Kings Island's WinterFest gets underway Friday night

After a yearslong hiatus, WinterFest is returning to Kings Island on Friday night. More than 5 million lights adorn the theme park, which has also converted its famous replica of the Eiffel Tower into a 314-foot-tall Christmas tree and frozen over its fountain into an ice skating rink. Preparations for the return of Kings Island's WinterFest started more than two years ago, and this Friday is opening night.  For the first official lighting ceremony on Friday, former Cincinnati Bengal and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Anthony Munoz, and his family will assist with flipping the switch to light the Eiffel Tower and all of International Street at 5:30 p.m. A repeat of the ceremony will happen each night the park is open at 5:30 p.m. The program lasts approximately 20 minutes and also includes entertainment, songs and a 100 percent chance of snow! Afterward, you and your family can explore nine winter wonderlands and enjoy 17 rides, including the newest roller coaster -- Mystic Timbers.