originally posted on 1/13/2025
Photo: Garrett J. Sauers. View full-sized image.
The schedule was set for ACE Holiday Magic at Kennywood — including some coaster ERT — when Jack Frost blew a wintry blast into the Monongahela Valley and dropped temperatures into the 20s. Wood coasters won’t run when the temperature falls below 40 degrees, so ERT on the ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Jack Rabbit wasn’t likely to happen. What to do? Kennywood and the Western Pennsylvania regional rep team quickly planned a revised schedule, so no worries!
Despite the cold temperatures, 116 people showed up for the 2024 installment of ACE Holiday Magic.
Photo: Garrett J. Sauers. View full-sized image.
No coasters was a setback but definitely not a deterrent for the 116 attendees who dressed for the 20-degree weather and arrived at the West Mifflin park on Saturday, December 30, to check in and greet friends. The park opened to the public for Holiday Lights at 3 p.m., but the cold-but-enthusiastic attendees were able to enter at 1:45.
Frigid temperatures meant roller coasters such as Jack Rabbit would not operate and attendees would have to remain bundled up.
Photo: April Lucas. View full-sized image.
Photo: Bill Linkenheimer III. View full-sized image.
First on the agenda was a group photo in front of Jack Rabbit. Instead of the usual happy face photo, this one reflected the disappointment of folks sad not to get their coaster fix. But enough sadness! On to ERT on the Potato Smash bumper cars and Kangaroo, the only remaining flying coaster operating in the United States.
Photo: Chuck Teapole. View full-sized image.
In addition to ERT on rides, Holiday Magic attendees could experience ERT (exclusive Rudolph time) with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends! New for 2024, this attraction was a walkthrough area where park guests could meet and be photographed with Rudolph, Bumble, Clarice and Sam the Snowman — characters from the 1964 television movie “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” The event-exclusive 30 minutes of ERT was the only time during the day when all of the characters would be in the same place at the same time.
Despite the roller coasters not operating, other rides like Kangaroo were operational.
Photo: April Lucas. View full-sized image.
Photo: Garrett J. Sauers. View full-sized image.
In addition to the novel Rudolph attraction, Kennywood scheduled more operating days and more rides to be open for 2024’s Holiday Lights. Kennywood’s other ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Racer would have run had the weather been warmer. Christmas carolers could be found in the Parkside Café entertaining park guests who needed a snack and a break from the cold. Santa welcomed all visitors to his new meet and greet in Lost Kennywood.
The model train display courtesy of the Pennsylvania Independent Hi-Railers was a popular stop for attendees.
Photo: Bill Linkenheimer III. View full-sized image.
A traditional attraction for Holiday Lights is the model train display organized by the Pennsylvania Independent Hi-Railers. The arcade is transformed into a model train set that includes different types of trains on hundreds of feet of track rolling through various scenes, from an amusement park to various alien encounters to outdoor adventures.
The warm interior of Ghostwood Estate was welcome on a cold West Mifflin afternoon.
Photo: Garrett J. Sauers. View full-sized image.
In the afternoon, informal takeover times (ITOTs) were scheduled on Ghostwood Estate, an interactive, trackless dark ride, where Holly and Jolly temporarily replace Lord Ghostwood in instructing riders on how to blast the ghosts from his estate, and Noah’s Ark, the only such ride remaining in the world. Outside Noah’s Ark was a fire pit, which was a popular place to take a break.
In addition to dark attractions, Kennywood’s new Potato Smash Bumper Cars were a hit among attendees.
Photo: Lee Ann Draud. View full-sized image.
Photo: Stacey Singer. View full-sized image.
At 5:45 everyone met at the largest Christmas tree in Pennsylvania for the tree lighting, which was led by ACE member and Kennywood employee Garrett Sauers. Young ACE members Ethan, Greyson and Levi Cehelsky were chosen to press the magic button to light the tree and wow, was it bright!
The End Zone Café hosted the event’s comprehensive meal.
Photo: Stacey Singer. View full-sized image.
ACE Holiday Magic used to be an informal event but in 2023 was upgraded to include a meal and require advance registration, which meant that attendance is limited owing to the capacity of the End Zone Café, site of the dinner. At 6 p.m. it was a popular (and warm!) place to gather for the group Holiday Feast. Meats, vegetables, salads, bread and desserts were arranged on various tables, and water and soft drinks were available. Attendees could chow down while listening to holiday tunes played on the piano. Wandering through the room and greeting attendees were Santa and Mrs. Claus as well as Kenny Kangaroo.
Regional Rep Bill Linkenheimer III greeted attendees and introduced some of the Kennywood staff who helped with the event — Marie Ruby, Chris Johnson, Mark Frazee and Keith Humble — and the regional rep team and registration volunteers. He reminded everyone of upcoming Western Pennsylvania events and a possible Pittsburgh screening of the Schwarzkopf documentary.
Those who braved the chilly weather enjoyed the colorful, festive atmosphere of one of the country’s finest amusement parks.
Photo: April Lucas. View full-sized image.
Photo: Lee Ann Draud. View full-sized image.
After dark, the park was ablaze with thousands of lights — in the trees, arching over walkways, around the rides and structures — really, in practically every open space. The Holiday Reflections Light Show entertained watchers around the lagoon, where music and thousands of synchronized lights replaced the darkness with colorful trees and animated characters. The park was a spectacle itself.
ITOT on Kennywood’s classic carousel ended a successful holiday event at the park.
Photo: Bill Linkenheimer III. View full-sized image.
The final ITOT was on the beautiful and historic Dentzel Merry-Go-Round, with its band organ playing holiday songs and its lights glowing in the darkness. It was among the coldest ACE Holiday Magic events on record but a fun one nonetheless. It’s hard to be grumpy sharing a happy experience in such a beautiful park with friends. Attendees were grateful to everyone who made it possible.
— Lee Ann Draud, ACE News Managing Editor
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