One of the many wonderful things about living in the Pittsburgh, PA region is our beloved Kennywood Amusement Park.

I have such fond memories of going there as a child for my Grandpap’s work picnics each summer and many school picnics throughout the years.   When I was young, it seemed bigger than life, a vacation fantasy land, so vast, so magical, so exciting!

Then it became a place Marty and I visited on dates, and it was funny how much smaller it seemed from what I recalled as an 8 or 9 years old.  It was still a magical place, and I was still deathly afraid of the roller coasters…  (I’m quite the “ninny poo poo” friends – I have to admit!)

Eventually, Kennywood became the school picnic destination for our boys, and we created even more precious memories with them and their friends.

Even Marty’s parents told tales of dates to Kennywood when they were young!

Founded in 1898, Kennywood is one of the oldest and most beloved amusement parks in America.  What started 110 years ago with rides like the classic carousel, evolved into a place that boasts the technological advancements of today’s steel lopping roller coasters.

So Marty and I decided to have a date night Saturday and visit Kennywood’s Holiday Lights.

What a fun evening we had!

And what an amazing job they did transforming the park into a holiday spectacular!

Marty asked one of the guys manning the bonfire (how fun is that right in the middle of the park?!) about how long it took to install the over 1 million lights that adorned the park.  He was told it takes two full months with 12 guys working full time on it.

The iconic Potato Patch was open with a very long line for the quintessential french fries with cheese that are a MUST HAVE when visiting Kennywood.

There was a spectaculator light show on the lagoon choreographed to holiday music.  The way the lights reflected on the water was just mesmerizing.

The Thunderbolt is the iconic wooden roller coaster that is the flagship ride at Kennywood.  Santa and his team of reindeer had it reserved all to themselves for the evening.

Not only was religious diversity represented with a Menorah…

and a nativity scene…

there was even a spaceship and alien from MARS!

It was a great way to end the day I spent putting up our Christmas tree and decorating our home for the holiday season.

If you are in the area, Kennywood Holiday Lights is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings from 5-9pm until December 21st.  Tickets are $16.99 at the gate with some savings for those that purchase on line ahead of time.

Here’s to the kickoff of a wonderful holiday season!

Cheers & Hugs,

Jodi