Pennsylvania
When you can celebrate the holidays at Pennsylvania-area theme parks this season
Crowd awaits Christmas tree lighting during Downtown D’Lights in Erie
A crowd filled Perry Square in Erie for the Downtown D’Lights holiday celebration and to await the annual Christmas tree lighting.
You are roughly a one-tank trip away from spending part of the holidays at Knoebels, Hersheypark or Sesame Place, as each is open throughout the festive season.
Here’s what you need to know before you you go.
Are theme parks open in Pennsylvania on holidays?
These theme parks are open during the holiday season. Several also have end-of-year celebrations worth checking out as well.
- Crayola Experience: The Crayola Experience will be open daily through the holiday season, including on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
- Dutch Winter Wonderland: Dutch Winter Wonderland is open from 3 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28 and 29. Dutch Winter Wonderland will be closed on Christmas Day and will be open on New Year’s Eve.
- Hersheypark: Hersheypark will close for the season on New Year’s Day at 9 p.m. Hersheypark will also be closed on Christmas Day, and will be open on New Year’s Eve.
- Kennywood: will be open on weekends from 3 to 9 p.m., and on Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m. through January. Kennywood is closed on Christmas Day, and will be open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
- Knoebels Amusement Resort: according to its calendar, Knoebels will shut down for the season on New Year’s Eve with the last edition of the “Joy Through the Grove” drive-thru Christmas lights display. Knoebels will also be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Sesame Place Philadelphia: Sesame Place will close out its holiday season with the last run of “A Very Furry Christmas Celebration” on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. Sesame Place will be open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
- Six Flags Great Adventure: Six Flags Great Adventure will close for the season at 8 p.m. on New Year’s Day with the last running of “Holiday in the Park” showcase. Six Flags Great Adventure will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but will be open on New Year’s Eve.
Which them parks are now closed for the season?
It stands to reason that most water-based parks would are already closed for the season.
DelGrosso’s Park & Laguna Splash, Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom and Waldameer & Water World are currently closed for the season, and will reopen in late spring/early summer.
Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region.
Pennsylvania
Aliquippa vs. Twin Valley: Watch Pa. high school football playoff state semifinal live
If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.
The Pennsylvania high school football playoffs are on to the state semifinals, with fans being treated to postseason PIAA games all over the state Friday and Saturday.
One of the top games to watch is Twin Valley vs. Aliquippa on Friday night in the Class 4A state semifinals.
- WATCH LIVE: Twin Valley vs. Aliquippa football is streaming live on NFHS Network
The winner will take on either Cardinal O’Hara or Southern Lehigh in the PIAA 4A state championship game next week.
- Best high school football players in Pennsylvania in 2025: QBs | RBs | WR/TEs | OL/DL
Opening kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET on Friday, November 28 in Highland Park, Pa., with a live TV broadcast on NFHS Network.
High school championships on NFHS Network
Watch high school sports anywhere from wherever you are.
Watch now
Aliquippa knocked out Kemon Spell and McKeesport two weeks ago for the Class 4A WPIAL championship, then got past Oil City last week. Twin Valley beat Susquehanna Township in the District 3 4A title round last week.
In the most recent PennLive Class 4A rankings, Twin Valley (13-0) is No. 1 and Aliquippa (10-3) is No. 3.
The quest for a trip to the 2025 PIAA state championships is nearing an end. The finals in all classifications will be played Dec. 4-6 at Cumberland Valley High School in Mechanicsburg.
How to watch Twin Valley vs. Aliquippa football livestream
What: Twin Valley vs. Aliquippa in Class 4A Pennsylvania high school football state semifinals
When: Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET on Friday, November 28
Where: Mifflin County High School | Highland Park, Pennsylvania
Watch live: Watch Twin Valley vs. Aliquippa live on the NFHS Network
Listen to the Pa. High School Football Report podcast
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania artists creates painting for fallen IRCSO deputy
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. — A Pennsylvania artist is honoring Sgt. Terri Sweeting-Mashkow, through a moving tribute — a powerful painting inspired by her service and sacrifice.
