MASON, Ohio -- WinterFest returns to Kings Island on Friday. The park installed more than 5 million lights in just five weeks to transform the amusement park into a winter wonderland.
Nearly 20 rides will be open, but WinterFest is more about the activities. Ice carving is one of the more thrilling shows throughout the park. Jonathon Michael has been ice carving for 18 years. He says WinterFest is one of his favorite events for showcasing his skills.
"We take the chainsaw and remove all the ice that isn't needed," he said. "And then you step into your 3D process, layering and stepping back."
If you think Michael is zooming through the process -- that’s the point.
"When we're out here at Kings Island, I do speed carving. I do them as fast as I can," he said. "The fastest was nine minutes ... we did a Grinch in 9 minutes."
Other events and activities to experience at WinterFest include Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen Cookie Decorating, carriage rides, Coca-Cola Polar Bear Plaza, Sally’s Christmas Crafts and Jack Frost’s Igloo Village.
Of course, there’s ice skating on the transformed majestic Royal Fountain as well.
Watch the video below to see the fountain transformed into the WinterFest ice rink:
WinterFest opens Friday at 5 p.m. It’s open select nights through Dec. 31. WinterFest daily tickets start at $25.99. Group tickets are available starting at $22 each for a group of 15 people.
Click here for more information about WinterFest hours and tickets.
