If you click on the links in this post, we may earn money from the companies mentioned in this post, at no extra cost to you. You can read the full disclaimer here.
Don’t let the holiday season come and go without heading to Kennywood’s Holiday Lights Event! We’ll go over why this such a great event in this blog entry.
What is Holiday Lights at Kennywood?
Holiday Lights at Kennywood is the holiday season event at Kennywood. Kennywood is a wonderful theme park in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. We tell you all about it in our Kennywood Travel Guide.
When is Holiday Lights at Kennywood?
Holiday Lights takes place at Kennywood on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights from November 18th, 2023 through December 23rd, 2023. Then, it takes place nightly from December 26th, 2023 through January 1st, 2023.
Why is Holiday Lights at Kennywood So Great?
So what makes Holiday Lights so great? It would have to be all the amazing holiday activities you can do and sights you can see.
Holiday Lights
Well, given the name, you had to figure there will be holiday lights, right? And there are: almost 2 million holiday lights decorating the park, actually! This will make visiting Kennywood a completely new experience from what you are used to during the summer!
Holiday Lights Show
You can watch these beautiful Christmas lights really come to life during the Holiday Lights Show. Head to the area surrounding the Lagoon. Then you can watch the lights twinkle to the tune of your favorite holiday songs! This takes place every half hour starting at 5:30 PM with the last show at 8:30 PM.
And here’s a tip: try to watch this show more than once. Because they actually choreographed 2 different versions of this show!
Music
And if you love holiday music, you’ll love being here! Local choir groups will perform on select dates. And there will also be a strolling holiday band!
Christmas Tree
If you love Christmas trees, you will love Holiday Lights at Kennywood! Because at Holiday Lights, you can see the largest Christmas tree in Pennsylvania! It stands at an impressive 90 feet tall.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Each night, you’ll be able to watch this amazing Christmas tree come to life with holiday lights during the Tree Lighting Ceremony! You can get good views near Pizza Warehouse or elsewhere in Kennywood’s Lagoon area.
Santa
Want to make a picture of yourself or your kids with Santa even better? Then get a picture with Santa at Kennywood! This takes place in Thomas Town.
And this year for the first time ever, you can enjoy seeing Santa’s Arrival at Kennywood Station in Thomas Town! This brand new show should be a lot of fun.
Model Trains
One of the best holiday train displays in Pittsburgh would have to be the one at the Penny Arcade in Kennywood! It is set up by the Pittsburgh Independent Hi-Railers. It features mini-sized Kennywood rides, pop culture nods, and more.
Parker’s Dance Party
Parker (Kennywood’s beloved mascot!) and some of his best pals will be present at a great dance party at Kennywood stage. It’s a great party with singing and dancing to some of your favorite holiday songs.
Celebrity Reading
Do you love ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas? Then catch a local Pittsburgh celebrity reading their rendition of this beloved Christmas tale.
Holiday Scavenger Hunt
This year, there is an all-new holiday scavenger hunt which is not only a great way to have fun and work as a team with your family, but explore the park as well!
Train Display
I don’t know about you, but ever since I was a kid I loved looking at train displays during the holiday season. And they have a great one at Kennywood!
Letters to Santa
In addition to visiting with Santa at the event, you can also drop your letters to the North Pole off here.
Bear Factory
Take home your very own souvenir from the event at the Bear Factory.
Rides
It wouldn’t be a trip to Kennywood without the rides, right? Well, weather permitting, a number of rides will still be open:
- Spinvasion
- Cranky’s Drop Tower
- Diesel Drivers
- Flynn’s Fire Training
- Harold’s Helicopter Tours
- Jack Rabbit
- Ghostwood Estate
- Pirate
- Kangaroo
- Noah’s Ark
- Merry-Go-Round
- Auto Race
- Journey with Thomas
- Up to 10 Kiddieland Rides
You can see some of these attractions in our Kennywood video:
Food & Drinks
There are also delicious seasonal foods and drinks available at this event!
Dinner with Santa
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat Christmas buffet with Santa and Mrs. Claus in an amazing Chirstmas experience! Your cost even includes a photo with Santa along with a children’s holiday cup. You can book this on Fridays at 5:30 PM as well as Saturdays and Sundays at 3:15 PM & 4:45 PM from November 18th through December 23rd.
Lagoon Holiday Shops
Stop by one of the specialty booths located around the Lagoon. You can find great food here like cobbler, donuts, hot drinks, turkey legs, and more.
Parkside Cafe
You can enjoy a great Christmas dinner along with great seasonal desserts such as deep-dish apple pie. There’s also do-it-yourself cookie decorating here.
Kandy Kaleidoscope
Here you’ll find a great selection of seasonal sweet treats and over a dozen homemade fudge flavors.
Blizzard Blast Creamery
Seasonal apple cider ice cream as well as other classic frosty treats are available here.
Beer Garden
Seasonal beer, hot toddy, and other specialty drinks are available at the Beer Garden.
Can I Save Money on Kennywood Holiday Lights Tickets?
Yes, you can! We always keep you up to date on Kennywood coupons and money-saving deals!
And it just so happens there is a great coupon for Kennywood Holiday Lights here. You’ll save 41% on your ticket. No promo code or discount code is even needed since this saving is automatic!