We have found the few times we have been that the start date changes but usually when it is held is on Fri and Sat plus some weekday nights but the schedule has typically not been announced until a month or 2 in advance. The shows are free with admission but if you want the guaranteed holiday show seating there is an extra cost. Sometimes the package includes a priority line at Polar Expess. That is Wild Arctic converted to a PE motion simulator instead of the regular one and then where the animals are is Santa. Sometimes they have hot chocolate for purchase. We find it is worth it because the shows can get crowded and there is an assigned area at each show for those that purchased it.