A 2-day Winter Itinerary for Hershey, PA
Things to Do All Winter in The Sweetest Place on Earth
Hershey, Pa. is a year-round destination with plenty of activities and events, even in the winter months when Hersheypark amusement park is closed. In fact, you really need at least two days to take in all of the sights.
Check out this 2-day winter itinerary with information on where to stay and what to do during a visit to The Sweetest Place On Earth between January and March 2023.
Where to Stay in Hershey
The town built on chocolate is home to three distinctly Hershey resorts with sweet hospitality and iconic chocolate details around every corner.
Guests looking for a luxurious getaway should consider The Hotel Hershey, a Forbes Four-Star, AAA Four-Diamond Hotel celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2023. Hershey Lodge is a sweet option for families, as a stay includes access to Hershey’s Water Works indoor pool complex featuring two pools, Twizzlers Twists Slides, Reese’s Water Walk, a sand castle water play structure and an indoor whirlpool. Another lodging accommodation is the year-round Hersheypark Camping Resort with more than 300 open and shaded sites, including 50 cabins with heat, air conditioning and additional amenities.
For a limited time, guests can save on their winter getaway with sweet rates and special offers. Getaways are now available from $129 at Hershey Lodge, from $229 at The Hotel Hershey and from $59 at Hersheypark Camping Resort. Plus, guests who book by Jan. 31 can enjoy the below winter offers, available on select dates through March 31, 2023:
- Book One Night, Get One 50% Off
- Book Two Nights, Get One Free
- Kids Stay, Play, Splash & Eat Free Package (only available at Hershey Lodge)
The popular Kids Stay, Play, Splash & Eat Free Package includes deluxe accommodations at Hershey Lodge, a free kids' meal for kids 17 and younger*, a free $20 arcade card, two Hershey's Water Works at Hershey Lodge logo pool towels and more.
*Complimentary starter, kid combo, sandwich or entrée salad for children (ages 3-17) at Cocoa Cabana with the purchase of one adult sandwich or entrée salad of equal or greater value.
Check out our resort winter guides to help you prepare for a sweet stay.
Day 1
Morning -
Learn about Milton S. Hershey at The Hershey Story Museum
Through informative museum exhibits and interactive experiences, learn about the story of Milton S. Hershey and the town that bears his name. The Hershey Story provides an interactive experience for children and adults alike, making it a great stop for the whole family.
If you have a sweet tooth, book a Chocolate Tasting and sample flights of warm drinking chocolate from around the world. Or, book a class in the Chocolate Lab and learn how chocolate is made while you pour and decorate your own chocolate bar.
Afternoon - ZooAmerica
Spend time with our animal friends at ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park
Bundle up and stop by ZooAmerica, a North American Wildlife Park home to more than 200 animals native to the continent of North America. ZooAmerica is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in January-March. Keep an eye out for the animals that are more active in the winter like the gray wolves, river otters and snowy owls and learn unique facts about the North America animals.
There are also two more Discovery Weekends in January, where kids ages 8 and under will get into the Zoo for free on Saturdays and Sundays with the purchase of a regular or senior ticket.
Dinner Plans
Enjoy fun to table at The Chocolatier
In between activities, grab a bite to eat at The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio. This can't-miss restaurant is located just outside of Hersheypark in Hershey's Chocolatetown and is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily in January-March 2022 (hours subject to change). The Chocolatier serves up family fare with a fun spin, and hints of chocolate, features past and present pieces from the Hersheypark ride collection and celebrates the life and legacy of our founder, Milton S. Hershey.
Check out the top 10 must-try items recommended by our guests. For guests 21 and over, stop by for Happy Hour at The Chocolatier on Monday-Thursday from 4-6 p.m. with discounts on drinks and appetizers.
Evening Events
See a show at Hershey Theatre or GIANT Center
If you have yet to see a show at the historic Hershey Theatre or our 10,500-seat arena, this winter is the perfect time to knock it off your bucket list. Hosts to a wide-variety of entertainment, there's sure to be a show for you. Check out what's coming to Hershey Theatre and GIANT Center when planning your visit.
Upcoming shows:
Hershey Theatre
- Trolls Live! on Jan. 22-23 at various times
- Summer: The Donna Summer Musical on Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
- Jo Koy on Feb. 17 at 8 p.m.
- Blippi The Musical on Mar. 3 at 6 p.m.
- Il Divo on Mar. 5 at 8 p.m.
- Red Hot Chilli Pipers on Mar. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
- Joe Bonamassa on Mar. 10 at 8 p.m.
- Fiddler on the Roof on Mar. 15-20 at various times
GIANT Center
- Ghost and Volbeat with special guest Twin Temple on Feb. 2 at 7 p.m.
- Harlem Globetrotters on Feb. 13 at 1 p.m.
- WWE Friday Night SmackDown on Feb. 25 at 7:45 p.m.
- JoJo Siwa on Feb. 26 at 7 p.m.
- Chris Tomlin + UNITED on Mar. 4 at 7 p.m.
- Korn with very special guests Chevelle and Code Orange on Mar. 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Day 2
Morning
Take a Chocolate Tour or Shop at Hershey's Chocolate World
Conveniently located just across the plaza from Hersheypark, Hershey's Chocolate World offers many fun activities for you to participate in. Browse their selection of Hershey's exclusive chocolates and retail or take a ride on the free Chocolate Tour.
Upgrade your experience by participating in the Create Your Own Candy Bar experience (please note it will be closed Jan. 24-Feb. 4 for routine maintenance).
Relax with a treatment at MeltSpa by Hershey
Unwind after the busy holiday season with a treatment at MeltSpa by Hershey located in Downtown Hershey. Try one of their sweet seasonal collections or exclusive Hershey's Dark Chocolate Treatments including a sugar scrub, body wrap, manicure and pedicure.
At MeltSpa by Hershey, visitors can use the locker room showers filled with signature spa products, get comfortable in the spa relaxation lounge before treatments and enjoy light refreshments including hot cocoa, tea, muffins and more. It’s the perfect option for those looking for a quick pick-me-up on those brisk winter days.
Root for the Hershey Bears at a home game
Cheer for the hometown AHL team, the Hershey Bears, as they fight for the division lead this season. The Bears will host 12 home games at GIANT Center between now and the end of March with a few key promotional nights coming soon including the GIANT Teddy Bear Toss Night on Jan. 22 and Hersheypark Pass Nights on Jan. 23, Feb. 2 and Mar. 2. Limited tickets remain for the GIANT Teddy Bear Toss Night and the Jan. 23 Hersheypark Pass Night.
