The Ultimate Guide to Hersheypark Halloween 2026 + Dark Nights
If you’re looking for one of the best Halloween getaways in Pennsylvania, Hersheypark Halloween should definitely be on your fall bucket list.
Hersheypark completely transforms for fall with Halloween decorations, trick-or-treating, characters dressed in costume, seasonal food, roller coasters in the dark and, once the sun goes down, the seriously spooky Dark Nights experience
What I love about Halloween at Hersheypark is that you can really make the day whatever you want it to be. Families with younger children can enjoy rides, candy and not-so-scary Halloween fun, while older kids, teens and adults can stick around after dark for haunted houses and scare zones.
And for 2026, Hersheypark is going BIG.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights in 2026, including dates, tickets, haunted houses, trick-or-treating, rides, food and my best tips for planning your visit.
When Is Hersheypark Halloween 2026?
Hersheypark Halloween runs weekends from September 12 through November 1, 2026.
Dark Nights also returns September 12 and is included with Hersheypark Halloween admission.
That means you don’t need to purchase a separate Dark Nights ticket to experience the haunted houses and scare zones.
Park hours vary depending on the date, so I always recommend checking the Hersheypark calendar before your visit.
What’s Included With Hersheypark Halloween Admission?
This is one of the things I really like about Hersheypark Halloween.
Your regular Halloween admission includes:
- 13 roller coasters
- More than 40 family rides
- 5 Dark Nights haunted houses
- 5 Dark Nights scare zones
- Hershey’s Trick-or-Treat Trail
- ZooAmerica admission when entering through Hersheypark
- Hershey Character experiences
- Seasonal entertainment
Unlike some theme parks where the daytime Halloween event and nighttime haunted event require separate admission, Dark Nights is included with your Hersheypark Halloween ticket.
That’s a pretty big deal if you have older kids or teens who want to experience both.
Hersheypark Halloween Tickets for 2026
Ticket prices can change depending on when you’re visiting and when you purchase them.
For 2026, Hersheypark is currently offering Pick-Your-Day Halloween tickets starting at $36.99, plus taxes and fees.
There’s also a flexible 1-Day Halloween Ticket for $54.99.
Families should also check the current Family 4-Pack, which includes four tickets plus parking.
My biggest tip?
Don’t wait until you arrive at the gate to buy your tickets.
Hersheypark regularly offers online promotions, and buying ahead also makes getting into the park much easier.
Hershey’s Trick-or-Treat Trail
Yes, you can go trick-or-treating inside Hersheypark! And what better place to trick-or-treat than Hershey?
The Hershey’s Trick-or-Treat Trail features 14 candy stops stretching from Hershey’s Chocolate World into The Boardwalk area of Hersheypark.
Children 12 and younger can visit each stop once.
This is one of my favorite parts of Hersheypark Halloween for families because you get all the fun of a theme park day with a little traditional Halloween magic mixed in.
Bring a bag for all that candy!
Hershey Characters in Halloween Costumes
Make sure you leave time for character photos.
During Hersheypark Halloween, you’ll find your favorite Hershey Characters celebrating the season throughout the park.
For 2026, guests can find character experiences at places including Hersh’s Hangout, Reese’s Cup House and The Avenue Of The Afterlife.
It’s especially fun if you’re visiting with younger kids who aren’t quite ready for the haunted houses.
Hersheypark Dark Nights 2026
Once darkness falls, Hersheypark takes on an entirely different personality.
Dark Nights celebrates its fifth year in 2026 with five haunted houses and five scare zones.
And remember: they’re included with your Hersheypark Halloween admission.
You can spend your afternoon riding coasters and eating chocolate and then spend your evening trying not to scream.
Sounds like a pretty perfect fall day to me.
The 5 Dark Nights Haunted Houses for 2026
Kill ‘N Fill
The Kill ‘N Fill Garage is back, but nobody is getting their oil changed here.
This creepy garage-themed haunted house takes you through a twisted body shop and car wash filled with killers, gore and plenty of surprises.
Expect a darker, more gruesome experience than the family-friendly Halloween fun you’ll find elsewhere in the park.
Estate of Evil
Estate of Evil returns with a new discovery for 2026.
A mysterious room that had supposedly been sealed away for generations has been uncovered, revealing an entirely new collection of horrors.
If creepy old estates and hidden rooms are your kind of Halloween scare, don’t miss this one.
