Get ready for holiday cheer as Christmas is right around the corner! Over the years we’ve been able to create such sweet holiday memories in thanks to our annual visit to The Sweetest Place on Earth!… Hershey, PA. Fun holiday events are happening NOW in Hershey, such as Christmas Candylane which is open to the public on select dates through January 1, 2020.
Hersheypark Christmas Candylane
Hersheypark Christmas Candylane is open once again featuring both family friendly rides and thrilling coasters (weather permitting)! including six roller coasters: Sidewinder, Wildcat, sooperdooperLooper, Wildcat, Cocoa Cruiser, Wild Mouse and holiday-themed Laff Trakk. A new offering for 2019, Reese’s Cupfusion attraction will have guests joining the mission to protect the factory and ensure the world is never deprived of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, with a special holiday scene.
Plus you don’t want to miss the four million sparkling lights that will illuminate and aim to excite guests throughout Hersheypark Amusement Park.
Don’t forget to check out the dazzling NOEL light show choreographed with holiday music! It’s always one of my favorites to watch as the lights dance, and holiday tunes fill the air.
This year’s holiday entertainment includes “The Littlest Tree” showing inside the heated Chevrolet Music Box Theatre venue.
I always found the Theatre to be a nice break from the cold! Plus their shows are always super cute and filled with holiday cheer.
Plus there is an indoor, heated photo opportunity with Hershey Characters. But Characters aren’t the only icons guests can meet… Children can meet Santa in his indoor heated Candy Cottage during all operating hours and his reindeer will also make a special stop at Christmas Candylane.
This is one of the only places in the Northeast where families can get an up-close look at all nine live reindeer, including Rudolph, during all hours of operation.
Signature hot chocolate will be available for purchase during Christmas Candylane in all-day and all-season souvenir mugs to keep guests warm.
Other sweet treats like s’mores and King Size Shakes will offer a unique taste of the holidays. Peppermint was my son’s favorite last year! Can’t wait to try the 2019 offerings!
Christmas Candylane is open now on select dates through January 1, 2019. Online tickets are less than $25 when guests purchase tickets online before November 24; tickets are valid through January 1. Guests can also add unlimited 2019 Christmas Candylane visits (including free parking and a 15 percent food and retail discount) to a 2020 Season Pass for only $30. Current Season Pass holders can enjoy Christmas Candylane as part of their year-long perks! So you may want to hurry and purchase your tickets today!
Hershey Sweet Lights
One of my favorite attractions is the Hershey Sweet Lights! From the comfort of your own car, you can drive through a two-mile enchanted winter wonderland filled with nearly 600 illuminated, and animated displays.
Hershey Sweet Lights attraction is open daily through January 1, 2019. Hours may vary depending on the date!
ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park
Every time we visit Hersheypark, my son loves to pop into ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park. Luckily the zoo is open year round and is included in admission to Christmas Candylane when entered through the Park during operating hours. Visitors will have an opportunity to watch the animals enjoy special winter treats, learn how the animals survive the cold and get up-close with animal encounters during two educational programs on select dates and times.
Wild Winter Treats (Select days in December) will allow Zoo guests to watch the animals enjoy a special winter treat. Wild Winter Adventures (Morning and afternoon sessions on select days in December) allows participants to learn how animals survive the cold, participate in making animal enrichment activities, enjoy a snack, visit the reindeer in Hersheypark, and more. Pre-registration is required.
Hershey Gardens
Experience all things merry and bright at the festive showcase of holiday trees in the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory on select dates through January 1, 2020, 9 AM to 5 PM. Each tree will be exquisitely decorated by a different local florist and feature a variety of tree decorating styles and themes, while a stunning 14-foot poinsettia tree will take center stage. The Welcome Pavilion and Butterfly Atrium will be decorated for the holidays, too!
Hershey Gardens is once again hosting Crafty Christmas Creations workshops in their Education Center this year on select dates from through December 31 from 11:00 AM to 2 PM. Kids can celebrate the holidays by stopping in for some holiday craft making. A different craft activity will be featured each week! A display of trees decorated with ornaments made by local students will add to the holiday spirit.
Santa will also make an appearance in the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory on December 7 and 14, 11 AM to 2 PM.
Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction
This year’s Hershey’s Chocolate World holiday activities include:
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Breakfast with Santa – Breakfast is from 7:15-9:00 a.m. November 16-17, 23-24, 29-30 and December 1, 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22. Families can start the day in a merry way by joining Santa and Mrs. Claus for a warm breakfast buffet, featuring signature Hershey’s items like chocolate chip pancakes. A portrait with Santa, children’s gift from Santa, a cookie decorating station, Amazing Candy Machine experience, visits from the Hershey Characters and the 4D Chocolate Mystery Show will also be included in this seasonal event.
