5 Reasons to Spend World Chocolate Day 2023 in Hershey, PA

Visiting Hershey, Pa., is definitely a treat. But being in The Sweetest Place On Earth on World Chocolate Day is even sweeter. There really is no better place to celebrate a day dedicated solely to chocolate than the actual town built on chocolate. Here are five reasons you need to get your fill of chocolate on July 7 (and every day) in Hershey, Pa.

1. Ride chocolate-themed attractions all day long

Did you know there is a 121-acre amusement park centered around chocolate called Hersheypark? Home to more than 70 rides and attractions, families can enjoy chocolate-themed rides like Candymonium hypercoaster, Reese’s Cupfusion and Hershey Triple Tower. Guests who prefer to skip the roller coaster thrills can check out Hershey’s Chocolatetown, a new region that opened at Hersheypark in 2020, with a 10,000-foot flagship store, an iconic Kisses Fountain, an ice cream parlor,  a confectionery kitchen and a new full-service restaurant, among other experiences. Plus, Hersheypark is the only place in the world where guests can snap a selfie with a Hershey Character.

2. Eat at a restaurant called The Chocolatier

The best way to celebrate something sweet like chocolate is by savoring it. And there is no shortage of chocolate when visiting Hersheypark. In addition to King Size Shakes and decadent desserts, Hersheypark is known for its chocolate-themed restaurant, bar and patio called The Chocolatier, which opened in 2021 in Hershey’s Chocolatetown. The modern atmosphere combined with nostalgic ride elements will put you at ease, but the delicious food with hints of chocolate will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. 

Perfect for chocolate lovers, the menu features family fare with a fun spin and hints of chocolate. Guests can indulge in Cocoa-Dusted Beef Short Ribs, Chocolatetown Burger, Cocoa Cuban Sandwich, Barbecue Bacon Burger with Hershey’s Chocolate Barbecue Sauce, Mac & Cheese with Hershey’s Chocolate Barbecue Sauce and Cacao Nib Gremolata, and more.

Let’s not forget the best part when in Hershey - signature dessert! The dessert menu at The Chocolatier is not for the faint of heart. Guests can choose an over-the-top Hershey’s Chocolate Milkshake, The Chocolatier Cake, Chocolate Fun-due, Reese’s Cupfusion Cheesecake or The Frozen Chocolatier (for those 21 and older). Check out the top 10 items to try at The Chocolatier.

3. Relax during a chocolate spa treatment

If you need a break from riding coasters all day long, you can always unwind at two luxury spas - The Spa At The Hotel Hershey and MeltSpa by Hershey.

The Spa At The Hotel Hershey is famous for its signature chocolate treatments and services that pay homage to Cuba, where Milton S. Hershey owned sugar mills from 1916 to 1946. Everything Chocolate Treatments include Whipped Cocoa Bath, Chocolate Fondue Wrap, Cocoa Massage and more. View our spa guide here.

MeltSpa by Hershey is a luxurious day spa in downtown Hershey where guests can melt into sweet relaxation with exclusive Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Treatments like the Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Sugar Scrub. This treatment includes a full-body exfoliation with a rich blend of organic cocoa butter, vitamin E oil, and organic Sucanat sugar, followed by a relaxing application of cocoa-infused body lotion to reveal soft, silky smooth, deeply hydrated skin.

Do-It-Yourself Chocolate Treatment at Home

Can’t make it to Hershey, Pa., on World Chocolate Day? We’ve got you covered with this DIY Chocolate Mask. 

Ingredients needed:

•  ¹/₂ cup: HERSHEY'S Cocoa
• 2 bags: green tea
• 2 Tbsps: honey
• 2 Tbsps: plain yogurt

Steps:

• Step 1: Add honey to 1/2 cup of water and bring to a boil.
• Step 2: Remove the honey mixture from the water and add the green tea bags. Set aside to steep for 10 minutes.
• Step 3: In a small bowl, mix the HERSHEY'S Cocoa and yogurt with a fork until combined.
• Step 4: Remove the tea bags from the honey-water mixture. Squeeze the bags to get all the liquid before discarding them.
• Step 5: Add the green tea mixture to the cocoa and yogurt, stirring to combine.
• Step 6: Apply the mixture to the face, carefully avoiding the eye area. Leave on until dry, then wash off with warm water.

4. Sip on a signature chocolate martini

For guests 21 and older, Hershey is known for its signature chocolate martinis served at various dining locations around town like The Chocolatier at Hersheypark, Houlihan’s Restaurant + Bar and Devon Seafood + Steak in downtown Hershey, and restaurants at The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge. Options include the Hershey’s Kisses Signature Chocolate Martini, Hershey’s Chocolate Caramel Martini and the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Martini. 

5. Indulge in chocolate around every corner at a resort

There’s no need to visit Hershey for just one day. Guests should consider extending their stay at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark. At The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge, guests start their visit with a full-size chocolate bar at check-in. How sweet is that? Chocolate is also infused in a stay with chocolate bath amenities in your guest room, chocolate-inspired dining options at restaurants on property and chocolate-themed resort activities like chocolate bingo.

As you can see, Hershey, Pa., has something for every chocolate lover. In addition to the above reasons to visit Hershey, there are other chocolatey adventures around town to consider doing. If you're into history, you can learn about the history of Hershey’s chocolate (and the man who created it) at The Hershey Story Museum. Or, you can take a free chocolate tour ride at Hershey's Chocolate World to see how chocolate is made.  During this day of celebration of chocolate, there is no better way to enjoy it than by immersing yourself in a world of it.