Hometown Square definitely seems like it would play well for a holidtecent and I could maybe see Southwest, but the rest of the park, while not ugly by any stretch, doesn't exactly have all that much charm.
I went to SDC this year for Coaster Christmas and that was truly impressive and charming all at the same time.
Unfortunately I'm done with coasters for the year, not gonna lie, I'm a bit jealous of your December plans!
I think I would go to HIP if they brought it back, but living in Michigan the weather would have to behave for me to chance the three hour drive (I would only do it as a pass holder... Don't think I would pay extra for it).
It will be interesting to see what the new company will create, expand and bring back in the next couple of years.
Original Message:
Sent: Nov 23, 2025 11:07 AM
From: Martin Mockenhaupt
Subject: Holiday in the Park
SFGRa did a good job with Hometown square getting a huge animate tree and carolers. They enclosed the south train station and called it the north pole with a Santa/Mr Santa meet and greet. Smores were popular, but windy days were not so. The bumper cars and was enclosed and played music. The Food court was enclosed with tarps and heated. I might be forgetting a few things, but there was a good try to make it successful. Operations also did a great job with the rides and keeping them open even on bad days
That being said, I'd rather be at Osborne Lights(RIP), Silver Dollar City Old Time Christmas(great shows and lights and train), Dollywood Smokey Mountain Christmas(train ride and shows).... and the absolute best is Disneyland(Small world Holiday, Candlelight procession, Haunted Mansion Holiday, Parades, Fireworks)
Looking forward to December at USF/Epic, SWF, SWSa, SFFT, Cotaland, Yesterland Farm and maybe BGT
I don't see HIP coming back to Gurnee unless some major demographic changes... tourists, trade shows and kids.
I do think if Gurnee scaled back HIP and decorated only the front half, people would show up. Ultimately, KI and CW need to have huge attendance for SFGRa to consider bringing it back.
Santas Village in West Dundee has a Chrismas Drive thru and ice skating at the polar dome. Unfortunately I cannot attend.
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Martin Mockenhaupt
Original Message:
Sent: Nov 22, 2025 08:40 PM
From: Robert Reed
Subject: Holiday in the Park
I always wondered what there was to do at those events, I know Winterfest at Kings Island had a handful of rides, but HIP always looked more like a drive through with some lights and hot cocoa.
I think your right, appealing to families is the way to go (at least financially speaking). HIP sounds like something they can leverage to that end. Anything to keep the parks open and to also give us a few more days in the park.
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Robert Reed
Assistant Regional Rep
Eastern Great Lakes
Original Message:
Sent: Nov 22, 2025 12:08 PM
From: Martin Mockenhaupt
Subject: Holiday in the Park
at SFGRAm, first year was great. All lights worked, many rides were open, something new at the park and attendance was great on warmer days. Later, no coasters running, lights were getting bad(especially the ones at Southwest) and Jim-Reid Anderson retired... who was driving HIP. Covid gave them an excuse to end HIP...although they did do a drive through that was kinda OK...it started by driving backstage under Goliath and through the park. With food and drinks to purchase at Carousel Plaza
Note also, Football games also effected HIP... College and pro, if there was a good game, parks were quiet.
IMHO, when investment firms finish with 6F(Blackrock, Jana etc), I would expect a growth model to be initiated and adding Winterfest at legacy 6F and a slow increase in prices and a new membership model that will be family focused (kids eat free, or kids with parent membership)
At it's core, HIP was to promote and sell Memberships after Labor day/Fright Fest promotions. so post labor day, Memberships were the best cost option for more than 1 visit and generated monthly income for 6F.
Here are 2 interviews with JRA talking memberships and HIP to drive foottraffic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-N2Wo1yFINc and another https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N71Z6ekI9gI
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Martin Mockenhaupt
Original Message:
Sent: Nov 21, 2025 08:26 AM
From: Robert Reed
Subject: Holiday in the Park
I was just wondering if anyone misses the Holiday in the Park event? Does anyone have any favorite memories?
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Robert Reed
Assistant Regional Rep
Eastern Great Lakes
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