Last night, Chanda and I braved the freezing temperatures to visit Kings Island for WinterFest 2024. This was our third or maybe fourth year attending—we’ve honestly lost count at this point—and it’s always such a magical experience. Despite having traveled internationally during past holiday seasons, WinterFest has become a Christmas tradition we look forward to every year. The tree lighting ceremony was as stunning as ever, and the dazzling Christmas lights throughout the park created a truly festive atmosphere. Even though the cold was biting, we were determined to make the most of the evening.
One of the highlights for us was trying the eggnog cream puff, which Chanda had been eyeing on the website before we even got there. The pastry was enormous, and it came with a pipette filled with eggnog-flavored cream. Chanda made a bit of a mess trying to eat it, but it was absolutely worth it. The filling had a strong eggnog flavor, which I loved, and the cold weather actually kept it chilled perfectly. For $4.99, it was a great treat to kick off the night. Meanwhile, Chanda and I kept ducking into warm spots to grab food, drinks, and take breaks from the cold.
We also stopped by the Smokehouse Barbecue for dinner, a go-to spot for us during past visits. We shared the honey pork tenderloin, mac and cheese, and sweet potato fries. The pork was a little dry but had a nice honey flavor, while the mac and cheese was creamy with flavorful breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture. It’s always a reliable dining option, and the portions were generous enough to share. Between the food and the festive drinks at Blitzen’s Brew House, we managed to stay warm and keep our energy up.
While we didn’t get on any rides this time—it was just too cold to even think about it—we still had a fantastic time. We enjoyed the live entertainment, strolled through the beautifully lit park, and popped into the shops to browse the WinterFest merchandise. By the end of the night, our fingers and toes were frozen, but our spirits were high. WinterFest 2024 was another memorable adventure, and we’re already looking forward to next year’s visit. If you plan to go, make sure to bundle up and check the weather—it’s worth every chilly moment!
website: https://www.visitkingsisland.com/events/winterfest
DinkLife 