March)—
- Why kids love it: Interactive art like sidewalk chalk murals and “living statues” of Disney characters like Rocket, Mickey and Minnie Mouse (of course!), and Tiana. The Figment’s Brush scavenger hunt, Disney on Broadway concerts (short sets for tiny attention spans), and a larger than life Paint-by-Numbers mural, among others.
- Food Fun: 2025 saw colorful foods such as the iconic Rainbow Cake, and new additions Mozzarella Fritta and the Candy Trio Flight (DOLE Whip Strawberry, Lemon, and Lime with varieties of candy toppings)
- Pro-tip: Use the boat to get across the lake from Canada to Morocco to avoid much of the crowds that start on either side of the festival and then make your way either left or right depending on if you’re opening to trying Asian or French food.
- Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane (PA, November – December)—
- Why kids love it: Meet Santa and all nine of his live reindeer and ride the cocoa-themed Ferris Wheel; there’s also the Hershey Sweet Lights drive-through (2 miles of twinkling displays) and a nightly tree-lighting.
- Food Fun: In 2024 they had a vast selection of hot chocolate (Reese’s, Toasted Marshmallow, Peppermint) alongside s’mores!
- Pro-tip: Buy Sweet Light tickets for weeknights—weekend wait times can exceed 90 minutes.
- Knott’s Berry Farm’s Merry Farm (CA, November – December)—
- Why kids love it: Peanuts-themed ice shows (Snoopy ice-skates to holiday tunes!) and Calico Railroad rides with carolers, craft stations (make cinnamon-scented ornaments), and Snoopy’s Merriest Tree Lighting (short, sweet, and loud—toddlers adore this).
- Food Fun: From the Classic Turkey Sandwich to Santa’s Cookie with Eggnog (or Milk!), or a whopper of a Christmas Snoopy Cookie, there’s a plethora of food to try during the festivities.
- Pro-tip: Park near Ghost Town for quick exits—the front gate gets jammed post-fireworks
- LEGOLAND’s Holiday Bricktacular (CA / FL / NY, November – December)—
- Why kids love it: Glice skating (synthetic ice perfect for wobblers!), Elf Training Academy because LEGO Santa needs helpers, building giant LEGO snowflakes, roasting s’mores at fire pits, and hunting for hidden holiday mini-figures.
- Food Fun: They’ve got a limited merry menu with items such as Candy Chip Cookies, Peppermint Liege Waffles, Holiday Popcorn, and Elf Ears.
- Pro-tip: No matter what, if you’ve got someone with allergies in your party, Granny’s Apple Fries are nut-free and gluten-sensitive friendly.
- Magic Kingdom’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (FL, August – October)—
- Why kids love it: Dancing gravediggers and Headless Horseman at the Boo-to-You Parade, numerous trick-or-treating stations (yep, there are allergy-free stations, too!). A musical villainous “Boo-Tastic” show and rare character meetups (like the ever popular coupling: Jack Skellington and Sally).
- Food Fun: Grab a Candy Corn Ice Cream cone or a “Poison Apple” Cupcake among a slew of Halloween party-exclusive foods.
- Pro-tip: Arrive at 4 PM (party starts at 7 PM) to squeeze in rides before crowds peak.
- Sesame Place’s Elmo’s Springtacular (CA & PA, March – May)—
- Why kids love it: With giant egg hunts with Elmo’s Eggstravaganza and meet-and-greets with pastel-colored Sesame pals, there’s also dance parties at Abby’s Garden, splash pads (open seasonally), and the Neighborhood Street Party parade.
- Food Fun: There’s not typically anything special during this event, however, because this is a kid-friendly event, check out the Rainbow Grilled Cheese and the Springtime Cotton Candy stand.
- Pro-tip: If the Big Bird’s Family Meal is available and you’re a family of four, it’s a great deal as it’s relatively cheap
- Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas (MO, November – December)—
- Why kids love it: A five-story Christmas tree and 6.5 million lights, there are also hands-on crafts like candle-dipping. Rides like Time Traveler don with festive lights and there’s opportunity to watch the Christmas in Midtown light parade, too.