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See the unique 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.
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Hershey Sweet Lights Trolley: Journey through Hershey Sweet Lights, a magical holiday light display, on board an old-fashioned trolley. Our trolley conductor will have carols, chocolates, and creative commentary to entertain guests of all ages.
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Holly Jolly Trolley: Take a cozy trip on an old-fashioned trolley which is guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit with caroling, stories, and even a special visit from a certain jolly, old elf. Happening December 22-31, during select times.
The Hershey Story Museum
There are so many wonderful, holiday events going on at The Hershey Story Museum this year! So many… that we created its own separate post! I wanted to make sure my readers didn’t miss these events. Check out the post with all the details.
The Hotel Hershey & Hershey Lodge
This holiday season, both The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge are offering sweet holiday getaway packages! When you stay overnight at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark, you can enjoy “Breakfast with Santa,” “Hersheypark Christmas Candylane” and “Hersheypark Happy Christmas” packages during the holiday season.
The Hotel Hershey also offers a “Lunch with Santa” package. All packages include deluxe accommodations, admission to Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, Hershey Sweet Lights, Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story Museum, plus a dining experience.
Overnight guests of Hershey Lodge resort receive exclusive access to Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge, the indoor pool complex that includes two interactive indoor pools, Twizzlers twists slides, the Reese’s Water Walk attraction, water play structures, 24-hour arcade and the Cocoa Cabana dining location.
Previously for the holidays, we stayed at The Woodside Cottages at The Hotel Hershey. I can’t say enough about how amazing were the accommodations! The Woodside Cottages make for a memorable holiday experience, as they are the most premium accommodations at the Hotel.
The Woodside Cottages feature larger bedrooms, world-class bathrooms and private outdoor entrances. Individual rooms or full cottages are available for reservations. Guests who reserve a full four- or six-bedroom cottage receive access to a multi-functional great room with cathedral ceilings, fireplace, microwave and wet bar.
Don’t forget… Hersheypark Camping Resort campground is open year-round and features two-bedroom deluxe log cabins. These popular accommodations sleep up to seven guests and provide campers with amenities such as heat, bathroom with a shower, kitchenette, dining area and living room area with sofa and TV.
For details on all of these properties, visit www.Hersheypark.com/lodging.
The Spa At The Hotel Hershey & MeltSpa by Hershey
This year both The Spa At The Hotel Hershey and MeltSpa by Hershey will offer collections inspired by the season to relieve the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Individual treatments, as well as packages, will be available.
Entertainment
Check out all the festive holiday shows that will be featured in Hershey, PA, this holiday season:
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Nov. 21-24: Jurassic World at GIANT Center
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Nov. 22: Goo Goo Dolls at Hershey Theatre
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Nov. 24: Straight No Chaser at Hershey Theatre
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Dec. 3-8: Once On This Island at Hershey Theatre
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Dec. 10-11: The Elf On The Shelf: A Christmas Musical at Hershey Theatre
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Dec. 13: Trans Siberian Orchestra at GIANT Center
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Dec. 14: Hershey Symphony: Holiday Spectacular at Hershey Theatre
Hershey, PA Information
Want to learn more about what Hershey, PA has to offer? Check out some of my recent posts:
Hyperdeck Virtual Reality Experience Is Coming to Hershey’s Chocolatetown!
The Hershey Story: The Museum On Chocolate Avenue 2019 Holiday Events
Our Sweet Spooky Halloween Experience in #HersheyPA!
Hershey’s Chocolatetown 2020 Culinary Additions! ~ #HPChocolatetown
Halloween in Hershey Kicks Off October 18 + More Fall Fun! ~ #HersheyPA
New 2020 Hersheypark Season Pass Options
Reasons Your Kids Will Love Staying at Hershey Lodge
Four New Hersheypark Treats for 2019! ~ #HersheyparkHappy
Hersheypark Scores with Reese’s Cupfusion!
Summer 2019 #HersheyparkHappy Fun: 4-Pack Ticket #Giveaway! ~ #SweetestFamilies
Hershey’s Unwrapped at Hershey’s Chocolate World! ~ #ChocolateWorld
Devon Seafood + Steak in Hershey to Open New Patio this Spring
Hersheypark Springtime In The Park Opens April 6
March Family-Friendly Events at ZooAmerica!
Luke Bryan and Florida Georgia Line Come to Hersheypark Stadium This Summer ~ #HersheyPA
Discover “Perfect Pairings” Dinners at The Hotel Hershey
Ready for a New Sweet Year with 2019 #HersheyPA Sweetest Families!
While Hersheypark Season Passes and accommodations were provided by Hershey Resorts and Entertainment, all opinions are 100% my own. Photos property of Hershey, PA.
This looks like a great must do Holiday event!