New Year’s Eve at Carowinds WinterFest

WinterFest’s last big night: the park stays open late with live entertainment, a park wide countdown and a fireworks show at midnight over the holiday lights. It is one of the few family friendly ways to see the year out in Charlotte, with rides running in the dark and the whole park decorated, and it draws a crowd that is more kids and grandparents than the Uptown scene.

Expect the countdown near the main tree, music on the park stages through the evening, and the WinterFest parade earlier in the night. Check the park calendar for the night’s hours and whether a separate ticket is required.

What to expect

• Fireworks at midnight over the WinterFest lights
• Park wide countdown with live entertainment
• Select rides and coasters open late
• Family friendly alternative to the Uptown parties

Schedule

• Evening Park open, WinterFest shows and parade
• Midnight Countdown and fireworks
• Jan. 3 WinterFest's final day

Plan your visit

Buy tickets ahead; New Year’s Eve sells out most years. Dress warm and expect the exit to take a while after the fireworks, since everyone leaves at once.

Good to know

• Carowinds is at 14523 Carowinds Boulevard, on the state line off I-77 exit 90.
• Buy tickets online before you go. Gate prices are higher and the online calendar shows which nights are open.
• The Six Flags app has the map, showtimes and wait times.
• Weekend nights sell out and traffic on Carowinds Boulevard backs up an hour before opening. Weeknights are the calm option.