Auntie Mortem’s Abattoir
Maybe don’t eat a sausage immediately before entering this one.
Auntie Mortem’s Abattoir is a twisted butcher-shop experience, and in 2026 Auntie Mortem has a new partner.
Expect lots of blades, questionable meat and a seriously creepy atmosphere.
Twisted Carnevil
Clowns.
That’s probably all I need to say.
Twisted Carnevil takes you into a bizarre carnival filled with illusions, sinister performers and plenty of nightmare fuel.
For 2026, The Hypnotist presides over the attraction and its endless hall of illusions.
If creepy carnivals aren’t already one of your fears, they might be after this.
Haunted Coal Mine
You’ll head underground — or at least feel like you have — for this dark mining-themed haunted house.
For 2026, something new has emerged from the black water flooding the mine.
Dark tunnels, creepy creatures and the feeling that something might be following you make this another Dark Nights experience worth checking out.
5 Dark Nights Scare Zones
You don’t even have to enter a haunted house to encounter monsters at Dark Nights.
There are five scare zones throughout Hersheypark for 2026:
Reese’s Depot Of Doom – NEW FOR 2026
This year’s new scare zone takes over an abandoned-looking freight yard filled with fog, boxcars and some seriously creepy trespassers.
Path Of Shadows: Coven’s Curse
The coven is growing, and new creatures have joined the darkness.
Fallout Zone
Enter a post-apocalyptic world filled with toxic-looking fog and survivors lurking in the darkness.
Midway Of Misery
The Decayed Brigade has taken over the midway, and you’ll have to make your way through the creatures roaming beneath the fiery arches.
Darkstone’s Hollow
A supernatural battle is underway as Jezebeth returns to reclaim her throne.
Scare zones are especially fun because they’re incorporated into your walk around the park rather than requiring you to stand in another attraction line.
Monster Meet & Shriek – New for 2026
Want to get a closer look at some of the monsters without having one jump out at you?
Hersheypark has added an all-new Monster Meet & Shriek for 2026.
Head to the Chevrolet Music Box Theatre where guests can meet and take photos with featured creatures from the Dark Nights haunted houses and scare zones.
It’s definitely not your typical theme park character meet-and-greet!
Ride Hersheypark Roller Coasters in the Dark
This might actually be one of my favorite reasons to visit Hersheypark during Halloween.
You can ride some of Hersheypark’s biggest coasters in the dark.
During the last hour of Hersheypark Halloween operation, the lights go out on select attractions including:
- Candymonium
- Comet
- Lightning Racer
- Wildcat’s Revenge
And Laff Trakk operates lights-out all day during Hersheypark Halloween.
If you’ve ridden these coasters during the summer, riding them at night gives you a completely different experience.
Wildcat’s Revenge in the dark? YES.
Creatures of the Night at ZooAmerica
Here’s another experience that’s included with your Hersheypark admission.
Creatures of the Night lets families explore ZooAmerica after dark and learn about the nighttime habits of nocturnal animals.
For 2026, Creatures of the Night takes place:
October 16–18: 6–9 PM
October 23–25: 6–9 PM
October 30–November 1: 6–9 PM
Bring a flashlight and explore the zoo in an entirely different way.
This is a really fun option for families who want an evening Halloween activity without doing the scarier Dark Nights experiences.
Halloween Food at Hershey park
Come hungry.
Hersheypark rolls out special limited-time Halloween food and drinks during the season, and trying the seasonal treats is half the fun.
If you’re planning to sample several things, look into the Hersheypark Halloween Tasting Pass.
For 2026, the tasting pass is currently $39.99 plus applicable taxes and fees.
I love passes like this when we’re visiting as a family because we can order several different things and share them instead of everyone buying a full meal.
Spirit’s Rooftop Bar
Adults have a Halloween experience of their own.
Spirit’s Rooftop Bar takes over The Chocolatier patio Friday through Sunday beginning at 4:30 PM.
You’ll find Halloween-inspired cocktails and seasonal food overlooking the park.
It can also be a nice break before heading back into Dark Nights.
Is Hersheypark Halloween Scary for Kids?
It depends on when you visit and where you go.
During the day, Hersheypark Halloween is very family-friendly. Kids can ride attractions, trick-or-treat, meet Hershey Characters and enjoy the Halloween decorations.
