Create Sweet Family Memories in Hershey at Christmas

This post is in partnership with Hershey, PA. All opinions are my own. Thank you Hershey for hosting my family. 

Whenever I used to think of Hershey, PA, I would picture an amusement park. Even after living only two hours away my entire life, I’ve only ever been to Hershey Park a handful of times and only for the amusement park. Last year we went with both kids and had so much fun at the amusement park that we didn’t have much time to do anything else. It wasn’t until I started to read about other things to do in the area did I learn that there was so much more to Hershey than just rides and rollercoasters. There’s a zoo, beautiful gardens, delicious food and so much more just waiting to be explored. Last week we had the chance to visit for a few days and explore the beauty that is Hershey at Christmas. 

We had an amazing time creating memories that the kids keep telling anyone who will listen about. It was the perfect family getaway that we didn’t know we needed to escape the madness that surrounds the holidays.

We stayed at The Hershey Lodge and was immediately in awe of the hotel. It didn’t feel like a hotel at all. It felt like home. Everyone we encountered from check-in to housekeeping were so nice. Our room was ready when we arrived so we checked in and headed up to drop off our stuff. Did I mention that they give you chocolate at check-in? Any hotel that gives me delicious chocolate when I arrive is my kind of hotel. You can read all about our room and the hotel here.

If you’re looking for a family getaway to help get in you in the holiday spirit, then a trip to Hershey, PA just might be what your looking for.  Everywhere you look you’re treated to holiday decorations that are sure to fill you with holiday spirit. There’s so much to do and see, there really is something for everyone.

Hershey Sweet Lights

A winter wonderland awaits at Hershey Sweet Lights. This drive-thru holiday spectacular will have you and your family in awe of the lighted displays. There are nearly 600 illuminated, animated displays that you can enjoy right from the comfort of your car as you drive through two miles of wooded trails.

There’s even a music station dedicated to the show so you can enjoy holiday music as you drive through Grab a bag of the delicious kettle corn when you pull in to enjoy throughout the trail. The Hershey Sweet Lights run until January 1, 2017.

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane

There is something special about being in Hersheypark at Christmas. It’s a beautiful site to see and pictures just don’t do it justice.

Hersheypark is transformed into Candylane with over 4 million holiday lights. You read that right – 4 million. NOEL is a must-do while in the park. There are nightly shows every half hour starting at 5 pm of the stunning light show featuring more than 200,000 dancing lights synchronized to your favorite Christmas Music.

There are characters throughout the park decked out in there festive holiday outfits and they make a great photo op for your yearly holiday card or your family memory book.

Everywhere you look is decorated with beautiful light displays. There’s something so special about riding some of our favorite rides surrounded by the twinkle of holiday lights.

There are even live reindeer to visit with. The kids, especially Princess, loved seeing the reindeer. There’s even story time and cookie decorating on select days.

Hershey Trolley Works Holly Jolly Trolley

Right outside of Chocolate World you can catch a ride on the Holly Jolly Trolley. You’ll 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. We took a tour around town while singing Christmas Carols and there was even a visit from Santa with a special gift for each child who made the nice list.

Hershey Gardens

On our way to the Butterfly Atrium, we stopped to marvel at all the beautiful holiday floral decorations. My favorite was this beautiful tree made from poinsettias. It was the perfect way relax and take in some of these beautiful decorations.

The Hershey Lodge & The Hotel Hershey

While we stayed at The Hershey Lodge during our trip, we ventured over to Hotel Hershey for dinner. The hotels are both beautifully decorated for Christmas and we enjoyed just walking around both of them marveling at the decor.

This tree in the lobby of The Hershey Lodge was beautifully decorated and made for the perfect backdrop for our holiday card this year. There was even Hershey Bars on the tree!

The Hotel Hershey is another gorgeous hotel and after dinner, we stopped to relax and enjoy the decorations.

 

There is so much to do and see in Hershey and we cannot wait to come back! I’ve definitely found our new holiday tradition. This is something I cannot wait to do every year with my family. I think it’ll be the perfect way to kick off the holiday season and create family memories that will last a lifetime!

Have you been to Hershey, PA during the holidays? What’s your favorite part?

Dawn