- Food Fun: 2024 was laden with everything from Red Velvet Funnel Cake, Cinnamon Sugar Churro with Peppermint Dipping Sauce, Chicken Pot Pie Bread Cone, Cheeseburger Soup, and Hot Caramel Apple Cider—truly something for everyone.
- Pro-tip: Snag the Christmas Tasting Passport to enjoy five items ($35.00 in 2024)
- Universal’s Grinchmas (CA & FL, November – January)—
- Why kids love it: Meet the Grint and Cindy Lou Who, watch a live retelling of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (with Whoville Carolers) and play in “snow” at Suess Landing. There’s also the Grinchmas Games (scavenger hunts and ornament decorating), a photo-op at The Grinch’s Lair, and a Storytime with the Grinch where he “reads” the story
- Food Fun: From the spectacular Grinch donut, 2 Sizes Too Small Cupcake, Grinch Heart Lemonade, and the Max Dog, there’s more than enough to make Grinchmas a complete success for your little Who.
- Pro-tip: Visit on a weekday afternoon—after 3 PM the meet-and-greet line may drop to 10 minutes
🥨 Kiddo Crowd Avoidance Cheat Sheet
- Early = Easy: Arrive 30 mins before opening for stroller-friendly pathways
- Nap Hack: Book festivals with nearby hotels (e.g., Knott’s Hotel at Knott’s Berry Farm) for midday breaks
- Stroller Strategy: Rent a double-wide for gear—snacks, diapers, and merch fit perfectly
Theme Park Festivals to Skip with Young Children
Not every festival is a glittery unicorn ride. Avoid these sensory-overload dumpster fires unless you want your toddler or young children to need therapy (or a bleach bath for their eyeballs).
- Busch Gardens’ / SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream (VA & FL / CA, FL, & TX, August – October)—
- Why to skip:
- Hyper-sexualized performers: Think fisnet-clad “sirens” and BDSM-inspired costumes (not the vibe for a 5-year-old).
- Booze-heavy: Endless alcohol stations and rowdy adults (toddlers + drunk people = chaos).
- “Tamer” scares? Nope. Still features eerie clowns and zombies lunging at strollers (although, you could buy a necklace “warding off” performers, but it’s no guarantee).
- Pro-tip: SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular (CA) is kid-friendly—stick to that or later in the year Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town swaps cults for cocoa. Festive!
- Why to skip:
- Knott’s Berry Farm’s Scary Farm (CA, September – October)—
- Why to skip:
- No mercy policy: Actors target everyone, including toddlers in strollers (yes, even the “safe” zones).
- Gory theming: Decapitated heads, zombies, and a “spider possessed” maze (Ron Weasley would not approve).
- Pro-tip: Knott’s Spooky Farm (daytime) has Peanuts-theme trick-or-treating—zero decapitations.
- Why to skip:
- Six Flags Fright Fest [Extreme] (Nationwide, September – October)—
- Why to skip:
- No mercy policy: Teens in gory makeup terrorize guests (what a dream job for them, let’s be so forreaaaal) once 6 PM hits.
- Sensory overload: Strobe lights, fog machines, confined spaces, and ear-splitting screams (even “non-scary” zones are intense).
- Pro-Tip: Six Flags’ Kids Boo Fest features family friendly trick-or-treating, fall festivities, character photo ops and treats during the daytime.
- Why to skip:
- Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights (CA & FL, August – October)—
- Why to skip:
- Intense scare zones with chainsaw-wielding maniacs, jump scares, and gore-soaked mazes (PG-13? Try R-rated).
- Adult-oriented themes: Drunken crowds, explicit language, and horror IPs like The Exorcist or Stranger Things (Vecna doesn’t care if your kid cries).
- Pro-tip: Swap for Walt Disney World’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or LEGOLAND’s Brick-or-Treat—they’ll actually sleep afterward.
- Why to skip:
🥨 Final Warning
As you can tell, these festivals revolve around Halloween, making it a little easier to keep an eye out for other events like it that may not be on this list.