Dark Nights is a completely different experience. My girls have been going since they were about 8/9 and they LOVE it. Now they won’t do the haunted house yet but the jump scares from each of the scare zones and the unlimited rides is enough for them.
The haunted houses and scare zones are designed to be scary and can include darkness, loud noises, monsters, gore and actors intentionally trying to frighten guests.
If you’re visiting with younger children, I’d focus your day around the rides, Trick-or-Treat Trail, characters and ZooAmerica.
Families with older kids and teens can transition into Dark Nights after dark.
Can You Visit Hersheypark Halloween Without Doing Dark Nights?
Absolutely.
You don’t have to enter the haunted houses simply because they’re included with your ticket.
That’s one reason Hersheypark Halloween works so well for families with kids of different ages.
You can spend the day enjoying traditional Hersheypark attractions and Halloween activities while the thrill seekers in your group head off to tackle the haunted houses later.
How Much Time Do You Need at Hersheypark Halloween?
I’d plan for a full day.
There’s simply too much to squeeze into a few hours if you want to experience the rides, Halloween activities, food and Dark Nights.
If your main goal is experiencing all five haunted houses in addition to riding the major coasters, consider arriving as early as possible.
You can also make a weekend out of it.
Where to Stay for Hersheypark Halloween
If you’re driving a few hours to visit Hersheypark, staying overnight makes the trip so much easier – especially if you plan to stay until closing for Dark Nights.
Hersheypark offers special one-night and two-night Halloween packages at its official resorts for select weekends from September 11 through November 1, 2026.
There’s also a dedicated Dark Nights 2-Night Package.
Depending on the package, you can bundle accommodations with park tickets and other perks.
An overnight trip also gives you more time to explore Hershey itself instead of trying to drive home exhausted after a full day in the park.
Other Hersheypark Articles You May Enjoy:
- Celebrate New Years Eve at Hersheypark
- 10 Reasons to Plan a Hersheypark Christmas Getaway
- Eating our Way Through Hershey, PA
- Everything You Need to Know About Staying at The Hershey Lodge
- Create Sweet Family Memories in Hershey at Christmas
Don’t Forget the Hersheypark Preview Plan
Here’s a Hersheypark perk that’s easy to overlook.
Eligible Hersheypark tickets include the Preview Plan, which gives you extra park time the evening before your full-day visit.
If you’re staying overnight, take advantage of it.
Those extra hours can help you knock out a few rides so you have more time for Halloween experiences the following day.
My Best Tips for Hersheypark Halloween 2026
Buy tickets online. Hersheypark’s online Halloween offers can be significantly less than the regular gate price.
Arrive early. Especially if you want rides AND haunted houses.
Download the Hersheypark app. You can use it for attraction and haunted-house wait times and to navigate the park.
Wear comfortable shoes. Hersheypark is big and you’ll do a lot of walking.
Dress in layers. September afternoons can still feel like summer while October evenings in Hershey can get chilly.
Save the coasters for after dark. At least ride a few of your favorites once the sun goes down.
Don’t skip the seasonal food. Halloween treats are part of the fun.
Check the schedule before leaving home. Hours and entertainment can vary by operating day.
Consider Fast Track on a busy October weekend. Dark Nights Fast Track starts at $40 for 2026, and it could be worth the splurge if experiencing all of the haunted houses is a priority.
Hersheypark Halloween 2026 FAQs
When is Hersheypark Halloween 2026?
Hersheypark Halloween runs on select weekends from September 12 through November 1, 2026. Operating days and hours vary throughout the season, so check the Hersheypark calendar for the hours on the day you plan to visit.
Is Dark Nights included with Hersheypark Halloween admission?
Yes! Dark Nights is included with your Hersheypark Halloween admission in 2026. You do not need to purchase a separate ticket to experience the five haunted houses and five scare zones.
Is Hersheypark Halloween good for kids?
Yes. During the day, Hersheypark Halloween offers plenty of family-friendly activities, including rides, Hershey Characters and the Hershey’s Trick-or-Treat Trail. The Dark Nights haunted houses and scare zones are much scarier and are better suited for older kids, teens and adults who enjoy being scared.
What age can trick-or-treat at Hersheypark?
The Hershey’s Trick-or-Treat Trail is for children ages 12 and younger. For 2026, there are 14 candy stops located between Hershey’s Chocolate World and The Boardwalk inside Hersheypark.
