One of our favorite holiday traditions returns as Six Flags Magic Mountain kicks off Holiday in the Park for 2021. The thrill capital of the world is once again teaming with visitors and shimmering with millions of sparkling lights throughout the park in 8 themed areas. That’s not to mention all of the Holiday-themed goodies available at different stops in the park. The ever-resourceful group at Six Flags Magic Mountain has turned things out again and introduced the new HOLLYROCK area near West Coast Racers too. Let’s get to the pics.
Holiday Square
This area is located at the entrance of the park and is a nice beginning to a night of festive lights and hair-raising thrills.
Santa’s Village
In an interesting change, Santa’s Village has been moved off of the mountain and down in the Golden Bear Plaza. This was a bad move. Instead of the coraled Rapids Camp area that offered a canopy of lights and foliage, we find the Santa’s Village reduced to a photo op and play area offering kids a chance to color and hang out. Very Meh.
Gleampunk District
The Gleampunk District helps the festivities recover with an inventive mix of projections, lighting, and actors. Still one of the better areas in the park, Gleampunk District entices guests to two of the better coasters in the park with a mix of cool and warm lighting along with fun photo ops.
Merry Lane
Last year, Six Flags broke the mold and created the first theme-park drive-thru holiday experience. It is something that I will never forget. One of the most striking scenes was Merry Lane. Situated in the DC Universe in front of the brilliant Battle for Metropolis dark ride, Merry Lane sports oversized ornaments in a dazzling display. This time though, we get to explore and take pics.
HollyRock
HollyRock is the newest addition to Holiday in the Park and it is a solid one. Taking inspiration from the 50’s hot rod era and an eye-popping prism of colors, we get to stroll through a hypersaturated trip through yuletide nostalgia. The high point is the new tree that literally pulses with color.
Peppermint Path
With Santa’s Village moved down the hill, we have Peppermint Path to fill the void. Let’s be clear, the canopy of trees draped with thousands of sparkling lights is beautiful. However, it’s just not an improvement on what was there.
Polar Point
Scooching the snow sculptures down the hill a bit we have Polar Point. In all honesty a fine if not charmless alteration to the Holiday in the Park lineup. Strolling down the hill from coaster juggernauts Viper and X2, we breeze past chilly snow creations under royal blue and aqua lighting.
Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Holiday in the Park returns after several years of global uncertainty to invite thrillseekers back into the Yuletide fun. At best, this was a daunting task for any park yet here they are. There are plenty of missteps, first and foremost Santa’s Village of course. Yet there is the relentless pursuit of thrills and sincere holiday cheer.
Our advice? Buy a pass for 2022 and include the parking. Trust us. You will be able to check out Holiday in the Park 2021, have some fun through the year, then look forward to Fright Fest 2o22.
