3 Pennsylvania theme parks among top holiday events: USA Today readers

USA Today readers also selected Philadelphia’s long-running Mummers Parade as the best holiday parade in the US. 

Three Pennsylvania theme parks really show the Christmas spirit, according to USA Today readers, with Dutch Wonderland, Hersheypark, and Kennywood ranking in the 2025 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for holiday/winter fun categories.

Hersheypark, in Hershey, Dutch Wonderland, in Lancaster, and Kennywood in West Mifflin near Pittsburgh were voted number 10, 6, and 9 respectively as Best Theme Park Holiday Events for 2025.

Dutch Winter Wonderland at Dutch Wonderland includes immersive light shows, dozens of themed rides and attractions, and the “A Chris-Mouse Carol” puppet show. Organizers also highlighted families’ positive responses to the park’s various live music and visits with Santa. Dutch Winter Wonderland begins in mid-November and runs through New Year’s Eve.

Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane visitors are greeted to more than 5 million lights transforming the popular Pennsylvania park for the holiday season. Parkgoers can visit with Santa and his reindeer, watch a light show synchronized to favorite holiday tunes, enjoy family-friendly rides and thrilling coasters, and sip signature Hershey hot chocolate. Christmas Candylane runs through Jan. 4

Kennywood is illuminated with millions of lights during its annual Holiday Lights celebration, which features a choreographed spectacle of lights over the lagoon. The experience also includes local choirs performing holiday favorites, photo ops with Santa, rides and other holiday attractions, along with festive treats and a giant Christmas tree. Kennywood’s Holiday Lights celebration runs through Jan. 4.

Additionally, USA Today readers selected Philadelphia’s long-running Mummers Parade as the best holiday parade in the US in the 10Best awards.

Keystone Senior Newsletter Editor Patrick Berkery also contributed to this story.