PHOTO BY SEAN COLLIER

Back in the ’90s, an iconic Kennywood commercial reminded Pittsburghers that they had to get to Kennywood before the temperatures started to cool. “Labor Day is the last day, and then the fun is history until next year,” a somber voice intoned over footage of snow-covered roller coasters.

Fortunately, the calendar has expanded — and Labor Day is practically the middle of the season. The West Mifflin park keeps the screams going through Halloween with its Phantom Fall Fest event, then takes a quick break before reopening for Holiday Lights, a seasonal celebration full of decorations, displays and (almost) everything the park is known for in the warmer months.

This year, the park is open on select dates all the way through Jan. 1, including daily (excluding Dec. 24 and 25) from Dec. 20 through New Year’s. Take that, somber-voiced ’90s guy: Now we can ride the Turtle and eat at Potato Patch on Boxing Day.

While Holiday Lights is basically the park you know with more festive accoutrements, there are a few key differences. So here’s our list of six things to know before you bundle up and hit the Wave Swinger.

Plan a longer visit than in years past. This year, there’s more to Holiday Lights than ever before, including more than 25 operating rides (a significant increase on prior years’ December operations). There’s also a new walk-through meet and greet, where guests can pose for photos with Rudolph and other characters from the nostalgic stop-motion holiday specials. (Bumble has been called the crowd favorite, but don’t sleep on Sam the Snowman.) By the time you do everything you want to, it’ll add up to a full evening in the park — so arrive early. Holiday Lights is open from 3-9 p.m. except for some Fridays, when the park opens at 5 p.m.

Take a look at that seven-day forecast and pick a (slightly) warmer day. Honestly, the cold is part of the fun — sipping hot chocolate near the lagoon, bundling up against the cool air on rides. But you won’t get to ride a coaster if it gets too cold. The Jack Rabbit and the Racer are open during Holiday Lights, but not if the temperature dips below 40; a few other rides close in the cold as well, and if the temperature dips too low, the park might close an hour early. Pick a warmer day and you’ll have your choice of experiences. If you do end up going on a night that gets too cold, don’t fret; if the park closes early, you’ll get a rain check to come back another time.

Warm up and fill up with Santa. You can add a Dinner with Santa experience to your ticket, during which your family will enjoy a buffet at the End Zone cafe before getting some face time with Saint Nick. There’s enough food to fill up, but more importantly, it’s indoors — so this can be a nice mid-trip warm-up. The experience is $25.99 for anyone 10 and over; it’s $18.99 for children ages 4 through 9, and anyone younger than that eats for free. Want to meet Santa without springing for dinner? You can line up to meet the big guy in the merchandise store in Lost Kennywood.

Seriously: bundle up. Whether it’s a mild day or a frigid one, you’ll chill pretty quickly — and more so if you’re getting a face full of cool air on the faster rides. Earmuffs, scarves and hats, please. (There’s plenty of cold-weather merchandise for sale if you forgot something.) Need a quick defrosting? There’s a bonfire by Noah’s Ark. Speaking of which …

Don’t miss Noah’s Ark. The enduring walk-through attraction has received a holiday re-theming, and there are delightful details to be found in every room. Christmas-light water in the lagoon, crates wrapped like presents, more Santa hats than you can shake a meerkat at — no matter how familiar the Ark is, you’ll find something delightful. (Although I was disappointed that they hadn’t put hats on the guest-facing butts in the infamous horse corridor.)

This is the time for gravy, not cheese, at the Potato Patch. I know, I know: You’re a cheese loyalist. The idea of getting Potato Patch fried without a heaping helping of bright yellow cheese is blasphemy. But it’s December; this is peak gravy season. And, as we all know, cold curds are no fun. Sure, it’ll come out hot, but by the time you get your napkins, pick a table and tuck in? You could be dealing with some unsatisfying cheddar. Gravy holds up better, and it’ll give the experience a hint of Thanksgiving. Save the dairy for summer; go for gravy (and bacon, if you’re feeling festive).