We were provided with complimentary admission to Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane and Hershey Sweet Lights.
Hershey, Pennsylvania, The Sweetest Place on Earth, is even sweeter during the holiday season. The entire town is bustling with festive, family-friendly events. Hershey at Christmastime has become our family’s holiday tradition. From the theme park fun, to the amazing lights to, of course, the chocolate, Hershey is one sweet place to celebrate the holiday season.
Christmas Candylane at Hersheypark
At Hersheypark, Christmas Candylane is their annual holiday event held on select dates from November 15- January 1. The entire park is aglow wiht over 4 million lights. Starting at 5:30 pm, you can watch the NOEL light show. Watch as the lights dance to your favorite Christmas songs in this 10 minute display.
Pro tip: Take the Dry Gulch Train ride or ride the Classic Cars at night for a special light display.
Santa is also on hand in the park for photo ops and for requesting gifts. He’ll also give you the gift of Hershey’s chocolate after your visit. Photo packages are available to purchase as well.
It wouldn’t be a Hersheypark event without world class entertainment. This year’s show, The Littlest Tree, follows the adventure of Douglas the tree as he finds his forever Christmas home. Show times are throughout the day. Consult the park map or the Hersheypark app for specific times on the day of your visit.
Other offerings at Christmas Candylane include ice skating, seeing Santa’s reindeer and special Hershey Character greetings. Of course no visit would be complete without a stop at Simply Chocolate. They’re home to Hersheypark’s seasonal King Shake and a variety of specialty hot chocolates.
Hershey Sweet Lights
Down the road from Hersheypark, you can visit Hershey Sweet Lights, a drive through holiday lights spectacular featuring over 600 animated light displays and 2 million lights. It’s the perfect way to end your day. Weeknights are best to avoid traffic and long lines.
We love Hershey Sweet Lights so much that it made our list of the Best Christmas Light Displays Worth Traveling for.
Christmas Tree Showcase at Hershey Gardens
Over at Hershey Gardens, see stunning decorated trees during their Christmas Tree Showcase. Different local florists decorate each tree with a variety of themes and styles. The show stopper is the 14-foot poinsettia tree. Families have the option of purchasing glasses ($1) that will help them see something special in the lights.
Hershey Story Museum
Families can have a delicious breakfast with Santa at The Pantry Café at The Hershey Story Museum. This event is offered Dec. 14 and 21, 8 a.m.-noon.
Hershey’s Chocolate World
Lastly, make sure to plan a visit to Hershey’s Chocolate World. Not only will you be able to load up on holiday candies, but you can also see the Hershey’s Holiday Chocolate House, like a gingerbread house, but made of chocolate. On select days, have Breakfast with Santa at Chocolate World as well.
Guests can find Santa aboard the Holly Jolly Trolley Friday-Sunday Dec. 2-19 and daily Dec. 20-31, except Christmas Day. This cozy trip on an old-fashioned trolley is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit with caroling, stories and more.
Hershey Hotels and Packages
The best way to do everything in Hershey, PA is to make a weekend out of it. Packages are available at both The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge which includes a 1-night stay and tickets to both Christmas Candylane and Hershey Sweet Lights. Both hotels also offer Breakfast with Santa opportunities.
- The Hotel Hershey‘s Breakfast with Santa and Lunch with Santa packages are available on the evenings of Dec. 20 and 21.
- The Breakfast with Santa package at Hershey Lodge is available Friday and Saturday nights through Dec. 20.
