It’s the perfect time to bring a little joy to the theme-park lover in your life. While most parks in California are either closed or offering modified experiences through the end of 2020, many are making plans for 2021. Check out these deals on 2021 tickets and passes—along with some experiences to have right now—at these California theme parks, listed north to south. (Note: Some deals are just for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, while others extend through the end of the year and beyond.)
Up to 70 percent off on passes to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Through Nov. 30, you can buy two 2021 passes for this Vallejo theme park for just $99—a 70 percent savings. And for now, you can enjoy its Holiday in the Park Lights through Jan. 3, and explore the park’s Marine World Experience during weekends for $19.99 per person.
Save up to $51 at California’s Great America
This Santa Clara theme park won’t reopen until sometime in 2021, but its Pre-Season Sale offers the chance to lock in a nice price for your visit next year. Choose the Holiday Bundle ($45) that includes a single-day ticket, parking, and a meal on any day through Sept. 6, 2021—a savings of $51. Or, choose a single-admission ticket for just $35.
Coming soon: Gilroy Gardens memberships
The 2021 pass for this charming amusement park in Gilroy will include free parking (waiving holiday blackouts), bring-a-friend Fridays, and 20 percent discounts on food and merchandise inside the park. Plus, since the horticulture- and education-themed park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, pass purchases are tax deductible.
Up to 65 percent off on passes to Six Flags Magic Mountain
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita is currently only open for its Holiday in the Park Drive Thru Experience, ($20 per person), but you can also buy a 2021 pass for just $60, a 65 percent savings.
Kick Back with Butterbeer at Universal Studios Hollywood’s CityWalk
The stores and restaurants of CityWalk are open for holiday shopping, just outside the gates of the Los Angeles County theme park. Along with festive holiday decor, CityWalk also has a pop-up location for Wizarding World of Harry Potter Sweets and Treats, with plenty of Butterbeer (open noon–8 p.m. Friday–Sunday). Or, plan ahead and get a $10 discount on your “anytime” ticket for next year, to be used on any date the park is open before Dec. 16, 2021.
$65 hotel stay with festival ticket at Knott’s Berry Farm
The Buena Park theme park is holding a holiday-themed food festival, Taste of Merry Farm, through Jan. 3. Stay at the park’s on-site hotel and your festival admission (usually $40 per adult, $20 for kids 3–11) is bundled into your room rate, amounting to a starting rate of $65 per person. The package also includes a coupon good for 20 percent off at a few restaurants, too, including Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant. Packages lasts through Jan. 3.
Shop Now from Disneyland’s Star Wars Trading Post
The Downtown Disney District and one section of Disney California Adventure Park are open for business these days at Disneyland Resort, which offers a fun way to shop the seasonal Holiday Collection. The online shopping options are expanding, too. Pick up the new interactive Groot action figure, a must for Guardians of the Galaxy fans, and explore the limited-release items at the Star Wars Trading Post from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—including stuffed porgs, Ewok drums, and Jedi-worthy robes and tunics for both kids and adults. Coming soon: items from the very popular Droid Depot.
Celebrate the holidays at LEGOLAND California
Book a discounted admission to the Holidays at LEGOLAND event with holiday lights and decorations, treats, and strolling characters (Nov. 20–Jan. 10). Admission with the deal is just $14.99 per person—a 25 percent discount—or you can bundle in a stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel that starts at just $58 per person. Good through Nov. 30. While you’re at it, arrange a visit to the LEGOLAND Hotel for 2021 which will offer deeply discounted rates starting at $169/night for stays through March 27, with no resort fees.
BOGO Black Friday at SeaWorld San Diego
Through Nov. 30, you can pick up Buy One Get One deals for tickets to SeaWorld—whether it’s a one-day ticket to be used through January, or annual passes good through 2021. Either way, the deal amounts to a pass for $47 per person to visit.
As you plan future trips, visit our Responsible Travel Hub.
