A display of 5 million lights and 10 winter wonderlands is just hours away

MASON, Ohio -- The latest season of WinterFest at Kings Island near Cincinnati, Ohio, has kicked off. Friday was the amusement park's first operating day for its big WinterFest event.

But what exactly is WinterFest? 

As Kings Island puts it, it's "a world of holiday fun." 

The 364-acre park literally transforms into a winter wonderland featuring more than 5 million lights, 10 different themed winter wonderland zones and countless wintry and holiday snacks, drinks, events, and attractions.

The winter wonderlands include Action Ice Zone, Artisan Village, Candy Cane Lane, Charlie Brown's Christmas Town, Coca-Cola Polar Bear Plaza, Coney Elf Village, International Street, Rivertown Wonderland, Tinsel Town, and WinterFest Way.

Each of them has its own theme, decorations, lights, and other holiday elements, making for multiple different experiences.

There are also plenty of activities to enjoy throughout the park, ranging from ice skating to a North Pole post office to ice carvers to cookie decorating and Christmas arts and crafts.

And that's just scratching the surface. 

WinterFest features 16 different forms of live entertainment, mainly in the form of live shows and performances every night the park is open.

And while you're just walking around through the different wonderlands, the food and beverage options are endless. 

You can indulge in anything from hot chocolate and coffee to holiday pastries and even a Christmas-themed buffet.

WinterFest is open for 21 days in December during the late afternoon and evening hours. On New Year's Eve, the park is open from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. for a special holiday celebration! 

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