Does Hersheypark give you a trick-or-treat bag?
Hersheypark traditionally provides a complimentary treat bag while supplies last, but policies can change. I recommend checking the current Hersheypark Halloween information before your visit. You may also want to bring a small reusable bag in case your kids collect more candy than expected.
Can adults wear costumes to Hersheypark Halloween?
Costume policies can vary based on age and the type of costume, so check Hersheypark’s current park rules before arriving in costume. This is especially important for adults and older teens, as theme parks generally have stricter rules regarding masks, weapons or costumes that could be confused with park performers.
Are all the rides open during Hersheypark Halloween?
Hersheypark advertises more than 40 family rides and 13 roller coasters during its 2026 Halloween season, although individual attractions can close because of weather, maintenance or other operational conditions.
Which Hersheypark roller coasters run in the dark?
During the final hour of operation, Hersheypark turns off the lights on select coasters for an extra-thrilling experience. For 2026, the lights-out lineup includes Candymonium, Comet, Lightning Racer and Wildcat’s Revenge. Laff Trakk operates with its lights out throughout the day.
How scary is Hersheypark Dark Nights?
Dark Nights is designed to be scary. Expect scare actors, dark environments, loud sounds, fog, frightening imagery and other horror elements throughout the haunted houses and scare zones. If someone in your group doesn’t enjoy being scared, you can still visit Hersheypark Halloween without entering the haunted houses.
How many haunted houses are at Hersheypark Dark Nights in 2026?
There are five Dark Nights haunted houses in 2026: Kill ‘N Fill, Estate of Evil, Auntie Mortem’s Abattoir, Twisted Carnevil and Haunted Coal Mine.
How many scare zones does Hersheypark have for Halloween?
Dark Nights features five scare zones for 2026, including the new Reese’s Depot Of Doom along with Path Of Shadows: Coven’s Curse, Fallout Zone, Midway Of Misery and Darkstone’s Hollow.
Do you need a separate ticket for the Hersheypark haunted houses?
No. Admission to the Dark Nights haunted houses is included with your Hersheypark Halloween ticket. An optional Dark Nights Fast Track can be purchased if you want to reduce your wait times for the haunted attractions.
Does Hersheypark Halloween have a no-scare option?
You don’t have to enter the Dark Nights haunted houses or intentionally walk through every scare experience. If you’re visiting with children or someone who doesn’t like scary attractions, focus your visit on the rides, trick-or-treating, Hershey Characters and other family-friendly Halloween activities.
Is ZooAmerica open during Hersheypark Halloween?
Yes, and on select October weekends you can experience Creatures of the Night at ZooAmerica. The special evening event gives visitors a chance to explore the zoo after dark and learn more about its nocturnal animals. ZooAmerica admission is included when you enter through Hersheypark with an eligible park ticket.
How much are Hersheypark Halloween tickets?
Hersheypark uses different ticket offers and pricing, so prices can vary by date and promotion. For 2026, advance Halloween ticket offers start below the regular gate price. Buying online ahead of your visit is usually your best option.
Is Hersheypark Halloween worth visiting?
Absolutely, especially if you want a fall getaway that combines theme park rides, Halloween activities and haunted attractions. Families can enjoy trick-or-treating and rides during the day, while teens and adults can experience Dark Nights after sunset. Since Dark Nights is included with Hersheypark Halloween admission, you can experience two very different sides of the park during one visit.
Is Hersheypark Halloween Worth It?
I think Hersheypark Halloween is one of the best fall theme park experiences in the Northeast, especially if you’re traveling with older kids or a family with a mix of ages.
During the day, you still get that classic Hersheypark experience with roller coasters, family rides, Hershey Characters and plenty of chocolate.
Add trick-or-treating and seasonal food for Halloween.
Then the sun goes down.
Suddenly you’re riding roller coasters in the dark and walking through haunted houses while monsters roam the park.
The fact that Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights are included with the same admission ticket makes the experience even better.
For 2026, Hersheypark Halloween runs weekends September 12 through November 1, giving you plenty of opportunities to plan a fall getaway to Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Whether you’re visiting for the candy, the coasters or the scares – there’s something pretty sweet about Halloween in Hershey.
Have you visited Hersheypark Halloween or Dark Nights? Let me know which haunted house you’d be brave enough to try first!
Dawn
