Carowinds WinterFest opens November 27. Here are the weekend hours and what admission covers

Carowinds lists noon to 8 p.m. on Friday, November 27, the first day of WinterFest. Saturday gives visitors one more evening hour. The park lists noon to 9 p.m. November 28 and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, November 29.

McKenzie Rankin’s October 29 roundup for Axios Charlotte flagged WinterFest for November 27 through January 3, 2027. The festival runs on select dates. ATP checked the three opening-weekend dates individually on the park calendar on November 4. Those are park hours. Carowinds directs visitors to its app for individual showtimes.

What you can do with park admission

The WinterFest listing includes holiday lights, live shows and most participating rides with admission. Families can see the Tinker’s Toy Factory musical or catch a comedy show at Stateline Plaza. Cookie decorating costs extra, as do food, drinks and merchandise. The park names Snoopy’s Racing Railway among the seasonal rides. Check availability on your visit day.

If you have a Silver pass

Carowinds’ current pass comparison lists general Silver visits through Labor Day 2027 but labels its SCarowinds and WinterFest benefit “2026 Only.” That distinction matters if you plan to use the pass for next fall’s events. For a visit during the January end of this WinterFest, confirm the specific date with Carowinds. The chart does not explain how it treats the days after New Year’s Eve.

For visitors choosing between the two events this November, ATP’s fall calendar details the separate maze pass for SCarowinds. WinterFest’s live shows are included, so a family planning an evening around a show can leave the paid holiday activities out of its budget.