Holiday World Returns For 80th Season This Weekend

For a lot of families across Indiana, Kentucky, and beyond, this weekend marks the unofficial start of summer.

Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, located in Santa Claus, Indiana, is opening its gates for its 80th season, bringing back a tradition that spans generations of road trips, roller coasters, and sunscreen-covered afternoons.

Opening Weekend And What To Expect

Holiday World opens for the 2026 season on May 9 and 10, while Splashin' Safari follows one week later on May 16 and 17.

This year's milestone season includes returning favorites like:

• Holidays in the Sky Drone and Fireworks Spectacular
• Dino Corn Maze Adventure
• Nerveless Nocks stunt show
• Summer Wine'd Down Culinary Festival

And according to the park, there's at least one more new event still to be announced.

Get our free mobile app

Why Early Season Might Be The Best Time To Go

There's a bit of a secret longtime visitors already know.

May and early June can be one of the best times to visit.

Shorter lines mean more rides, less waiting, and a more relaxing experience overall. On top of that, early-season tickets can come with some of the biggest discounts of the year, with savings reaching up to $32 depending on the date.

Read More: New Items Added To Holiday World's  Menu For 2026

The Perks That Keep People Coming Back

Holiday World has built a reputation that goes beyond the rides.

It's one of the only parks in the country that offers:

• Free parking
• Free sunscreen
• Free unlimited soft drinks

That combination, along with consistent rankings among the cleanest parks in the nation, is part of what keeps families coming back year after year.

Coasters, Classics, And New Favorites

Of course, rides are still the main event. Holiday World is home to some of the most well-known wooden coasters in the country, including:

• The Raven
• The Legend
• The Voyage

Alongside newer additions like The Thunderbird and Good Gravy, which bring a more modern coaster experience to the mix.

Want To Go This Season

We've got a way to help you get there.

You can enter below for the chance to win a pair of early-season tickets valid May 9 - June 30.

Whether it's your first visit or a tradition you've kept going for years, the start of the season always brings a little extra excitement.