Jonny Castro created the piece, and he is a police officer and forensic composite artist based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
WATCH WPTV’S COVERAGE BELOW:
Pennsylvania artists creates painting for fallen IRCSO deputy
Castro has created more than 2,000 portraits of fallen first responders, and his most recent is Sgt. Sweeting-Mashkow’s.
“What makes it so special is just the fact that she was given that sergeant rank for giving her life in the line of duty,” said Castro. “Her selfless service and her heroism.”
Sgt. Sweeting Mashkow was shot and killed Friday while serving an eviction notice in the Bermuda Club Community off A1A. Castro ties in his roles as a police officer and forensic composite artist into his work.
“You’re constantly working, constantly drawing facial features, so about 10 years ago, coming up on 10 years, I did my first one and everybody seemed to enjoy it,” said Castro.
He said after learning about Sgt. Sweeting Mashkow’s tragedy, he was deeply moved. He learned about it on social media and immediately began sketching.
“It’s sad to think that she was on the job for 25 years,” said Castro.
He also created a portrait for the three fallen Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies last year.
“What do you hope loved ones say or feel when they see this portrait that you created?” asked WPTV’s Zitlali Solache.
“I hope they know there are people like me all the way up in Pennsylvania and as far west as California that are praying for her family and wishing them the best during this tragic time — especially around the holidays,’ replied Castro.
The goal is for the art to be a piece that the family holds dearly. Castro said he will also begin sketching David Long’s piece on Tuesday. Long is the locksmith also involved in the fatal eviction call.
“I think that’s what makes it special, just because she doesn’t have any photos. She will never have a photo as a sergeant,’ said Castro. “This may be the only one, so I just hope to know the family enjoys it and they hang it proud on their wall.”
Castro says he will be in touch with Sheriff Eric Flowers to ship the painting over.
Pennsylvania
Popular HBO series gets biggest-ever Pa. film tax credit | Today in Pa.
Want a say in the news? Email Claudia at todayinpa@pennlive.com to have your thoughts on the stories covered here or on PennLive heard.
You can listen to the latest episode of “Today in Pa” on any of your favorite apps including Alexa, Apple, Spotify, Stitcher and YouTube. Episodes are available every weekday on PennLive. Feel free to subscribe, follow or rate “Today in Pa.” as you see fit!
SEPTA says it’ll fully restore rail service by late next month. Alcohol sales dipped statewide last year. This is Thanksgiving’s current forecast, which many of you might be wondering about. Also, Pennsylvania just gave a record film tax credit to a popular HBO series.
Those are the stories we cover in the latest episode of “Today in Pa.,” a daily weekday podcast from PennLive.com and hosted by Claudia Dimuro. “Today in Pa.” is dedicated to sharing the most important and interesting stories pertaining to Pennsylvania that lets you know, indeed, what’s happening today in Pa.
Today’s episode refers to the following articles:
If you enjoy “Today in Pa.,” consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or on Amazon. Reviews help others find the show and, besides, we’d like to know what you think about the program, too.
-
World1 week agoFrance and Germany support simplification push for digital rules
-
Science6 days agoWashington state resident dies of new H5N5 form of bird flu
-
World1 week agoPoland to close last Russian consulate over ‘unprecedented act of sabotage’
-
News1 week agoHow Every House Member Voted to Release the Epstein Files
-
Politics1 week agoLawmakers warned PennDOT of illegal immigrant-CDL crisis before bust; GOP demands answers from Shapiro
-
News1 week agoAnalysis: Is Trump a lame duck now? | CNN Politics
-
Business1 week ago
Amazon’s Zoox offers free robotaxi rides in San Francisco
-
Technology1 week agoThe best early Black Friday deals we’ve found so far on laptops, TVs, and more