Kennywood is the amusement park Pittsburghers grew up on, and its Holiday Lights event is a seasonal reason to visit when the summer rides are long closed. The park is a National Historic Landmark at 4800 Kennywood Boulevard in West Mifflin, a short drive southeast of downtown, and it has been described as Pittsburgh's premier destination for family fun, combining classic rides with modern thrills. In winter the park is decorated with lights for the holiday season and opens for specific evenings rather than on a daily schedule. The entry ticket is sold as a seasonal bundle and the ticket page showed availability from Friday 13 November, with the first evening listed as a Friday. Because the park does not run on a fixed daily timetable in winter, the dates, hours and the attractions that are open can vary, and the ticket page is the place to check them. If you want the full summer experience of coasters, a different ticket applies, and it is sold when the main season opens.
Tickets and timing
Holiday Lights tickets are date-specific and sold by evening, and the ticket page shows the earliest available date as Friday 13 November. Availability can change, and popular weekend evenings may sell out, so buy ahead if you want a particular night. The ticket is described as a bundle, so read what is included before you buy, since the page does not say which rides or attractions are open during the event.
Planning your evening
The park is about a half-hour drive from downtown and is easiest to reach by car or rideshare. Dress warmly for being outside after dark, and plan for walking. Parking arrangements and entry times are set by the park, so follow the instructions you receive with your ticket. Evenings are the whole point, so arrive at the start of the event time rather than late.
Making it count
This suits families with children who want a festive outing, and groups of friends or couples who like seasonal lights. It is a good partner for a day of museums in the city followed by an evening out, but the drive means it works best as the main event of the night. If you are visiting in summer instead, Kennywood's regular season is the better reason to come, and a different ticket is needed.
What to expect
The experience
A seasonal evening event of holiday lights at the Kennywood amusement park, on a date-specific ticket.
Best time
A dry evening in the winter season, at the start of the event time.
How long
Two to three hours.
Tips
Choose your date in advance, dress warmly, read what the bundle includes and check which attractions are open.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and couples who want a festive outdoor evening in winter.
- Families
- A seasonal outing that children enjoy, best with warm clothes and a clear plan.
- Couples
- A cozy, glowing evening out, driven or taken by rideshare.
- Pair with
- A day in the city at the Heinz History Center or Phipps Conservatory, then dinner.
- Time needed
- An evening, plus a half-hour each way.
Good questions
Where is Kennywood?+
It is at 4800 Kennywood Boulevard in West Mifflin, a short drive southeast of downtown Pittsburgh.
When does Kennywood Holiday Lights start?+
The ticket page showed tickets from Friday 13 November. Check the page for the full list of dates.
Is Kennywood open in summer?+
The regular season is a separate ticket sold when the park opens for its main season. This page is for the winter lights event.
Are rides open at Holiday Lights?+
The ticket page does not say which attractions run during the event, so check before you buy if rides matter to you.
Do I need to book ahead?+
Yes, tickets are date-specific, and busy evenings can sell out.