If you ignore this list and drag your kid to HHN? Don’t yell at performers. They’re doing their job—you’re the one who brought a 4-year-old to a horror maze. They’re paid to scare adults (those 13 and older) and your kid is in the way. Remember that.
Date Night Theme Park Festival Experiences
Four couples or groups wanting activities catered to adults with after-hours events or elevated themes (who might be craving romance and/or thrills), which families might overlook:
- Bier Fest Brews & BBQ at Busch Gardens Williamsburg (VA, August – September)—
- Why it’s great: Essentially an adults playground this Oktoberfest-inspired festival has everything with over 80 craft brews and specialty cocktails, an all-new BBQ inspired menu, and live local bands, and the opportunity to ride Alpengeist at night.
- Pro-tip: Snag the Bier Fest Brews & BBQ Sampler to mix & match ten samples of 10 oz. draft beers, 7 oz. cocktails or delicious BBQ.
- Hersheypark’s Sweet Lights (PA, November – December)—
- Why it’s great: A drive-through light display with 2 miles of synchronized animations. “Snuggle up” with peppermint cocoa and chocolate-dipped treats as you slowly make your way through.
- Pro-tip: Take your time, people won’t be mad, after all you’re all paying a pretty money to indulge from the comfort of your car.
- Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (FL, November – December)—
- Why it’s great: Newer after-hour party with retro-Hollywood glamour: jazz lounges, themed cocktails (Old Fashioned Oscars), and rare character meetups (Roger Rabbit, Jessica Rabbit!).
- Pro-tip: Strong recommendation to reserve a reservation at The Hollywood Brown Derby for their Jazzy Holidays event.
- Sweethearts’ Night at Disneyland (CA, January & February)—
- Why it’s great: A romantic, after-hours event with love-themed parades, rare character meetups (like Disney princes/princesses), and a “Royal Ball” dance party under the stars. Limited tickets ensure an intimate, crowd-free evening.
- Pro-tip: To make the most of the event, eat prior so you don’t miss out on rare character meet-ups or the dance.
- Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights (CA & FL, August – October)—
- Why it’s great: Perfect for the couple who thrives on adrenaline, dark humor, and shared screams. You can dress up a little on the sexier side, too (but keep it classy, still!) and of course there are delicious limited-time treats.
- Pro-tip: Purchase an Express Pass and fly through the mazes to ensure you make the most out of your night or go even further and splurge on an RIP Tour to get guided access through all of the houses, private lounges, and unlimited beverages.
Budget Hacks to Theme Park Festivals
Sure, you want to enjoy your time at these festivals, but it doesn’t mean you to have to pay an arm and a leg to do so. Maximize your theme park festival experience with these under-the-radar tips, from ticket tricks to snack savviness. Bullet points for your convenience (and sanity):
Ticket & Passport Hacks
- Resident Discounts: Parks like SeaWorld (including child parks, Busch Gardens) sometimes offer 50% for local residents (e.g., Florida, Texas, Virginia). Just show ID!
- Split Multi-Day Passes: If you’re heading to a park that has multiple parks within its ecosystem such as Universal and Disney, buying a multi-day pass will help you to save money so you’re not paying full price for the park that the festival is being hosted in. Buy a 3-day Disney World ticket and use one day pre-festival (at say Hollywood Studios), two days during (at EPCOT where 90% of the festivals are held)
- “After 4 PM” Tickets: Very few parks sell half-price tickets for late arrivals–perfect if you’re looking to grab a few food items and hop on a couple of rides. You’ll most likely find these art pay-per-ride amusement parks.
- Group Discounts: Check in with parks before arrival for eligibility for group discounts which can go for 10-20% off tickets.
- Tasting Passports: Dollywood, Silver Dollar City, Universal, and Knott’s Berry Farm are popular for having tasting passports where you pay a set price for a set number of food samples or savings across the festival’s food offerings vs à la carte. If you’re a passholder at any of these parks be sure to show your pass when purchasing as sometimes you may receive an extra discount on top, saving you even more money.
