Kennywood Holiday Lights is my absolute favorite Western Pennsylvania holiday event. The park we all know and love know from summer takes on a completely different feel in winter: millions of lights, holiday music, shows and characters turn the iconic Kennywood into a winter wonderland that feels ready for a Hallmark Christmas movie.
And when the weather turns cold, that chilly air adds to everything I love about Kennywood and the holiday season.
There’s something so very exciting about strolling past the lights, riding the Jack Rabbit, taking in a show and then warming up with Potato Patch fries that makes the season feel real.
Holiday Lights brings together the traditions people love about Christmas with the Kennywood favorites that have been part of summer visits for generations, including the Jack Rabbit and other rides.
This year’s event runs Nov. 13 through Jan. 3, on select dates.
It will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 13, then daily from Dec. 18 through Jan. 3, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The park promises more than 3 million lights, more than 20 rides and attractions, festive food, character visits and entertainment. Rides are weather permitting, and some operate only when temperatures stay above 40 degrees.
A new attraction this season is “Finding Christmas: A Whimsical Journey on Ice,” an ice-skating stunt show with singing, dancing and BMX performances.
The story follows a girl separated from her parents in a snowstorm who discovers a secret Santa workshop inside a toy store. The show is scheduled for the Garden Stage at 4:30 p.m. on days the park opens at 3 p.m., and at 6:45 and 8:30 p.m.
The holiday experience also includes the “Holiday Reflections” light show at the Lagoon, a refreshed tree-lighting ceremony, a model railroad, and visits with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and his friends.
Guests can find seasonal treats alongside Kennywood staples, including Potato Patch fries, as well as new menu items such as red velvet funnel cakes, pot roast mash and peppermint shakes.
Tickets and season passes
Kennywood’s current flash sale offers any-day Holiday Lights tickets for $19.99, a 60% discount. The offer is listed through Sunday, Nov. 8, and tickets are valid for one public operating date from Nov. 13 through Jan. 3. If you’re planning to go, this is the best price Kennywood is currently advertising.
A 2027 Gold or Platinum Season Pass includes the rest of the 2026 season and admission to this year’s Holiday Lights at no additional charge.
Those pass levels also include admission to special events such as Phantom Fall Fest and Holiday Lights, along with other benefits that vary by pass level.
Current 2026 Gold and Platinum passholders also receive unlimited Holiday Lights admission.
Check Kennywood’s pass details for current terms and included perks.
2026 Holiday Lights entertainment schedule
- “A Broadway Christmas” — Garden Stage; 6:15 and 7:45 p.m.
- “Finding Christmas: A Whimsical Journey on Ice” — Garden Stage; 4:30 p.m. when the park opens at 3 p.m., plus 6:45 and 8:30 p.m.
- “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” local celebrity readings — Kennyville Stage at 7:30 p.m. on select nights: Nov. 20, Kelly Sasso (WTAE); Nov. 29, Mike Clark (WTAE); Dec. 19, Rick Sebak (WQED); and Dec. 22, Pittsburgh Dad.
- “Holiday Reflections” light show — Lagoon; 6, 6:30, 7, 7:30, 8 and 8:30 p.m.
Local performers are also scheduled:
- Nov. 13: Dance Conservatory of Pittsburgh, 5:30 p.m., Kennyville Stage; A Step Above Dance Academy, 7 p.m., Kennyville Stage.
- Nov. 15: Aspire to Impact Dance Space, 5:30 p.m., Kennyville Stage.
- Nov. 21: Batavia Performing Arts Studio, 5:30 p.m., Kennyville Stage; Stage Right Fireflies, 6:30 p.m., Christmas Tree Stage; Perform Pittsburgh, 8 p.m., Christmas Tree Stage.
- Nov. 27: Clairton Elementary School Chorus, 5:30 p.m., Kennyville Stage.
- Nov. 29: Amy’s Dance Academy, 5:30 p.m., Kennyville Stage.
- Dec. 4: Elizabeth Forward Elementary School Band, 6:30 p.m., Christmas Tree Stage.
- Dec. 5: Variations Dance Company, 5:30 p.m., Kennyville Stage.
- Dec. 6: The Mother of Mercy Academy of Dance, 5:30 p.m., Kennyville Stage.
- Dec. 11: All About Dance, 5:30 p.m., Kennyville Stage; Hillcrest Intermediate School Honors Orchestra, 5:30 p.m., Parkside Cafe; Norwin 5th Grade Chorus and Hillcrest Jazz Band, 6:30 p.m., Christmas Tree Stage.
- Dec. 12: Ovation School of Dance, 5:30 p.m., Kennyville Stage; Westmoreland Performing Arts Center, 6:30 p.m., Christmas Tree Stage; Grove City Chamber Singers & Show Choir, 8 p.m., Christmas Tree Stage.
- Dec. 13: ABC Dance Studio, 5:30 p.m., Kennyville Stage.
- Dec. 18: Studio G Dance Center, 5:30 p.m., Kennyville Stage.
- Dec. 19: Dance Mechanics, 5:30 p.m., Kennyville Stage.
- Dec. 20: Dance Co. By Lori, 5:30 p.m., Kennyville Stage.
- Dec. 22: Mitzi Layne Dance Center, 5:30 p.m., Kennyville Stage.
Schedules and offerings may change. Check Kennywood’s Holiday Lights page before your visit.
