California’s Great America Theme Park May Be Scrapped for 2025 Season, Ending Winterfest and Other Festive Events
SANTA CLARA, Calif. —
Not everyone got the email. But the word spread, along with the dread.
California’s Great America — Northern California’s best-known theme park — appears set to scrap its winter run for the 2025 season, according to a message sent to some seasonal pass holders, potentially spelling an end to the annual Snoopy Christmas ice show and other festivities that have become seasonal staples for ardent fans.
The Park’s Plans are Uncertain
The message, sent on December 19, said the park’s upcoming season would run from April 5 to late October and that "seasonal events will not be part of the 2025 calendar." As of Friday evening, Great America’s online calendar showed no dates for the park to be open in November or December, when its Winterfest themed event typically runs.
In a follow-up email, Trent Turner, a spokesperson for Great America’s parent company, Six Flags Entertainment Corp., reiterated to The Times that seasonal events will not be part of its calendar for this year, but did not specifically answer whether any future winter operating seasons are planned.
Reaction from Fans
For some, the development came as a shock. For others, it provided a distressing reminder that the park is fast approaching its expiration date. Absent an unforeseen change, a full closure is coming, even if the exact timeline is not yet publicly known.
"This was just like another blow to the chest, or to the heart," said Jose Aguirre, 22, of Castro Valley. "It hurts a lot. It’s definitely one of those things that you grow up with, learn to love, and all of a sudden you can’t appreciate it anymore because it’s trickling away."
The Park’s History and Challenges
Great America has a rich history, dating back to 1976, when it was opened under Marriott Corp. The park was once considered a jewel in the string of regional theme parks built to give people more convenient, less expensive places to visit. However, regional theme and amusement parks have become an increasingly endangered species over the years.
"Every single year, there are capital costs of those seasonal events," and refreshing the decor, said Brad Jashinsky, an analyst for Gartner, a market research and management consulting company, and a former digital marketing manager at Knott’s Berry Farm. "My guess is the juice just wasn’t worth the squeeze in terms of that."
Conclusion
The future of California’s Great America theme park remains uncertain, with some fans trying to soak in as much as they can. With the park’s lease agreement set to end in 2028, and the option to extend for an additional five years, the clock is ticking. As the park’s history comes to a close, fans are left to wonder what the future holds for this beloved destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current status of California’s Great America theme park?
A: The park’s winter run for the 2025 season appears to be scrapped, with no plans for seasonal events.
Q: What is the reason for the park’s decision?
A: The park’s parent company, Six Flags Entertainment Corp., did not provide a specific reason for the decision.
Q: What is the future of the park’s lease agreement?
A: The lease agreement is set to end in 2028, with the option to extend for an additional five years.
Q: What is the current attendance at the park?
A: The park’s attendance figures are not publicly reported, but a Cedar Fair report from 2012 described California’s Great America as hosting at least 1.5 million guests a year.
