I’ve never thought of a theme park as a culinary destination. The stereotype of churros, soft prezels, and generic hamburgers has been stuck in my head for a while, even though I know menu offerings have expanded in recent years. Thanks to Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Taste of Holiday in the Park Food Festival, I’ve done a complete 180.
Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire
Magic Mountain has always been my favorite theme park because their rides are second to none. (Side note: I rode Twisted Colossus on this visit, and it now vies with X2 for best ride). I had enjoyed meals there in the past, but “food” would have been low on a list of enticing things about the park. So the menu posted on their website for Holiday in the Park sounded simply too good to be true.
Oh, it’s good, all right. And it’s true. I was able to sample 7 of their 30 (!) seasonal menu offerings, and they ranged from “pretty good” to “wow!” The Maple Cranberry Vegetarian Meatballs were the best meat-less meat I’ve had since I went mostly vegetarian 3 years ago. The Jalapeno Bacon (I said mostly vegetarian) Mac and Cheese was the exact right consistency. And the Gingerbread Cheesecake was a huge slice with raspberry sauce and ginger cookie crumbles that didn’t overwhelm the creamy cheesecake itself.
Other items, all of which I enjoyed, were the Sweet Corn Tamale, Enchilada Soup, Honey Buttered Ham Biscuit Sandwich, and Cranberry Tangerine Wings. We also had a chance to make s’mores at real outdoor fire pits scattered throughout the park. I love s’mores but unfortunately I was too full to indulge further. The fire pits themselves are very cool and festive to see people roasting marshmallows right in the middle of the public plazas.
Walking in a Winter Wonderland
Other than food, Magic Mountain has turned the park into a festive playground in several areas. All of these are filled with lights and music. Some have characters to meet, and others have performances, but all are fun. The “Gleampunk District” goes with a blue theme and includes the inner workings of a toy factory. It uses both physical props and a projection on the side of a building, along with “snowfall” at regular intervals.
The “Rockin’ Universe,” located in the DC section of the park, has a huge tree and an elaborate light show choreographed to music. “Winter Wonderland” has covered the trees in red and white stripes to become giant glowing candy canes, along with snow on the ground and icy sculptures along the path. There are other themed areas too, each with its own unique visual identity and music everywhere. The “Snowy Nights” section has an outdoor stage with live music (weather permitting). I also noticed some religious Christmas carols mixed in among the secular holiday songs on the speakers.
Each zone also has its own food stations, serving menu items exclusive to that part of the park. For $29.99, you can get a punch card for any 6 of the special items. That’s only $5 each and doesn’t require to sit down for a big meal in one place. You can wander around, snacking as you go, for a VERY affordable price. For $39.99, you can get 10 items–only $4 each! And for $5 more, you can add a souvenir refillable hot chocolate mug, good for as much as you’d like to drink that day. All of these options are over 50% cheaper if you already have the All Season Dining Pass.
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Theme Parks in the winter are great. You don’t get sunburned in line, the waits are shorter, and urban legend says the coasters are faster. And now you’ve got treats for all your senses when you go. If you’re already visiting Six Flags, I think the Taste of Holiday in the Park Food Festival is a no-brainer. And if you hadn’t thought of visiting, maybe the amazing menu will change your mind! Especially since their newest roller coaster is debuting at the end of December…
Holiday in the Park runs from November 23rd to January 5th. However, the Taste of Holiday in the Park is 2 weeks only-December 14th to 29th, so don’t miss it. Six Flags Magic Mountain is open every day. Hours, tickets, and more information are available at their website here.
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