Kennywood's new holiday ice show adds BMX stunts, Hersheypark debuts a Fire & Ice light and fire show, and Knoebels' drive-thru lights start at $25 a car in its 100th-anniversary year.
Pennsylvania's theme parks are swapping sunscreen for string lights, and three of the big ones open their holiday events this week.
Kennywood and Hersheypark both open Friday, Nov. 13. Dutch Wonderland follows Saturday, Nov. 14, and Knoebels starts its drive-thru lights Nov. 27. Here's what's new at each one, what it costs and when to go.
When does Kennywood Holiday Lights 2026 open?
Kennywood Holiday Lights runs Nov. 13, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, according to the park's Nov. 3 announcement. Pittsburgh Magazine listed it Fridays through Sundays, with more than 3 million lights, including over 250,000 on what the park calls Pennsylvania's tallest Christmas tree.
New this year:
Finding Christmas: A Whimsical Journey on Ice: An ice show with singing, dancing, ice skating and, somehow, BMX stunts.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Friends: A new walkthrough experience.
New food: Red velvet funnel cake, peppermint soft serve, candy cane milkshakes, cranberry-orange cinnamon rolls and turkey dinners.
Tree lighting: An enhanced version of the nightly ceremony.
Tickets are $19.99 in a limited-time flash sale. Gold and Platinum 2027 season pass buyers get in free. Dinner with Santa runs select dates Nov. 20 to Dec. 23 for $24.99 for kids and passholders, or $29.99 for adults, plus tax.
If you caught our Phantom Fall Fest coverage in October, yes, the same park just swapped ghouls for gingerbread.
What's new at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane in 2026?
Christmas Candylane opens Nov. 13 and runs select dates and every weekend through Jan. 3, 2027. It goes daily starting Dec. 18 and closes Christmas Day, according to Hershey's Nov. 5 announcement.
Fire & Ice Experience: Custom ice sculptures plus "an all-new light and fire show," select dates Nov. 27 to Dec. 27.
Expanded TREEville: 14 candy-themed trees with lights, lasers and fog at The Shore in The Boardwalk At Hersheypark, starting Nov. 14.
Festive ride overlays: New festive cars and lights on Twin Turnpike and a holiday soundtrack on Holly Jolly Laff Trakk.
New treats: New King Size Shake and Holidog flavors.
Santa is at the park through Dec. 24. His reindeer stay through Jan. 3, which seems like a fair deal for the reindeer.
Presale tickets bought online through Nov. 15 save more than 45%. Hershey Sweet Lights, the separate drive-thru light show, runs $29.99 to $34.99 per car online and $54.15 at the gate, according to Hershey's Thanksgiving week guide.
When is Dutch Winter Wonderland 2026?
Dutch Wonderland's holiday event runs Nov. 14, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, in Lancaster. Expect more than 20 rides, thousands of lights and a visit with Santa, per the Lancaster tourism calendar.
The park promises "all-new activities" this year but hasn't spelled out what they are. Gold and Platinum season passholders get in automatically. Coasters can close when it's cold, so dress the kids like they're going sledding.
How much is Knoebels Joy Through the Grove?
Knoebels' drive-thru light show runs Nov. 27 through Dec. 31, from 5:30 to 9 p.m., and is closed Dec. 24 and 25. It's about a 20- to 30-minute drive past more than 500 lighted pieces, including scenes based on Knoebels rides.
Cars: $25 Monday through Thursday, $30 Friday through Sunday.
Passenger vans: $50 any night.
Save $5: Buy online and enter after 7 p.m.
Knoebels is also marking its 100th anniversary with a few deals. A centennial travel mug of hot chocolate is $5 Nov. 30 to Dec. 2. Paid vehicles get a free Christmas rubber duck Dec. 7 to 9, and a free s'mores voucher on Dec. 3 and 10.
Rides and food stands are closed, but the Christmas Village at Three Ponds Golf Course has Santa photos, a build-your-own s'mores station, tree sales and a cafe.
Which Pennsylvania park is best for little kids at Christmas?
It depends on your crew. Dutch Wonderland and its 20-plus rides are built for younger kids. Knoebels lets everybody stay buckled in and warm. Kennywood and Hersheypark pack the most into one night, with rides, shows and Santa.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
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Hat Tips:
Kennywood (Nov. 3, 2026), Holiday Lights dates, ice show, new food, Dinner with Santa and ticket prices
Pittsburgh Magazine (Nov. 10, 2026), operating days, light count and the tallest-tree claim
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (Nov. 5, 2026), Christmas Candylane dates and new experiences
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (Nov. 2026), Sweet Lights prices
Knoebels (Nov. 2026), Joy Through the Grove dates, prices, promotions and Christmas Village
Discover NEPA (Nov. 2026), Joy Through the Grove hours and display count
LancasterPA.com (Nov. 2026), Dutch Winter Wonderland dates and what's included
Discover Lancaster (Oct. 15, 2025), Dutch Wonderland's cold-weather coaster note
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