Kennywood's winter event is one of the most popular holiday outings for families in Western Pennsylvania and the Mahoning Valley, and it's about 1 hour 45 minutes from Youngstown. Here's everything confirmed so far for 2026.
- Opens: Friday, Nov. 13, 2026.
- Schedule: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 13 through Dec. 13, then daily Dec. 18–Jan. 3, 2027. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Season pass holders: 2026 Gold and Platinum and 2027 Gold and Platinum passes include unlimited Holiday Lights visits.
- Kids: Guests 15 and under must be with an adult 21 or older (with ID) at all times.
What's there
- More than 3 million lights, with themed areas like Candy Cane Lane and Gingerbread Junction.
- Pennsylvania's tallest Christmas tree, which Kennywood says has more than 250,000 lights.
- 20+ rides, including the classic Jack Rabbit coaster, Kangaroo, Turtle, Noah's Ark, Musik Express, Pirate, Red Baron, Merry-Go-Round and the Olde Kennywood Railroad (the "Gingerbread Express"). All rides are weather permitting, and Kennywood says select rides run only on nights when the temperature stays above 40 degrees.
- Rudolph and friends in Christmastown: Clarice, Bumble and Sam the Snowman.
- Santa at Celebration Station in Gingerbread Junction, plus a pop-up post office for letters to Santa.
- A big model train display in the Penny Arcade, a holiday bonfire near Noah's Ark, and seasonal food, including Dinner with Santa.
Tickets
Kennywood sells three kinds of Holiday Lights admission: dated tickets for one specific night, Any Day tickets good for any one operating date from Nov. 13 through Jan. 3, and group tickets for 10–99 people. Kennywood says all tickets include a Rainy Day Guarantee: if weather spoils your visit, you get a free ticket to come back. Prices vary, so check the official page.
Speedy Pass, Kennywood's virtual queue, is available for select rides during Holiday Lights.
Rules to know before you pack
- Bags: 15" x 15" x 15" maximum, plus medical and diaper bags.
- Food: No outside food or drinks, except one sealed bottle of water or food for special dietary needs.
- Security: Every guest goes through a weapons-detection screening at the front gate.
Best nights to go
Weekend nights close to Christmas are usually the most crowded at holiday events like this. If you can, go early in the season or on a weeknight during the daily stretch, such as Dec. 21–23 or Dec. 28–30. Dress for the cold: the lights are outdoors.
Want something closer to home? Here's every holiday event in Youngstown we've confirmed, including the free Frost & Lights at Fellows Riverside Gardens.
