The basics:

• Great Adventure retires Holiday in the Park after 9 years
• Shifts focus to core spring–fall season, Fright Fest
• New record-breaking coaster delayed past 2026
• Decision follows Cedar Fair merger, $220M Q1 loss

Six Flags Great Adventure is ending its Holiday in the Park event.

Since 2015, the Jackson-based theme park transformed itself into a winter wonderland filled with light displays, shows and holiday-themed attractions between late November and early January.

In a statement to NJBIZ, a Six Flags spokesperson said, “After much research and planning, we’ve made a strategic decision to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences during our core operating season — spring through fall. This shift allows us to concentrate our efforts and resources during the time when the majority of our guests visit Great Adventure, and weather conditions can more consistently support our goal to deliver an enjoyable and memorable visit for all.”

Fright Fest, a popular Halloween-themed fall event at the park, will continue, the media rep said. “We know fall is one of the most popular times of the year, and we look forward to welcoming guests to Fright Fest for more thrills and chills!” they said, adding, “Details on this year’s event will be shared soon.”

According to Attractions Magazine, Six Flags Over Georgia will also end its Holiday in the Park event. That location plans to focus on a new event that celebrates superheroes.

The waiting is the hardest part

Additionally, Six Flags is pushing back the timeline for the debut of a new roller coaster in Jackson.

After demolishing the 456-foot Kinga Ka in February, the park began construction on a new “multi-world-record-breaking launch roller coaster.” At the time, it expected a 2026 opening.

Six Flags said this week, “As we continue to evaluate our construction projects, we’ve realized that the world-class size and scope of this project means that it will take a bit longer to complete than originally anticipated. To ensure the ride meets our high standards of innovation, thrills and safety that guests expect and deserve, and that we’re able to debut it in the spring so our guests can enjoy it all season, we have revised the timeline beyond 2026.”

The news comes a year after Six Flags Entertainment Corp. merged with rival chain Cedar Fair. The combination established the largest theme park operator in North America. Following the $8 billion deal, the new company’s portfolio spans 42 theme parks, water parks and resorts.

During its first quarter earnings call in May, Six Flags reported a net loss of $220 million. It attributed about $134 million in losses to legacy operations brought into the company in the merger.

Six Flags also recently revealed plans to close two of its U.S. parks at the end of this season – California’s Great America and Maryland’s Six Flags America.

Company executives said the decision was made so they could allocate capital on stronger performing parks and streamline operations following last year’s merger.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 5:09 p.m. March 11, 2026, to correct a photo caption that incorrectly stated The Flash was the delayed roller coaster mentioned in this story. The Flash opened March 29, 2025.