Kennywood amusement park announced that its annual Holiday Lights celebration will open on November 13 and run through January 3, 2027. The event promises more than three million twinkling lights, the state’s tallest Christmas tree, and a refreshed lineup of rides and attractions designed for families and thrill‑seekers alike.
New ice‑skating show adds sparkle
The centerpiece of this year’s festivities is a brand‑new ice‑skating production titled “Finding Christmas: A Whimsical Journey on Ice.” According to park officials, the show blends traditional holiday singing and dancing with elaborate acrobatics, BMX stunts and other high‑energy performances. “There’s a lot of acrobatics, a lot of stunts,” said Stephanie Spezialetti, director of marketing and sales for Kennywood and Sandcastle. “It’s great for the whole family. You can still enjoy the traditional Christmas singing and dancing, but there’s going to be some extra flair to it.”
Enhanced tree‑lighting ceremony
The park’s iconic Christmas tree will receive a special lighting ceremony each evening at 5:45 p.m. Spezialetti explained that the ceremony now includes beloved characters and a crowd countdown, creating a “really cool experience” as the tree animates and changes colors throughout the night.
Classic holiday attractions return
Visitors can stroll through a Rudolph the Red‑Nosed Reindeer walkthrough, meet characters such as Clarice, Bumble and Sam the Snowman, and enjoy returning favorites like Kennywood Junction, the Gingerbread Express, and the Holiday Reflections light show around the Lagoon. The Jingle Bell Jamboree dance party and visits with Santa also make a comeback, while local school choirs, dance groups and community organizations will perform throughout the season.
Seasonal food and dining options
To complement the festive atmosphere, Kennywood is adding new holiday‑themed menu items, including turkey dinners, chicken pot pie, red‑velvet funnel cake, peppermint soft‑serve and candy‑cane milkshakes. Guests can also indulge in loaded hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, chocolate shavings and a peppermint stick.
Dinner with Santa and ticket deals
From November 20 through December 23, the park’s End Zone Café will host “Dinner with Santa” evenings, offering a buffet for $24.99 plus tax for children and season‑pass holders and $29.99 plus tax for adults. Holiday Lights tickets are currently on a limited‑time flash sale for $19.99, and anyone purchasing a 2027 Gold or Platinum Season Pass receives free admission to the event.
Recognition and voting
The Holiday Lights celebration has been nominated for USA TODAY 10Best’s Best Theme Park Holiday Event. Voting is open daily through 11:59 a.m. on November 30, with winners to be announced on December 3.
Kennywood’s Holiday Lights offers a blend of traditional holiday charm and fresh entertainment, providing a safe, family‑focused environment for the community to celebrate the season together.
Original reporting: WTAE (Hearst) – local — read the source article.
