Since the start of the pandemic, many institutions have lost business. One local example is Six Flags Great America which is a summer highlight for many. However, Six Flags was unable to open safely during the summer and therefore, season passes purchased for this year were not used and rollercoaster riders of all ages were disappointed. It was uncertain if Six Flags would open at all this year, until October 15th when it was announced that they would open for Holiday in the Park.

Holiday in the Park was started in 2018 and brought the Six Flags experience into the colder months. In the past, among the many lights adorning the rides, stores, and lampposts, select rides have been open in the colder weather, such as Raging Bull, Justice League: Battle for Metropolis, and the Carousel but with the current health concerns, the rides will not be open for this year’s light showcase. Instead, the guests’ focus will be drawn to “2.5 million lights, various twinkling light displays, themed entertainment that is viewed in open-air spaces, socially-distant photo-ops, and delicious holiday treats” according to the Six Flags Great America Website.

The park will be open for select dates starting November 27 through December 27. On the website, you can view a calendar showing which of these dates the park will be open and the operating hours on listed days: 4:00-9:00pm. Season Pass and Membership holders already have access to the Holiday Lights experience, and One-day tickets are being sold now. Reservations will need to be made for every guest in order for the park to keep a safe distance between everyone and make sure the Holiday Lights event is as safe as possible.

Besides not allowing guests on rides and limiting the number of guests allowed into the park per day, there are lots of new safety measures from now going into the 2021 season as listed on the Six Flags website. All guests and team members will be required to wear masks and have their temperature checked upon entering the park. In addition, many new hand sanitizing stations have been added and employees will be cleaning common areas of the park more often. Security, retail, and foodservice has minimized guest contact by using new technology to scan bags upon guest entry and mobile payments for food and retail purchases. These and many other safety procedures can be found on the Six Flags website as well as more details on Holiday in the Park events as they are released closer to November 27.