Snoopy (permanently) on ice: Is the end nearing for iconic Bay Area theme park?

Snoopy waves alongside fellow ice skaters at the end of the “It’s Christmas, Snoopy!” show produced by San Diego County-based All Wheel Sports at California’s Great America. The message, sent Dec. 19, said the park’s upcoming season would run from April 5 through late October, and that “seasonal events will not be part of the 2025 calendar.” As of Friday evening, Great America’s online calendar showed no dates when the park would be open in November or December — when its Winterfest themed event typically runs. Gary Rhodes, a spokesperson for Six Flags — which added Great America to its portfolio after a merger with its former parent company — wrote in an email that the company has “nothing new to report regarding future plans” nor any updates on the timing for the park’s eventual closure. “I think seasonal events work really well for a lot of the parks that have a huge, growing attendance rate, and in particular, if you want to focus on growing season pass holders for a long term, it makes a ton of sense.” In its message to pass holders, Great America said it will dedicate resources “to delivering exceptional daily experiences across our more than 50 amazing rides and attractions, including encounters with the ‘Peanuts’ Gang in Planet Snoopy.” “Plus, as Northern California’s only amusement park featuring an included waterpark, we offer unmatched value for both thrill-seekers and families,” the email said. Santa Clara’s redevelopment agency in 1989 sold the assets of Great America to Kings Entertainment Co., the first in what would be a series of theme park operators.