Kennywood Holiday Lights Bag Policy

So, you’ve decided to brave the Kennywood Holiday Lights. Good for you. You’re ready for hot chocolate, twinkling displays, and the faint sound of a carousel playing in the frigid air. But before you grab your parka, you need to grapple with one of life’s great winter mysteries: the bag policy. Let me save you from becoming that person who has to stuff a purse into their pants.

The Great Purse Purge of 2024

First, the golden rule: only clear bags are allowed. Yes, you read that right. Kennywood wants to see your snacks, your emergency mittens, and that stray receipt from August. If Francois your French bulldog hands you his Gucci tote, it’s getting tossed. Surprising fact: this rule isn't just for security—it's so the Grinch can quickly judge your taste in peppermint bark.

What counts as a "bag"? According to the official rules, anything larger than a cargo pant pocket. That’s right—they specifically mention cargo pants. It’s 2024, and cargo pants are the official pants of Christmas light chaperones. If you show up with a standard handbag, prepare to waddle back to the car faster than you can say “Jolly Old Saint Nicholas.”

Size Matters (and So Does Your Fanny Pack)

Clear bags must be 12" x 6" x 12" or smaller. That’s roughly the size of a medium pizza box, minus the grease stains. If you bring something bigger, you’ll be left holding your phone and wallet in your bare hands like a frozen street performer. And don’t try to be clever with a “medical necessity” bag unless you have a note from your doctor—or a really good story about your emotional support ketchup.

Kennywood Holiday Lights | Full Tour | December 2023 - YouTube

Here’s a hilarious loophole: fanny packs are allowed, but they must be worn around your waist. You can’t sling it over your shoulder like a rebel. Security will spot that sneaky angle from twenty feet away. One dad tried to argue that his “belt bag” was actually a belt. He was banned from the Frosty’s Funhouse for life—true story (maybe).

What About Your Camera and Your Secret Candy?

Phones and small cameras are fine, but leave the DSLR lens that looks like a telescope at home. You’re there for lights, not a wildlife documentary on the behavior of glittering reindeer. As for candy, you can sneak in a few snacks if you hide them in your clear bag. But—surprising fact—Kennywood allows outside food, so you can legally smuggle in a whole bag of Oreos. Just make sure the bag is clear so everyone can witness your cookie obsession.

Kennywood Holiday Christmas Lights 2024: walkthrough - YouTube

The Final Verdict: Dress Like a Human Ziploc

Here’s your cheat sheet: grab a clear plastic tote from Amazon, fill it with hand warmers, a portable charger, and maybe a small flask of hot cocoa (they allow sealed drinks, but don't quote me). Leave the leather backpack at home. If you forget, you can buy a clear bag at the gate for the price of a small mortgage. Pro tip: Wear cargo pants with deep pockets—you can stash a beanie, gloves, and a half-eaten candy cane without them batting an elf eye.

So go forth, you festive fool, and enjoy the lights. Just remember: clear bag, small bag, cargo pants. Or risk spending the whole night explaining to a teenager why your purse is a “stylish emergency.” Happy holidays, and may your pockets be deep and your bags be transparent.