Food & Drink Hacks
- Pack Snacks: Most parks allow the packing of small snacks, reducing meal costs (e.g., granola bars, fruit, etc).
- Allergies + Dietary Restrictions: If someone in your party has an allergy or dietary restrictions, many parks are very accommodating. Disney lets you bring in your food, as long as you’re not bringing in a hard-sided cooler, and other parks – with prior permission – will let you in with a small lunch bag filled with what you need for the day (usually just enough for one meal though).
If you’re looking for ideas, our blog post on Perfect Snacks to Bring Into Theme Parks is meant for you. However, if you’ve got allergies, maybe check out how to navigate with them when you’re at the parks, too.
Seasonal & Time-Saving Hacks
- Utilize Weeknights: Hit festivals such as Knott’s Boysenberry Festival on Mondays or EPCOT Food & Wine on Wednesdays for fewer crowds. Of course, different festivals will have different patterns, check out their respective Facebook groups to hear from locals.
Pro-Tip Combos
- EPCOT Festival + Skyliner Hopping: Park at Disney’s BoardWalk, snack on festival treats at EPCOT, then Skyliner to Riviera Resort for dinner at Topolino’s Terrace to end the night
- Park + Hotel Packages: Parks that have a hotel on property have perks such as early entry, fast lane privileges, and other upgrades that come in handy during festival days.
Final Hack: Check out our blog post on How to Save Money on Theme Park Tickets in 2025 to find other ways to save on tickets in general outside of festivals.
Theme Park Festival Survival Tips
Heading to a theme park festival is just like any other theme park day, except you may be executing it just a bit differently. Like … maybe wearing leggings or extra stretchy pants, and comfier shoes from running around like a chicken without a head to all of the booths wanting to try everything.
Hey, no judging!
But, here are just a few things to keep in mind without feeling overwhelmed.
- Essentials: Sunscreen, lip balm, reusable water bottles, portable phone chargers (and cords!), and comfy shoes.
- Non-essentials, but helpful: UV umbrella, hat, small backpack with tupperware that has compartments if you’re not a fast eater (especially if you’re staying on property at a park like Walt Disney World).
- Ways to avoid crowds: Visits festivals mid-week or during “shoulder hours” (start of the festival or last few hours).
- Avoid Overeating: Don’t actually come on an empty stomach, but don’t come full either. Your stomach will be smaller and therefore you’ll get fuller faster, ruining your chances for eating all the food your heart desires. But when you do eat, share dishes (e.g., split the Beef Birria Sliders with Boysenberry consommé at Knott’s Berry Farm) and prioritize savory items first to balance sweets! I promise
- Breaks: Schedule midday downtime at shaded rest areas or low-key shows to recharge. The sun can be brutal when you’re having fun, so take those moments to drink up on the water inside of those reusable water bottles that you brought (you brought them in right? right!), and then get back to all that fun you were having.
The Grand Finale
Theme park festivals aren’t just events–they’re where ordinary days twist into core memories.
Picture your kids dancing with Mirabel at Disneyland’s Festival of Holidays, cheeks glowing under a million fairy lights. Imagine clutching your partner in a pitch-black HHN maze, laughter mixing with screams as chainsaws rev nearby. Or watching your little one’s eyes widen as Dollywood’s 6.5-million-light Christmas display ignites the Smoky Mountains.
These are the moments that stick–the messy, delicious, stretchy-pants-required magic that turns “just another park day” into family lore.
Your 2025 Game Plan? Keep it simple:
- Pick your season (Spring florals? Winter cocoa?)
- Stack savings (Tasting passports + resident deals)
- Dodge disasters (Skip hyper-sexualized/scary events with kids)
- Embrace the mess (Overeat? Nap? Worth it.)
So dust off those stretchy pants, charge your phone, and chase those festival sparks. Whether you’re hunting rainbow cakes at Epcot or screaming through HHN’s foggy streets, make 2025 the year you feast, laugh, and ride your way into pure joy. The memories–and the food comas–will be so worth it.
Festival Lists: General • Halloween • Holidays
More Hacks: Perfect Snacks to Bring to Theme Parks | Allergy Guide