How to Celebrate Christmas at Hersheypark

Is your family ready to celebrate the holidays at the Sweetest Place on Earth? Each year Hersheypark transforms into Hersheypark Christmas Candylane on select dates in November and December. If you’re looking for Christmas-themed fun for the whole family, read on to find out why you should take a trip to Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. You may just decide to add this holiday tradition to your family’s Christmas list.

Celebrating Christmas at Hersheypark

As soon as the Halloween costumes are off and our pumpkins put away, I’m ready to Deck the Halls and usher in the holiday season. Christmas at Hersheypark is one of my family’s “must-dos” each year because Hersheypark Christmas Candylane has great holiday charm throughout the park.

For this amusement park that does not operate year round, I classify the Christmas season as ” a can’t miss.” We started taking our now school-age boys from the time they were babies because Hersheypark Christmas Candylane is accessible for all ages. From our family to yours, here are five reasons to visit Hersheypark Christmas Candylane!

The Christmas season is the most affordable for families. 

Currently a 1-day ticket before the online discount (available in November) will run adults $30.95. In comparison to the Hersheypark In The Dark rate of $41.95, a larger family can save money by visiting during the Christmas season. If you visit in November, you can save even more on tickets. I like to use that extra cash for all of the seasonal treats!

I also find Hersheypark Christmas Candylane the best option for my family members who aren’t fans of riding roller coasters. The lower cost does mean fewer thrill rides are available, but for toddlers or grandparents who don’t ride, this is a win-win!

If you’re saving money on tickets and can add in an overnight, the two official resorts of Hersheypark, The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge offer package deals. Being local, I haven’t stayed overnight at either location, but have visited for dinner and other events. Both hotels are worth exploring if you’re thinking about an extending your experience.

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane begins Friday, November 15 and runs through January 1.

You can visit with Santa and live reindeer. 

A highlight of Hersheypark Christmas Candylane for my family always includes a visit to see Santa’s reindeer. The reindeer, with name plates so you know who’s who, are out with an animal expert from Zoo America. My boys love to ask the expert questions about what Rudolph likes to eat or why Prancer isn’t flying.

Right beside the reindeer pen, Hersheypark Christmas Candylane offers outdoor ice skating with a temporary rink, which is another big hit with my kids. You can bring your own skates or rent some for a fee. They also have a hot chocolate stand in the same area which we can never resist!

Of course, no trip would be complete without Santa, who is available to meet and take photos. Unlike the reindeer, he is set up inside. We like to meet Santa later in the evening, when we’re getting cold. Since he’s inside, we get a chance to warm up while the kids share their Christmas lists.

If you want an official picture taken by Hersheypark staff, they are available for sale. They will, however, allow you to take your own pictures at no extra cost.

SheBuysTravel tip: Don’t skip Chocolate World! An easy walk from the entrance of Hersheypark, Hershey’s Chocolate World has more opportunities to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. On select dates in November and December, you can decorate ornaments with Mrs. Claus and take photos with Santa. Or for an added fee, sign up for a breakfast buffet with Santa Claus. Check out www.hersheys.com for all the details.

There are 45 open attractions including a few rollercoasters. 

Since Christmas in Pennsylvania is almost always cold, you won’t find the water rides or some of the headliner coasters open, but there are still tons of well-known attractions available. Last year we rode Laff Trakk, Cocoa Cruiser and my youngest’s favorite, SooperDooperLooper, in between enjoying the holiday lights. Many other favorites will be open including Wildcat, Wild Mouse and Sidewinder.

The theatre located inside Hersheypark, the Music Box, often will have a holiday themed show and is a great way to take a break from the cold Hershey weather.

During the holiday season, my favorite attraction is just gazing at the holiday décor. A can’t miss in my opinion is the annual Hershey’s Holiday Chocolate House – like a gingerbread house, but with Hershey’s chocolate. This can be found inside Hershey’s Chocolate World.

SheBuysTravel tip: If you’re looking for great views of the whole park lit up, take a ride on the monorail or the Kissing Tower. Both options are appropriate for the youngest and oldest in your party.

When the sun goes down, the Christmas lights are amazing. 

Hersheypark advertises that 4 million lights will adorn the park and I can attest that it really puts my family in the holiday spirit. We love to stop and watch the light show, in the past known as NOEL, choreographed to Christmas music!

If Christmas lights are really your thing, Hershey offers an additional, drive-through light viewing option outside of the park: Hershey Sweet Lights. Opening the same day as Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, Hershey Sweet Lights operates daily from November 15th- January 1st 2020 and you pay a flat fee per vehicle. Just be warned, on the weekends, the lines are long!

Characters are out in their picture-perfect holiday outfits. 

My boys love to see the characters roaming around the park. During the Christmas season, the famous Hershey Bar, Reese’s Cup and Hershey’s Kiss all wear their cold weather gear. We have also come across additional characters that are only out during Hersheypark Christmas Candylane.

SheBuysTravel tip: Don’t wait until the end of the night to get your kids’ photos with the characters. These pictures can make great Christmas cards, but not when kids are tired and cranky (trust me, I know). Take pictures early and often when the lighting is good and everyone is jolly!