Press Release from Kennywood

PITTSBURGH, PA: October 28, 2024 – The nose is the news this Holiday Lights season at Kennywood, Pittsburgh’s Home for the Holidays, as the park introduces the largest expansion ever to its beloved event headlined by the addition of meet and greets with iconic characters from the classic TV special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Featuring more -than five all-new ways to celebrate the holidays, Kennywood will shine brighter with more than three million lights, Pennsylvania’s tallest Christmas tree, more rides and more Holiday Lights operating days than ever before.  

The USA Today 10Best Holiday Event will transport visitors to a winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights, decked halls and the iconic characters from this timeless Christmas classic, creating timeless family memories for 26 days beginning Friday, November 15. All-new activities include:

  • NEW! Meet and Greets with Rudolph and Friends: For the first time ever, visitors will be delighted by interactive meet and greets with Rudolph and his friends Clarice, Bumble and Sam the Snowman in the park’s all-new Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer™ zone; 
  • NEW! Holiday Reflections Light Show: The Lagoon takes center stage as the iconic backdrop to the park’s all-new light show. Families will experience thousands of twinkling lights come to life, transforming the area around the Lagoon into a winter wonderland synchronized to holiday music;
  • NEW! Spirit of the Season: A Holiday Celebration: A celebration of what makes this season The Most Wonderful Time of the Year will take place at select times at the park’s Garden Stage. Kennywood’s first-ever live performance during Holiday Lights will include songs from iconic artists like Michael Bublé to Ariana Grande and Bruno Mars;
  • NEW! Santa Meet & Greets: The Christmas season isn’t complete without a visit to the big man in red. An all-new Santa meet and greet experience will pop up in the park’s Lost Kennywood area from November 15 through December 23; and
  • More Rides Than Ever Before: Iconic classics join this year’s ride lineup during Holiday Lights including the Racer, Turtle, Potato Smash Bumper Cars and Musik Express, with more than 25 rides and attractions open through January 1, the 2024 season will feature the most robust lineup of rides ever offered during beloved holiday event.

“Our team is already hard at work getting the park ready for what is sure to be our most impressive lineup of Holiday Lights entertainment ever,” said General Manager Rick Spicuzza. “This season our guests will be delighted by meet and greets with beloved characters like Rudolph and Bumble, our first-ever live show and more rides than we have ever offered before during the holidays.”

Festive foods will join the park’s iconic lineup of beloved Potato Patch™ French Fries and double dip cones during Holiday Lights. New for 2024, Jeeter’s Pub and Carousel Burger Company will offer the locations first-ever holiday menus featuring hot toddies, peppermint milkshakes, warm pretzels and more. Plus, those looking to spend even more time with the big man in red are invited to experience Dinner with Santa for as low as $19.99. The festive buffet will feature turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and more, taking place from November 23 through December 23 in the End Zone Café. 

Holiday Lights runs Fridays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. from November 15 through December 23 plus daily from December 26 through January 1. Single Day Tickets are on sale now for just $16.99 during the park’s Holiday LightsFlash Sale. 

For more information on the all-new Holiday Lights and to purchase Tickets or Season Passes, visit Kennywood.com.