Holiday Thrills and Festive Fun at Theme Parks

With the holiday season rolling in, it’s the perfect time to explore how California’s iconic theme parks—Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland Resort and Knott’s Berry Farm—transform into their holiday best. We’re diving into what makes each park unique, what rides our participants are excited about, and how we can make the most inclusive, fun-filled experience for everyone in our ASCEND group.

Universal Studios Hollywood: Grinchmas Comes to Town

At Universal Studios, the holiday spirit is larger than life. “Grinchmas” has returned, with the Whos of Whoville singing and dancing beneath a towering, crooked Christmas tree. Guests can meet the Grinch himself (yes, he’s still delightfully grumpy) and take photos in front of Mount Crumpit’s snowy backdrop.The park also features dazzling projections across Hogwarts Castle during the “Magic of Christmas at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” where snowflakes swirl in the air and butterbeer tastes even sweeter.

For Gabriel, Universal is extra special—he loves the high-speed thrills of Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge inside Super Nintendo World. “It feels like you’re really in the game,” he says with a grin.

Disneyland Resort: A Merry Makeover

Few places capture the holidays quite like Disneyland. Every corner of the park glows—Sleeping Beauty Castle sparkles with icicle lights, and Main Street, U.S.A. smells like cinnamon and peppermint. The rides take on new personalities too: “It’s a Small World” becomes a global light show, and the Haunted Mansion is reimagined as The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Jordan, one of our ASCEND participants, is a Disneyland pro. He loves classic adventures like Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ride, where visitors join the Resistance in a full-scale galactic battle. When it’s time to slow down, Jordan hops on Dumbo the Flying Elephant for that cheerful view over Fantasyland.

Knott’s Berry Farm: From Thrills to “Merry Farm”

Just down the road, Knott’s Berry Farm transforms into Knott’s Merry Farm, where snow falls gently over Ghost Town and the smell of fresh boysenberry pie fills the air. Carolers stroll the streets, and twinkling lights turn the park into a nostalgic holiday village.

For thrill seekers, there’s no shortage of excitement. Cameron enjoys lighter thrills with a touch of fun—he never misses the Snoopy’s Camp Snoopy rides or the Supreme Scream slingshot tower, where riders launch nearly 250 feet into the sky before free-falling back down.

More Than Rides — It’s About the Memories

Whether it’s Universal’s Grinchmas mischief, Disneyland’s glowing castle, or Knott’s Merry Farm traditions, these parks do more than entertain—they spark joy, imagination, and connection. For our ASCEND community, each visit is a celebration of independence, courage, and pure fun.

As the year comes to a close, Southern California’s theme parks remind us that wonder isn’t just for kids—it’s for everyone who believes in magic, friendship, and a little holiday sparkle.