While the majority of the music comes from outside speakers and not our internal car speakers, rotating live musical performers do dot the experience. During my trip, I saw an enthusiastic trio of drummers playing beneath a festive Christmas tree, and a dance group lighting up the main stage outside of Full Throttle. Some of the live music bled into the nearby recorded tracks, so it might be beneficial to lower the music in the areas where live performers will be. Since there is no stopping for the duration of the experience, guests do not get to sit and enjoy the entertainment, only getting a snippet as they pass. However, the actors and musicians bring a lively energy just by being present (like was missing from Happy Place Drive-Thru<\/em><\/a>), and provide uplifting moments for guests.<\/p>\n Holidays in the Park Drive-Thru<\/em> runs through January 3rd, 2021; check Magic Mountain’s website<\/a> for dates, times, and ticket information. For more holiday events, check out our Event Guide<\/a> and special Remote Experiences Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”masonry” slides_per_view=”4″ hover_effect=”opacity” images=”26817,26815,26814,26813,26812,26811,26810,26809,26808,26807,26806,26805,26804,26803,26802,26801,26800,26799,26798,26794,26792,26791,26790,26797,26795,26816,26796″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] I recognize the twinkling lights, like icicles dangling from the candy-cane-striped trees. I recognize the Danny Elfman music emanating from the snow-lined path that\u2019s dotted with ice sculptures of wild animals. I recognize the reindeer-led sleigh, rising high into the air, with the one and only Santa Claus at the helm. But this is…<\/p>\n![\"Magic](\"https:\/\/becomeimmersed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/mm20.jpg\")
Like many other traditions in 2020, Magic Mountain\u2019s yearly (since 2014) Holidays in the Park<\/em> has been transformed from their traditional walk-thru winter celebration into a drive-thru experience. For approximately one hour, guests will drive single-file along a mile-long path through the theme park. With the usually-running behemoth roller-coasters shuttered this year, attendees will instead delight in the numerous light displays, several live performances, classic car displays, and jolly holiday music across eight areas; this is truly a unique opportunity to see from your car. Adhering to Covid-safety guidelines, Holidays in the Park Drive-Thru<\/em> requires all guests to stay in their vehicles and wear their masks while their windows are down, and there is no personal interaction except at the gate upon entry.<\/p>\n![\"Magic](\"https:\/\/becomeimmersed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/mm1.jpg\")
Holidays in the Park Drive-Thru<\/em> will be familiar to frequent attendees of the in-person event, with most of the d\u00e9cor carried over from previous years. The path through the park is divided into eight areas, each with varying themes. The Gleampunk District will awe, as always, with its clockwork snowman and stilts-walkers. Merry Lane\u2019s oversized ornaments dance in time with the holiday music playing over the speakers outside of the monumental Hall of Justice. And the multi-colored trees lining Holiday Square highlight the falling \u201csnow.\u201d While these areas aren\u2019t new to Holidays in the Park<\/em>, entering Magic Mountain via the impressive DC Universe area during its holiday light show spectacular, and driving beneath the sparkling tunnel as the lights flicker to holiday carols, is something else entirely. It successfully begins the event with a highlight of the walk-thru experience. One area of the park \u2013 The Underground \u2013 is new this year, and features roughly five famous West Coast Customs show cars on display. This doesn\u2019t appear to tie into the holiday season in any way, but it is a little something for car enthusiasts to enjoy.<\/p>\n![\"Magic](\"https:\/\/becomeimmersed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/mm9.jpg\")
Holidays in the Park<\/em> Drive-Thru<\/em> understandably does not have as many live performers as during a traditional in-person event, but those who are there make a concerted effort to bring cheerful holiday spirit. Several snow princesses wave to passersby from a safe distance, raggedy dolls dance among the gigantic wrapped presents, toy soldiers tower above the cars as they pose from atop their stilts, and elves busy themselves at both Mrs. Claus\u2019s workshop and at Santa\u2019s sleigh. Even the ushers lighting the way for guests waved and wished \u201chappy holidays.\u201d It is apparent that everyone participating in Holidays in the Park Drive-Thru<\/em> is actively bringing their best cheer to brighten the experience for attendees.<\/p>\n![\"Magic](\"https:\/\/becomeimmersed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/mm14.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Magic](\"https:\/\/becomeimmersed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/mm26.jpg\")
While Magic Mountain\u2019s Holidays in the Park Drive-Thru<\/em> cannot live up to the in-person experience, it does an admirable job of adapting to the new safety requirements. Not only that, but Holidays in the Park Drive-Thru<\/em> continues a tradition that is one for a reason. Holidays in the Park Drive-Thru<\/em> will delight families looking for some holiday spirit; the lights, the music, and the friendly actors and ushers combine into a festive journey through a beautiful display.<\/p>\n