Kennywood Holiday Lights Kicks Off Early With Extended Schedule

Kennywood is getting into the holiday spirit earlier this year as they celebrate their 125th season with their biggest and brightest Holiday Lights ever.

The festivities will begin on Saturday, November 18, one weekend earlier than originally planned. This year’s event features over two million twinkling lights and Pennsylvania’s tallest Christmas Tree, along with a brand-new Santa experience in Thomas Town.

There are several first-time additions for this family tradition, including the debut of Spinvasion, the first multi-action spin ride of its kind in the United States, under the magical holiday lights. Additionally, a Christmas-themed Scavenger Hunt, new seasonal photo opportunities, and a create-your-own Christmas Bear activity will be introduced for the 2023 Holiday Lights season.

According to Kennywood Assistant General Manager Rick Spicuzza, “Holiday Lights at Kennywood offers the most unique and exciting holiday experience in the region, with millions of lights and thrilling classic attractions that Pittsburgh residents can’t find anywhere else. This year, the park will feature enhanced special entertainment, a new festive food lineup, and Santa in Thomas Town, providing even more reasons to attend this beloved event.”

In 2023, guests and Season Passholders will be treated to special live nightly entertainment, including magic shows, local celebrity readings of “The Night Before Christmas,” a massive model train display, kids’ dance parties, and more. Of course, a visit to Holiday Lights at Kennywood wouldn’t be complete without enjoying classic rides like the Jack Rabbit, Merry Go Round, Kangaroo, and many more.

Families can indulge in an all-new holiday menu, from Kennywood-made sweet treats to an all-you-can-eat Dinner with Santa buffet, creating a magical and immersive dining experience. The festive food options will delight taste buds with offerings like hot cobbler, freshly made donuts, seasonal beer, and more.

To mark this significant year, the park has extended the 2023 season of Holiday Lights with more days and longer hours for families to enjoy. Most days during Holiday Lights will now open at 3 p.m., and the event will start one weekend earlier than in previous seasons.

Visitors can make their season sparkle with Holiday Lights tickets as low as $14.99 for a limited time during the park’s Early Bird Sale to visit any operating day through January 1, 2024. For the best option, visitors can upgrade to a 2024 Gold or Platinum Season Pass and get unlimited visits to Holiday Lights this year for free.

Want a sneak peek of what you can expect? Check out our 2022 event photos!

For tickets and more information, visit the official Kennywood website by Clicking Here.