Castle Park Announces the Return of Duke's Very Merry Village

Castle Park, Riverside, CA

Alright, so we lied and were not actually done with Christmas announcements from local parks. Today, we’ve got a news bulletin from Castle Park, out in Riverside, and the return of their Duke’s Very Merry Village for the holidays, after being postponed last year due to COVID (Duke didn’t get COVID—people who decided to gather in crowded indoor locations did). This year, however, with an overall improving outlook (thanks vaccines—the 5G Bill Gates metaverse is great!), the holiday overlay will once again be returning to Castle Park, transforming it into a happy Christmas ambiance

The event runs Fridays through Sundays starting this Black Friday through January 2nd. Everything is more wondrous and joyful when decked out in Christmas lights and decorations, and it’ll be a delightful holiday treat at Castle Park!

(Photo courtesy of Castle Park.)

From the press release:

Santa Claus is coming to Castle Park!
Duke’s Very Merry Village returns November 26

Inland Empire’s favorite amusement park will be decorated in 100,000 twinkling lights this winter

Riverside, CA – ‘Tis the season to celebrate: winter holidays are happening at Castle Park! The annual Christmastime tradition, Duke’s Very Merry Village, returns to Castle Park to spread holiday cheer to families in Southern California.

After the pandemic postponed Duke’s Very Merry Village in 2020, the Castle Park team is making a list and checking it twice to deliver a fun, family experience to the Inland Empire and beyond. Riverside’s favorite family destination will be decked with more than 100,000 bright lights, dozens of Christmas trees, wreaths and decorations. Castle Park’s 30 rides and attractions will be available for enjoyment in between strolls through the displays and sips of hot cocoa.

Families will be able to meet the man himself during Brunch with Santa, a buffet meal including exclusive meet-and-greet time with Old St. Nick.  Guests can even participate in various activities like coloring, face painting, gingerbread house competitions, and more! Christmas music will fill the midway as guests walk to their favorite Castle Park rides like King’s Crown and the Castle Park Railroad. When night falls over Castle Park, snow will sprinkle around for families to enjoy in addition to signature food items like a Snowman funnel cake or milk and cookies. Duke’s Very Merry Village is the perfect holiday event for guests from 1 to 92.

(Photo courtesy of Castle Park.)

“Castle Park is excited to celebrate the season with all our friends from around the community,” said General Manager Ken Withers. “Duke will be decking the halls all season, so make your plans to visit his Very Merry Village this winter!”

Duke’s Very Merry Village takes over Castle Park Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from November 26 to January 2. Opening Night will be headlined by an Ugly Sweater Party that Castle Park hopes to make the world’s largest! Held simultaneously with events at sister parks in Pennsylvania (Kennywood and Dutch Wonderland) and Connecticut (Lake Compounce), Castle Park guests can wear their ugliest holiday sweater to Duke’s Very Merry Village for a night of family fun with a chance to setting a new multi-location sweater-wearing record! Duke, a deejay and other entertainment will gather with guests at the stage across from the King’s Crown attraction at 4 p.m. on November 26 to get the official count. Opening Night will offer extra time for fun, with Castle Park open from 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. For the rest of Duke’s Very Merry Village, park hours are 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Fridays, 12 – 8 on Saturdays, and 12 – 7 on Sundays.

(Photo courtesy of Castle Park.)

Just in time for the holiday season, Castle Park’s Black Friday sales event will kick off on Friday, November 19. Whether shopping for a no-frills, all fun Annual Pass or a higher-tier offering that includes access to special events including Duke’s Very Merry Village, ‘tis the season for great deals! Gold and Platinum level passes can start the fun in 2021: these top-tier offers include unlimited admission for this year’s Very Merry Village. For more information on Duke’s Very Merry Village and the best offers on admission tickets and Annual Passes, visit CastlePark.com.