It’s not truly the holiday season in Pittsburgh until Kennywood Holiday Lights transforms the park into a glowing winter wonderland — and this year, it’s shining brighter than ever. Beginning Friday, November 14, the beloved celebration returns for 30 dazzling nights, and it’s earned a top spot on my holiday bucket list for 2025.

Each season, Kennywood proves why it’s known as Pittsburgh’s Home for the Holidays, and 2025 promises to be its most magical year yet. The park will once again light up Pennsylvania’s Tallest Christmas Tree, sparkle with more than three million lights, and debut an all-new themed area — Gingerbread Junction — filled with new ways to make memories.

And there’s another reason to celebrate: Kennywood Holiday Lights has once again been nominated by USA Today 10Best as one of the country’s Best Theme Park Holiday Events. Fans can show their hometown pride by voting once per day through Monday, December 1, with winners revealed on Wednesday, December 10.

But it’s what’s new that really has me ready to bundle up and head for the park. This year’s event introduces an entirely new themed area, Gingerbread Junction, filled with twinkling lights, festive food, and plenty of photo ops. Inside you’ll find:

• Santa Experience – Santa has set up shop in Celebration Station, newly rethemed as his cozy “North Pole” getaway in the heart of Gingerbread Junction. He’ll be greeting guests and taking photos daily through December 23.
• Gingerbread Express – Climb aboard a life-sized gingerbread train for a whimsical ride through a sparkling cookie village. Each night, Santa and his helpers make their grand entrance on the Gingerbread Express before heading to Celebration Station.
• Light Show Experience – Gingerbread Junction will glow with an all-new light show synchronized to holiday music for a truly immersive experience.

Of course, one of my favorite traditions is meeting Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and his friends Clarice, Bumble, and Sam the Snowman in the park’s walk-through adventure inspired by the classic TV special.

And let’s be honest — half the fun of Kennywood Holiday Lights is the food. This year’s festive treats include red velvet waffle cones, candied popcorn, flavored hot chocolate, and s’mores lattes. The park’s popular Dinner with Santa buffet also returns on select days through December 23, with unlimited food and soft drinks starting at $22.99 for Season Passholders.

Families can also dance the night away at the new Jingle Bell Jamboree, enjoy the return of the Holiday Reflections Light Show around the Lagoon, and hop on more than 25 family-friendly rides, including classics like the Jack Rabbit, Kangaroo, Potato Smash, and Spinvasion.

With twinkling lights, festive music, and nostalgic charm, Kennywood Holiday Lights has become one of Pittsburgh’s most cherished holiday traditions. Running through January 4 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), it’s the perfect mix of old-fashioned magic and new holiday cheer.

That’s why it’s on my list this year — because few places capture the spirit of the season quite like Kennywood Holiday Lights, where every visit feels like stepping inside a Christmas card.

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(Photos courtesy Kennywood)