13 Things To Do in Hershey, PA This January 2026
Top Things To Do in The Sweetest Place On Earth This Month
Happy New Year! The Sweetest Place On Earth is having a fun-filled start to 2026. Keep reading to see all of the sweet things to do this January.
1. Visit Hersheypark Christmas Candylane
Open Daily Through Jan. 4; Hours Vary
Hersheypark Christmas Candylane continues through Jan. 4 with over 40 family rides (weather, temperature and maintenance permitting), signature eats and treats and reindeer visits. Although Hersheypark will be closed for the off season following the end of Christmas Candylane, 2026 Season Pass Holders will be able to start enjoying a full year of perks by visiting ZooAmerica, dining at The Chocolatier and enjoying various discounts across the town of Hershey.
2. Discovery Weekends at ZooAmerica
Jan. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25; 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Visit ZooAmerica during Discovery Weekends this month! Children ages 8 and under enter for FREE with the purchase of a regular or senior admission ticket at the door. Each Discovery Weekend spotlights a specific animal and features a variety of enrichment activities to learn more about your favorite animals.
Weekend Themes:
- January 3-4: Flying Friends
- January 10-11: Daring Diggers
- January 17-18: Curious Climbers
- January 24-25: Super Swimmers
Current ZooAmerica Pass Holders can enjoy unlimited year-round visits to the Zoo, and 2026 Hersheypark Season Pass Holders get into the Zoo for free, too.
3. Hershey Bears GIANT Teddy Bear Toss at GIANT Center
Sunday, Jan. 4; 3 p.m.
The Hershey Bears are excited to host their annual GIANT Teddy Bear Toss. Fans are encouraged to bring new or gently used teddy bears and plush toys to the game to be thrown on the ice at GIANT Center when the Bears score their first goal. There is no limit on how many teddy bears fans can bring.
Since first hosting this beloved minor-league hockey tradition in 2001, the Bears have collected 566,450 stuffed animals – including a record 102,343 last season – and have donated them to children in need throughout Central Pennsylvania. A limited number of tickets for the Teddy Bear Toss Game are currently available, and the event is expected to sell out quickly. For tickets and additional information about the Hershey Bears, please visit HersheyBears.com.
4. NEW! Winter Wednesdays Family Series at Hershey Gardens
Jan. 14, 21, 28; 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Visitors to Hershey Gardens can meet new “friends” each week at the Zoology Zone Interactive Cart to engage in family activities and explore how animals and plants survive winter. Guests will learn about the similarities and differences between native species and the species in our Zoology Zone, discuss winter survival strategies, and explore when seeds are dormant during the winter. Activities are located in the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory and the Education Center and are included in general admission.
5. Sips & Sweets: An Evening in the Chocolate Lab at The Hershey Story Museum
Thursday, Jan. 15; 7 to 8 p.m.
Get ready for an evening of chocolatey fun! The Chocolate Lab at The Hershey Story Museum is serving up three delicious, handcrafted desserts and a specialty mocktail. Participants will learn a few fundamentals of dessert-making in this fun, one-hour class. This BYOB event is perfect for guests 21+ who want to savor sweets and sip with friends! Cost is $35 per person; $30 for members. Registration required, limited seating available.
6. Live Entertainment at Iberian Lounge
Every Saturday; 8 to 11 p.m.
The Iberian Lounge at The Hotel Hershey will feature live entertainment every Saturday throughout January. Find a seat, grab a cocktail or mocktail, and enjoy the sounds of new musical guests each week. Entertainment is free and open to the public. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Entertainment Schedule:
Jan. 3: John Kelly
Jan. 10: Jeff Seyfried
Jan. 17: Jimmy D
Jan. 24: Mockingbird Duo
Jan. 31: Noel Gevers
7. Public Ice Skating at GIANT Center and Hersheypark Arena
Dates Vary; 2 to 4 p.m.
Whether a figure skater or a first timer, enjoy an afternoon of ice skating at both GIANT Center and the historic Hersheypark Arena.
