Carowinds theme park in North Carolina, US, has launched year-round operations this month (January 2023).

The park has introduced additional weekends to the calendar in January, February and early March, with regular park operation continuing throughout the rest of the year.

The added winter operating days will provide guests the opportunity to experience seasonal events and explore Carowinds across the entire year.

The 400-acre amusement park – which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year – also confirmed that it will launch the new Aeronautica Landing area in 2023.

Inspired by the "spirit of adventure and innovation", Aeronautica Landing will include a number six rides – including a new dark ride – a games zone and F&B offerings.

Courtney C. McGarry Weber, Carowinds's director of communications, said: "Guests will experience the iconic border between North Carolina and South Carolina anew when Carowinds celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2023.

"The 2023 season marks the beginning of '50 years of Carolina fun' that brings exciting entertainment, enhanced food and beverage offerings, and other immersive experiences.

"At the center of the 50th-anniversary celebration will be the debut of Aeronautica Landing, a tribute to the Carolinas’ spirit of invention, exploration, and aviation, where guests can immerse themselves in the history and future of flight.

"Aeronautica Landing will include the introduction of five new themed attractions opening in 2023 as well as a re-theming of an existing ride, for a total of six rides."