10 Reasons to Plan a Hersheypark Christmas Getaway

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, Hershey Sweet Lights & More are just the beginning of holiday fun waiting for you at Hersheypark this Christmas.

If you’re looking for the perfect way to escape the chaos of the holiday season, even just for a day or two, celebrate this holiday season with a trip to Hershey, PA and make memories that last a lifetime! The holidays come to life during the holidays with festive holiday events and so much more. So if you’re looking for a fun new tradition to start just want to getaway for a weekend here are 10 Reasons to Plan a Hersheypark Christmas Getaway. 

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane

Celebrating it’s 35th anniversary this year, the Christmas Candylane holiday attraction will feature more than 50 rides (weather permitting), including 40 rides for children and six roller coasters: Sidewinder, Wildcat, sooperdooperLooper, Cocoa Cruiser, Wild Mouse and Laff Trakk. Four million sparkling lights will illuminate and excite as you make your way through Hersheypark amusement park, in addition to the dazzling NOEL light show choreographed with holiday music.

Christmas Candylane activities will also return as Santa and all nine of his reindeer make a special stop at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. Santa is available during all operating hours and families can stop by the reindeer stables to get an up-close look at their favorite reindeer live, including Rudolph! Our signature hot chocolate will keep you warm and our holiday show Up on the Rooftop in our heated Music Box Theater will be sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Christmas Candylane begins Friday, November 16 and is open on select dates through Tuesday,  January 1, 2019; online tickets are less than $20 when guests purchase tickets online before November 20. For operational hours and dates, visit www.Hersheypark.com.

Hershey Sweet Lights

Load the family in the car and  head over to Hershey Sweet Lights. Drive through two miles of lighted displays from the comfort of your car as part of the Hershey Sweet Lights attraction. Enjoy illuminated holiday lights through fields and wooded trails while listening to holiday music. Hershey Sweet Lights begins Friday, November 16 and is open daily through Tuesday, January 1, 2019.  For operational hours and dates visit www.Hersheypark.com.

The Official Resorts of Hersheypark

Book a stay overnight at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark for a sweet holiday getaway and even more holiday fun.  The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge properties offer a “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, Reese’s Water Walk, water play structures, 24-hour arcade and the Cocoa Cabana dining location with a full bar.

The Woodside Cottages at The Hotel Hershey make for a memorable holiday experience. 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.

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.

Relax At MeltSpa in Hershey, PA

The new MeltSpa by Hershey day spa is offering a exclusive Cinnamon Mocha (December 2018-January 2019) collection of treatments that include body scrub, body wrap, manicure and pedicure. Cinnamon Mocha Immersion and Packages are also available. Visit www.MeltSpa.com to learn more.

The Spa At The Hotel Hershey resort spa also features special treatments, including a Holiday Season Sampler (November 2018-January 2019), Peppermint Hot Chocolate Immersion (December 2018-January 2019) and Peppermint Mocha Manicure & Pedicure (December 2018-February 2019). For more information, visit www.ChocolateSpa.com.

Delicious Dining In Hershey, PA

You’ll work up quite an appetite after strolling through the parks and Sweet Lights but Hershey, Pa. has you covered with more than a dozen unique dining venues that include everything from casual coffee shops to late-night cocktails, family-friendly dining to four-star cuisine and everything in between. Seasonal menus and Christmas dining are available. For additional information and reservations, visit www.DiningInHershey.com.

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park

Wild Winter Treats – Watch as our animals get into the holiday spirit with a special winter treat.

• December 8, 9, 15, 16, 27, 28, 29 and 30.

Wild Winter Adventures – During this program you’ll learn how animals survive in the cold winter months and get up-close with animal encounters and more.

• Morning and afternoon sessions are available on December 8, 9, 15, 16, 27, 28 and 30. Pre-registration is required.

Visit www.ZooAmerica.com for additional details.

Entertainment

Amazing shows will be featured in Hershey, Pa. during December:

• Jason Mraz – December 2 at Hershey Theatre

• A Charlie Brown Christmas  – December 5 and 6 at Hershey Theatre

• Hershey Symphony presents Holiday Spectacular – December 8 at Hershey Theatre

• Straight No Chaser – December 9 at Hershey Theatre

• Chris Tomlin – December 15 at Hershey Theatre

• Jewel’s 2018 Holiday Homecoming – December 16 at Hershey Theatre

• Trans-Siberian Orchestra Presents The Ghosts of Christmas Eve – December 16 at Giant Center arena

• CYPB’s “The Nutcracker” – December 22 and 23 at Hershey Theatre

Visit www.HersheyEntertainment.com for tickets and more information.

The Hershey Story Museum

• Little Elves Workshop – Participants will roll, cut and ice their creations and packaging. $5.00 per ornament. Available select dates November 17 – January 1, 10 am – 2 pm.

• Sensory-Friendly Little Elves Workshop – NEW! Guests with sensory-related sensitivities and their families or caregivers are invited to roll, cut and decorate a holiday ornament made of chocolate clay; $5 ornament participant fee. November 17 and 24, and December 22 and 29, 2018; 9-10 am.

• Snowball Saturdays – Friendly indoor snowball fights are the centerpiece of this holiday event!  Free; admission to the Museum Experience not required. Available December 1, 8 & 15, scheduled times between 10 am and 2 pm.

• Holiday-Themed Chocolate Lab Classes – Ticket purchase required; children must be at least 4 years old to enter the lab. Available daily beginning November 10 – January 1, 2019, class times vary.

• NYE Bubble Wrap Stomps – Kids can count down the New Year during the day with bubble wrap stomps on Monday, December 31, 2018, at 11:00 am., 1:00 pm. and 3:00 pm. Free; admission to the Museum Experience not required.

Visit  www.HersheyStory.org for more information.

Hershey Gardens

• The Christmas Tree Showcase – NEW! A festive display of holiday trees in the Educational Wing in the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory; 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. Included in admission. Saturday, November 17, 2018, through Tuesday, January 1, 2019, 9 am – 5 pm. (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)

• Crafty Christmas Creations – NEW! Holiday craft for kids in the Education Center, which will feature a holiday tree display; trees decorated with ornaments made by local grade school students. Included in admission. Available select dates from November 17, 2018, through January 1, 2019, 10 am – 2 pm.

Visit www.HersheyGardens.org for more information.

Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction

• Breakfast with Santa – Start the day in a merry way by joining Santa and Mrs. Claus for a warm breakfast buffet, featuring signature Hershey‘s items such as our chocolate chip pancakes. This festive event also includes a portrait with Santa, children’s gift from Santa, a cookie decorating station, holiday craft, visits from the Hershey‘s Characters, and (back by popular demand) our 4D Chocolate Mystery Show. Dates:  Nov. 17-18, 23-25, Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23; 7:30-9:00 a.m.

• Hershey’s Holiday Chocolate House – The annual Hershey‘s Holiday Chocolate House decorated entirely with Hershey‘s chocolate and confections. The Hershey‘s Holiday Chocolate House supports Children’s Miracle Network. Nov. 16 – Jan. 1

• Hershey Sweet Lights Trolley – Journey through Hershey Sweet Lights on the Sweet Lights Trolley! Our Trolley conductors have carols, chocolate, and creative commentary to entertain guests of all ages.

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; Dec. 22-31, Select Times

Visit www.Hersheys.com/ChocolateWorld for more information.

What are you looking for most at Hersheypark. this holiday season?

Dawn