Kennywood's 'Holiday Lights' recognized in USA Today poll
Kennywood’s Holiday Lights are shining a little brighter today.
The West Mifflin amusement park was chosen again as one of the country’s “Best Theme Park Holiday Events.” It finished 10th out of 20 nominees selected for the 10Best.com online vote conducted over the past month in a nationwide poll conducted by USA Today, according to a Friday news release.
The seasonal showcase at the park boasts nearly 2 million lights, Pennsylvania’s tallest Christmas tree at 100 feet and the new “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D Experience.”
“We want to thank all those who took the time to vote for Holiday Lights,” Kennywood General Manager Jerome Gibas said in a statement. “Our team members put in many hours to bring holiday lights to life, and it’s rewarding to see our efforts recognized.”
#kennywoodlights once again recognized among the 10 Best Theme Park Holiday Events by @usatoday @10best https://t.co/CURBxlmsou
— Holiday Lights at Kennywood! (@Kenny_Kangaroo) December 13, 2019
In addition to the holiday light displays, visitors can experience a petting zoo, a model train display covering nearly 3,000 square feet, live shows and entertainment. Most of Kennywood’s family and children’s rides are open and decorated in the spirit of the season, including Thomas Town, based on characters from the children’s TV show.
The Pittsburgh Dad character played by Curt Wootton will be on hand Friday to perform “ ’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” On Sunday, Miss Pennsylvania USA 2020, Victoria Piekut, takes the stage to recite “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
On Dec. 21, the park is hosting Run Santa Run 5K where runners and walkers will dress as Kris Kringle, St. Nick, Papa Noel and Father Christmas on a race course in and around Kennywood.
Kennywood’s Holiday Lights are open from 5 to 9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays before Christmas, plus nightly Dec. 26-30, weather permitting.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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