2020 Holiday in Hershey FAQs

To help prepare for your visit, here are some answers to your top holiday questions and what to know before you go.

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane

Guest safety is our top priority. The enhanced health and safety protocols at Hersheypark include temperature screenings and required face coverings for all guests over the age of 2, extensive cleaning and sanitization, and social distancing protocols. Please read our full safety enhancements here.

How will the Santa experience follow safety guidelines?

Guests will be able to see Santa during Christmas Candylane as part of an all-new experience outside the Chevrolet Music Box Theatre. Santa will be available for a socially distanced photo opportunity with families similar to our Hershey Character experiences, with a safe distance between guests and Santa. Guests must wear face coverings at all times, including for photos. In lieu of telling Santa a wish list, children can drop off a letter for Santa with an address for his reply.

How will the NOEL light show reflect social distancing?

Guests are invited to view the NOEL light show from three viewing bridges in The Hollow region. Seating platforms have been removed and crowd size will be monitored for each show. Shows will run every 15 minutes to encourage social distancing in that area. 

How will the reindeer experience follow safety guidelines?

Guests will enter and exit through a single lane into the reindeer viewing area at Santa’s Reindeer Stables, with a newly expanded viewing area to encourage social distancing. Capacity in this space will be carefully monitored and guests will be able to view the reindeer from ground markers placed throughout the area.

Do you have any holiday options outside of Hersheypark?

For guests who prefer to enjoy lights from the comfort of their vehicles, a winter wonderland awaits at Hershey Sweet Lights presented by T-Mobile attraction! Enjoy nearly 600 illuminated, animated displays from the comfort of your car as you drive through 2 miles of wooded trails. Guests are strongly encouraged to buy online in advance and save. For more tips on visiting Hershey Sweet Lights presented by T-Mobile in 2020, click here.

The Official Resorts of Hersheypark

The enhanced health and safety protocols at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark include cleaning, sanitization, and social distancing protocols that meet or exceed the standards established by the American Hotel & Lodging Association Safe Stay initiative. To learn more about enhanced safety measures at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hersheypark Camping Resort, click the respective links.

Please be advised, that on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, the Pennsylvania Department of Health announced new mitigation efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19, resulting in impacts to our resort properties. All indoor dining outlets will be closed from Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021. However, takeout dining and room service will be available. The fitness centers, indoor pool facilities, including Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge, game rooms and arcades will be closed from Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020 through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021.

Will holiday packages be offered at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge or Hersheypark Camping Resort?

Yes, special packages are available at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark this holiday season. The new Cookies from Santa package at The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge includes admission to Christmas Candylane and Hershey Sweet Lights presented by T-Mobile, free milk and cookies, and more. Hersheypark Camping Resort is offering a Christmas Candylane Camping package available on select dates in November and December. 

All guests of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark receive FREE Resort Benefits, including guaranteed reservations for admission to Hersheypark and free parking with the purchase of tickets. Visit Hersheypark.com/official-resorts for rates and additional information.

What holiday activities are available at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark?

• Holiday-themed activities are available with reduced capacity to allow for appropriate social distancing on select dates this holiday season at The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge. Visit TheHotelHershey.com and HersheyLodge.com for the most up-to-date activities schedules.
• At Hersheypark Camping Resort, guests can enjoy coloring contests and holiday crafts on weekends through Jan. 3. Plus, participate in the campground’s all-new holiday campsite decorating contest on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Visit HersheyparkCampingResort.com to view the activities schedule.

Face coverings are required for all activities, and activities will be operating at limited capacity to allow for appropriate social distancing.

Will the Tree Lighting event take place at The Hotel Hershey?

Due to current restrictions related to COVID-19, the Tree Lighting at The Hotel Hershey will not take place this year.

Will a Tree Lighting event take place at Hershey Lodge?

Due to current restrictions related to COVID-19, Hershey Lodge will not host its traditional Tree Lighting event in the lobby, but will instead offer a new Milk and Cookies with Santa experience on select dates. Please reference the resort's Activities Schedule for dates and times.  This will be an opportunity for families to take a socially distanced photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. A professional photographer will be on hand to take photos, and guests will receive individually wrapped cookies and hot chocolate. Capacity will be limited to allow for appropriate social distancing, and advance registration is required. Guests can sign up for a time slot at Kids' Check-In or by dialing 0 for Guest Services. Please be advised, face coverings are required in public areas on property for guests over the age of two.

Will Hershey Lodge or The Hotel Hershey offer breakfast or lunch with Santa events?

Due to current restrictions related to COVID-19, Breakfast/Lunch with Santa will not take place this year.

What holiday dining options are available?

On Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, the Pennsylvania Department of Health announced new mitigation efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19. All indoor dining outlets will be closed from Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021. However, takeout dining and room service will be available.

In addition, the award-winning culinary and pastry teams at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge, and Devon Seafood + Steak in downtown Hershey are offering Christmas dining to go, perfect for your Christmas Eve spread, Christmas morning brunch or Christmas dinner. Simply order online (or by phone for Devon), pick it up curbside, reheat and enjoy. Visit DiningInHershey.com to view the menus and place your order. 

Will Hershey Lodge host its annual New Year’s Eve Carnival?

Due to current restrictions related to COVID-19, the annual New Year’s Eve Carnival at Hershey Lodge will not take place this year, nor will the DJ party and midnight countdown. 

Will The Hotel Hershey host its annual New Year’s Eve event?

Due to current restrictions related to COVID-19, the annual New Year’s Eve event at The Hotel Hershey will not take place this year. 

Hershey's Chocolate World 

HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD is open for take-out treats, holiday shopping and seasonal favorites - photos with Santa and the Holiday HERSHEY’S Chocolate House. Please see website for details. Masks and free timed entry pass required for your visit.

Safety and visiting guidelines: https://www.hersheys.com/chocolateworld/en_us/plan-a-visit/reopening.html 

How will Photos with Santa follow safety guidelines?

Santa will be available for a social distanced photo opportunity with families, with a safe distance between guests and Santa in front of the HERSHEY’S Holiday Chocolate House. Guests must wear face coverings at all times, including for photos.