Hersheypark Unwraps the Holiday Season with New Lights, Festive Attractions, and Seasonal Treats

The holiday season in Hershey, Pennsylvania, returns with magical events and activities, welcoming families to “The Sweetest Place on Earth” starting November 15, 2024. Hersheypark Christmas Candylane and the Hershey Sweet Lights drive-through display kick off with fresh themes, immersive experiences, and more lights than ever before, creating an enchanting atmosphere for visitors.

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, a holiday favorite for over 40 years, will operate on select dates from November 15 through January 1, 2025, with daily hours beginning December 12 (excluding Christmas Day). The season brings five million lights, thrilling rides, Santa and his nine reindeer, and TREEville trail in The Boardwalk region, which opens December 6.

Guests can savor festive treats like boozy hot chocolate, signature hot chocolate varieties, and a new collectible Kissmas TREEts container. For a holiday thrill, seven coasters, including Wildcat’s Revenge and Candymonium, offer seasonal light packages, and holiday overlays on favorites like the Jolly Rancher Remix add extra cheer.

Special experiences await, including the NOEL light show in The Hollow, showcasing dancing lights set to Christmas music each night at 5 p.m. Guests can visit Santa in a new themed setting, meet the Hershey Characters in winter attire, and stroll the TREEville Trail, featuring more than a dozen unique trees celebrating the stories of Hershey. The Kissmas TREE in TREEville offers an iconic holiday photo spot.

Seasonal treats like the Hot Chocolate Bar and Holidogs hot dogs are available, while the new boozy hot chocolate at the bar near Santa’s workshop adds a special touch for visitors 21 and older.

Just beyond Hersheypark, the Hershey Sweet Lights drive-through experience offers two miles of animated light displays, open November 15-17 and nightly from November 22 to January 1, 2025. New displays this year celebrate Wildcat’s Revenge, Jolly Rancher Remix, and the Hershey Bears hockey team, with additional themed sections like the Northern Lights and Candy Cane Forest. A new arrival area offers festive food and retail options, adding to the charm of this cozy, family-friendly drive-through event.

Guests looking for dining options can head to The Chocolatier, which will host Breakfast with Santa from November 29 through December 24. This festive breakfast includes a delicious buffet, kids’ activities, and visits from Santa and his elves. The Holiday Spirit’s Rooftop Bar at The Chocolatier also returns, featuring spiked hot chocolate for adults, over-the-top hot chocolate for kids, and fun treats like s’mores kits and Chocuterie boards.

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, open daily throughout the season, is home to over 200 animals, many of whom become more active in colder weather. Guests can access ZooAmerica with a Hersheypark ticket during park hours via the Hersheypark bridge or purchase separate tickets for zoo entry.

For those extending their stay, The Official Resorts of Hersheypark offer festive packages and activities. Visitors can unwind at The Hotel Hershey or Hershey Lodge, each adorned with beautiful holiday decor. The Villas At The Hotel Hershey, newly opened this summer, provide a luxurious retreat with exclusive amenities. Each resort hosts holiday-themed activities and cozy spots for gathering, with special packages that include Christmas Candylane tickets and breakfast.

Hershey’s holiday season festivities begin November 15, 2024, and run through January 1, 2025. To plan your visit and view hours and ticketing information, visit the official Hersheypark website by Clicking Here.

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