I was honored to be invited to Hershey, Pennsylvania, this past weekend to experience Christmas Candylane – the incredible holiday celebration at Hersheypark – and all of the holiday festivities happening in town. My accommodations and activities in Hershey were covered but all thoughts and opinions (and excitement) are my own. Information and photos that are not watermarked have been provided by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts.
Hersheypark has been a favorite of my family for years, but in all of the years that we’ve been going to Hershey, we’ve never taken advantage of everything that there is to enjoy during the holidays. I feel like we just scratched the surface of all of the FUN we could have as a family during the holidays during the 3 days that we were there.
I can’t wait to bring my family back to experience Christmas in Hershey!
Here is just a peek at the holiday fun that you can have in Hershey, PA during the holidays:
Hersheypark Christmas Candylane
Hersheypark has been transformed into a winter wonderland with four million lights decorating the park. Some of the traditional Candylane activities include: Santa and his live reindeer, Rudolph’s Skating Pond, and NOEL, the breathtaking musical light show. Christmas Candylane has nearly doubled in size this year and includes select roller coasters – Wildcat, SooperDooperLooper, Cocoa Cruiser and Laff Trakk (a brand new, totally fun roller coaster) will be open during Candylane (weather permitting).
Christmas Candylane began on Friday, November 13 and is open on select dates through Thursday, December 31st. Regular admission is $18.85 + tax and includes admission to ZooAmerica. For operational hours and dates visit www.Hersheypark.com.
Hershey Sweet Lights
I was mesmerized by Hershey Sweet Lights – a two mile drive in the comfort of your own car – and I can’t wait to take my family! Enjoy illuminated holiday lights through the fields and wooded trails while listening to holiday music. Sweet Lights begins Friday, November 13th and is open on select dates through Friday, January 1st. For operational hours and dates visit www.Hersheypark.com.
The Hotel Hershey & Hershey Lodge
After spending a few days at Hershey Lodge, I am convinced that the Lodge was made for Christmas time. It could not have been more beautiful! I was amazed at how many activities there were at the Lodge for families during the holidays, including the Christmas In Hershey Package (available when Christmas Candylane is in operation), Breakfast with Santa Package, Lunch with Santa Package, and more. Visit Hersheylodge.com/packages for details on packages.
We had the chance to experience the legendary Chocolate Pedicure at the Hotel Hershey, which was also decorated beautifully for the holidays. I have never had such a luxurious, relaxing, and delicious-smelling pedicure in my life, and I am already scheming how I can head back for another Spa Day. The Spa at the Hotel Hershey has several holiday specials. Check ChocolateSpa.com/treatments/seasonal/fall-holiday for seasonal specials.
Dining In Hershey, PA
The food everywhere was incredible. You can’t got wrong with food (especially the desserts!) in Hershey! There are several excellent holiday food+entertainment opportunities. We had the chance to see a matinee show of a Chocolate Avenue Christmas at Hershey Lodge. The performers even sang Christmas carols to our group as a farewell. What a way to get in the Christmas Spirit!
A Chocolate Avenue Christmas at Hershey Lodge
Discover why Christmas is the most magical time of year during A Chocolate Avenue Christmas! This dinner theatre production is for guests of all ages. Enjoy a three-course Christmas dinner, followed by a Broadway-style celebration that is produced by an EMMY Award-winning team. Pricing is $55.95* for adults and $29.95* for children (ages 3-12.) Dates, times & more information can all be found on www.HersheyLodge.com/dining. *Pricing includes tax and gratuity.
Gingerbread Children’s Tea at Hershey Lodge
Gingerbread Children’s Tea is a tea party social for children ages 2-10. “Santa’s Helpers” will offer warm tea and hot chocolate to each table, then enjoy our “merry” sweet & savory finger foods on the buffet. Children will receive a Hershey Lodge apron to take home and they will build their very own edible Gingerbread house with graham crackers and decorate it with Hershey’s candies. The event closes with holiday story time. Saturday, November 28 & Saturday, December 19th (1pm and 5pm seating times).
More to do in Hershey for the Holidays
I could go on and on about everything that you can do in Hershey during the holidays! Here are just a few more of the activities and events available:
- Hershey Theatre: Family friendly shows including Hershey Symphony, Straight No Chaser, Rudolph the Musical. Visit www.HersheyEntertainment.com for tickets and more information.
- Hershey Gardens: Santa’s Secret Garden – On December 4, 5, 11 and 12 from 4:30 – 6:30 PM travel through a path of twinkling lights to discover Santa and his secret garden.
- The Hershey Story Museum: Little Elves Workshop, Snowball Saturdays, Holiday-Themed Chocolate Lab Classes
- Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction
- Start your day the merry way with Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus, Saturdays & Sundays from November 14 through December 20.
- See the unique and magical 7th annual Hershey’s Holiday Chocolate House! Every inch is covered in Hershey’s confectionery products and a sweet donation is made to Children’s Miracle Network.
- Take a cozy trip on the Christmas Trolley Adventure which is guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit with caroling, stories, and even a special visit from a certain jolly, old elf.
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This place looks and sounds so amazing! What a wonderful place to take your family during the holiday season.
My favorite part of Hershey is the smell!
What a fun place! Adding it to the bucket list…