Kennywood, in West Mifflin PA, is once again hosting their annual “Holiday Lights”! The 3rd annual Holiday Lights event features over one million lights connected to over 12 miles of extension cords, festive foods, activities for children, and of course, Santa Claus. After the success of last years second annual Holiday Lights, Kennywood is celebrating the holiday spirit once again! Offering all the great holiday features such as the Kennyville Stage and the original Potato Patch! That means one more extra month to stuff your face full of patch fried goodness!
This year, more than 50 live pine trees will decorate the park thanks to the Indiana Tree Growers Association. Holiday sounds and Christmas carols can be heard each evening with a variety of local performance groups featured each night.
On December 21st you can experience a VIP evening with Santa! Kennywood will be hosting “Dinner with Santa” on Saturday December 21st. Enter the park early at 3:30 and join in for some fun as Santa and his friends make a special visit this holiday season! Plenty of photo opportunities will be available and an all you can eat buffet for $25.00 per person! Get your tickets early as the December 7th “Dinner with Santa” SOLD OUT!
The Gingerbread Express (old Kennywood railroad) and Ghostwood Estates are both open with a “holiday theme”. Paratrooper, Merry-Go-Round, Kangaroo, Auto Race, and nine Kiddie land rides are also open.
Ghostwood Estates looking festive.
We took a ride on re-themed Ghostwood Estates, which featured a very unique holiday experience.
Lord Kenneth Ghostwood has been replaced with a new holiday pre-show!
Skeletons, Lights, and Christmas cheer are all part of the eclectic theme!
The Paratrooper looks extra special swirling with holiday spirit!
Children can enjoy a live petting zoo, indoor train display, cookie decorating, letters to Santa, memorabilia from it’s a wonderful life, and take pictures with some of their favorite kennywood mascots including Kenny the Kangaroo! One of the coolest experiences is pictures with Santa on deck at the famed “Racer” roller coaster station.
Guests Lorraine & Jason getting a photo-op with Parker the arrow!
The Racer’s new look!
Kennywood’s Holiday Light show is a magical, synchronized light experience surrounding the lagoon. The show starts at 5:30pm and plays every 30 minutes with two different versions of the show. Be sure to catch both versions of this show, they are both exceptionally exciting!
Experience a live action ice carving spectacular by Rich Bubin.
Enjoy live performances, story telling with Mrs. Claus, dancing, and singing nightly on the Kennyville Stage!
Kennywood offers some of the best park food at the fairest pricing of all amusement parks. Besides Potato Patch Fries and the classic offerings, you can enjoy seasonal favorites such as kettle corn, hot chocolate, apple cider, s’mores, and hot apple dumplings! A souvenir mug is also available which includes free refills on hot drinks all evening long!
This is a great event for the whole family; Kids decorate cookies in a winter wonderland.
There’s still lots of days remaining to enjoy this amazing event! Kennywood’s Holiday Lights is open from 5:00pm – 9:00 pm every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night from November 29 through December 22. Admission is $15.99 (plus $1 amusement tax) (13.99 online). Coupons for $2.00 off are available at participating Giant Eagle locations. Children under 2 are free. “Holiday Pass”. For $24.99 (plus $1 amusement tax & $1.25 processing fee) grants admission for the entire Holiday Lights season! Parking is FREE!
We caught up with Kennywood’s Jeff Filicko last year for an overview on what experiences can be expected at Holiday Lights.
Kennywood is located just minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. For complete information regarding schedules, events, discounts, rides, etc., visit Kennywood’s official website!
Check out all of our photos below from Kennywood’s 2nd annual Holiday Lights: (flash needed)
Photos courtesy of Aly Schipani
