Kennywood's Holiday Lights Gifts Guests with a Brand-New Ice-Skating Stunt Show, Festive Food & Holiday Magic
November 03, 2026
PITTSBURGH, PA (November 3, 2026) – Kennywood is getting ready to sleigh the holiday season as Holiday Lights returns November 13 through January 3, bringing more than three million twinkling lights, Pennsylvania’s tallest Christmas tree, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ and Friends, and a brand-new holiday ice skating spectacular
A Holiday Tradition in the National Spotlight: Kennywood’s beloved holiday event has been nominated by USA TODAY 10BEST for Best Theme Park Holiday Event! Fans can vote daily beginning Monday, November 2, at noon EST, through Monday, November 30, at 11:59 a.m. EST. The top 10 winners will be announced Thursday, December 3, at noon EST. Help show the country how Pittsburgh does the holidays by visiting 10Best.USAToday.com to learn more and cast votes once daily.
Holiday Lights will offer festive fun for the whole family. This season, visitors will be delighted by new shows, new food offerings and all the holiday magic they know and love. With up to 20 family-friendly and thrill rides also available, guests can mix holiday magic with a little excitement. Details include:
- NEW! Finding Christmas: A Whimsical Journey on Ice: Guests can experience an all-new ice-skating spectacular unlike anything previously seen at Kennywood! This festive production features singing, dancing, exhilarating BMX stunts and, of course, incredible ice skating, bringing holiday magic to life in a one-of-a-kind performance.
- NEW! Seasonal Food and Beverage Offerings: Guests can dig into seasonal comfort food like traditional turkey dinners and chicken pot pie or satisfy their sweet tooth with red velvet funnel cake, peppermint soft serve, candy cane milkshakes and cranberry-orange cinnamon rolls. Festive food booths throughout the park will serve even more seasonal bites and beverages, including loaded hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, chocolate and a peppermint stick.
- Enhanced Tree Lighting Ceremony: Guests can experience an extra dose of holiday magic during Kennywood's enhanced tree lighting ceremony! Watch as the park's towering Christmas tree comes to life with dazzling lights illuminating its branches, creating a festive and memorable holiday moment for guests of all ages.
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Friends Walkthrough Experience: Guests can step into the world of a beloved Christmas classic and meet Rudolph, Clarice, Bumble and Sam the Snowman! This festive walkthrough experience offers opportunities to see these iconic characters up close and capture special holiday photos.
- Group Performances: Holiday Lights will showcase the talents of local community groups throughout the season, featuring festive performances from school choirs, dance groups and other area organizations. These special appearances celebrate the spirit of the season while highlighting the incredible talent and community connections throughout the Pittsburgh region.
- Millions of Lights and Holiday Entertainment: Holiday Lights will once again transform Kennywood into a dazzling winter wonderland with more than three million lights throughout the park. Guests can enjoy returning favorites, including the festive village of Kennywood Junction, the Gingerbread Express, visits with Santa at Celebration Station, the Holiday Reflections light show around the Lagoon and the Jingle Bell Jamboree dance party.
- Dinner with Santa: Dinner with Santa will take over the End Zone Café on select dates from November 20 through December 23. Guests can enjoy a festive buffet featuring holiday favorites like roasted turkey, spiral ham, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, seasonal sides and Christmas desserts, along with a dedicated buffet for younger guests. Pricing starts at $24.99 plus tax for children and Season Passholders and $29.99 plus tax for adults.
“There’s nothing quite like Holiday Lights at Kennywood — seeing the park come alive with millions of lights, hearing the excitement of families and sharing those little holiday moments that become traditions year after year,” said Ricky Spicuzza, Kennywood General Manager. “We’re excited to bring that magic back this season, with the addition of ice-skating show, plenty of festive favorites and a few surprises along the way. It’s what the holidays are all about, and we can’t wait to celebrate the season with our community.”
For a limited time, guests can snag Holiday Lights tickets for just $19.99 during Kennywood’s flash sale. Plus, guests who purchase a 2027 Gold or Platinum Season Pass receive free admission to Holiday Lights, making it even easier to enjoy the magic all season long.
Holiday Lights runs November 13, 2026, through January 3, 2027. For tickets, event dates, hours and additional information, visit Kennywood.com.
About Kennywood Park:
Kennywood is Pittsburgh’s Destination for Family Fun and Entertainment! The Pittsburgh-area park, founded in 1898 offers a unique mix of modern thrills and classic rides, including seven roller coasters, Kiddieland, and several attractions that cannot be found anywhere else.
About Herschend:
Kennywood Park is part of Herschend’s family of brands. Herschend is the world’s largest family-held themed attractions company, with a portfolio of over 40 family entertainment brands across North America, including destinations, resorts, theme parks, water parks, immersive experiences, and content enjoyed by audiences worldwide. For more information, visit www.Herschend.com.
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