8. Winter Treatments Available at the Spas in Hershey
Appointments Available Throughout January; Times Vary
What better way to relax after the holidays than with a chocolate-filled spa day? MeltSpa by Hershey day spa and The Spa At The Hotel Hershey resort spa offer signature chocolate treatments and seasonal collections to warm up and unwind all month long. Experience Peppermint Hot Chocolate treatments and Peppermint Mocha treatments at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey, or visit MeltSpa by Hershey to indulge in seasonal treatments from the Cranberry Spice Collection through Feb. 28.
Plus, on January 16, The Spa At The Hotel Hershey celebrates its 25th anniversary! Stay tuned for announcements on how the spa is planning to celebrate.
9. Hershey Bears Home Ice Hockey Games
Dates and Times Vary
Can’t make the GIANT Teddy Bear Toss? There are still seven other promotion-packed Bears games to choose from in January including:
- Jan. 3 vs. Rockford – PSECU Knit Hat Night (first 5,000 fans in attendance)
- Jan. 10 vs. Cleveland – Country Night/Pepsi Cowboy Hat Night (first 6,000 fans in attendance)
- Jan. 11 vs. Cleveland – Autograph Night/Team Photo Night (first 6,000 fans in attendance)
- Jan. 14 vs. Hartford – Berks Dollar Dog Night
- Jan. 20 vs. Hartford – Hersheypark Pass Night (all fans in attendance) / Taco Tuesday
- Jan. 23 vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton – Halfway to Summer Night
- Jan. 25 vs. Charlotte – Hometown Heroes: First Responders Night
10. New Eats at The Chocolatier
Open Daily; Reservations Recommended
The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio features a new winter menu with updates to many big plates and shareables. Warm up with seasonal variations on classic dishes like the Heath Bar Crusted Salmon, Leek & Pancetta Risotto and Grilled NY Strip Steak. Guests 21 and older can also enjoy specialty cocktails including the Peppermint Bark Old Fashioned and the festive Pomegranate Gin Fizz.
Also new this month is the weekday Sandwich & Shake combo. This deal, available every Monday through Friday in January, includes a choice of any milkshake and any burger or handheld, along with fries, for $25.
Don’t miss out on an all-new special menu celebrating the Hershey Bears. This special menu is served every Bears home game day and during Dine With Coco every Thursday night from 5-7 p.m. Items include a specialty milkshake, themed cocktails, and entrees which include the return of the fan-favorite Chocolate BBQ Wings.
11. Winter Bird Watching at Hershey Gardens
Saturday, Jan. 17; 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Birding enthusiasts can learn to identify the various birds that call Hershey Gardens home during the winter. Staff will guide participants through Project Feederwatch, then take them on a unique guided bird walk, providing additional information about identification and feeding techniques.
For the youngest birders, additional family crafts and activities will be offered in the Hershey Gardens classroom. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. This event is in partnership with the Quittapahilla Audubon Society and is included in general admission. Registration is required by calling 717-508-5968.
12. Explore Founders Hall Visitors Center at Milton Hershey School
Open Monday - Saturday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Milton Hershey School (MHS) Founders Hall Visitors Center is open to visitors, offering an opportunity to explore more than 110 years of MHS history. The free tour explores the story of the School's past, present and future. Founders Hall is located at 801 Spartan Lane, Hershey, PA 17003, near the intersection of Meadow Lane and East Governor Road. (Rte. 322).
13. Plan A Winter Getaway
From a cozy cabin or RV at Hersheypark Camping Resort to deluxe accommodations at Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey, our resorts make for a sweet getaway. For a limited time, guests can save with the below winter offers, available select dates throughout the season:
- Book One Night, Get One 50% Off at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hersheypark Camping Resort
- Book Two Nights, Get One Free at The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge
All resort guests also receive FREE Resort Benefits, including free or discounted admission to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story Museum, preferred pricing to ZooAmerica, on-site recreation and activities and more.
Be sure to share your sweet memories with us by using #HersheyPA on social media! We hope to see you soon in The Sweetest Place On Earth.