15
February
2023
|
09:00 AM
America/New_York

A Guide to 2023 Presidents Day Weekend in Hershey, PA

Written by: Amanda Polyak

Seven Reasons to Spend the Long Weekend in The Sweetest Place On Earth

Presidents Day Weekend offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a getaway to Hershey, Pa., from Feb. 17-20, 2023. From special events to sweet dining offerings, take a look at seven reasons to spend the long weekend in The Sweetest Place On Earth.

1. Stay at a Hershey Resort

With so much to do over Presidents Day weekend and perhaps an extra day off work or school, why not make a weekend getaway of it? There’s no sweeter place to stay than The Hotel Hershey or Hershey Lodge with chocolate details around every corner. You’ll start your stay with a full-size chocolate bar at check-in and can enjoy chocolate-infused dining at restaurants on property, warm up with a signature Hershey's Chocolate Martini by the fireplace, snap photos with your favorite Hershey Characters, play chocolate bingo and more. Plus, make sure to pack a swimsuit for pool time! Hershey's Water Works indoor pool complex at Hershey Lodge features Twizzlers Twists water slides, a Reese's  Water Walk, sand castle spray zone and more - perfect for splashing good times with the family. The Hotel Hershey also offers an indoor pool complex, complete with a splash pad and whirlpool.

Hurry, availability is limited! Book your getaway at The Hotel Hershey or Hershey Lodge today.

Bonus: Overnight guests receive FREE Resort Benefits, including complimentary admission to area attractions, including Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story's Museum Experience.

2. Fantastic Fridays at ZooAmerica

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a special Fantastic Fridays ticket offer. Guests can enjoy 50% off regular and junior/senior admission every Friday in February when purchased at the Admissions Building to redeem the savings; please note the offer is not valid online. Also, this month, guests can watch Zoo naturalists give chocolate-themed treats to certain animals every Saturday in February at 1 p.m. 

Bonus: ZooAmerica Pass Holders and 2023 Hersheypark Season Pass Holders receive unlimited, year-round visits to the Zoo, even when Hersheypark is closed during the off-season.

3. Specialty Items at The Chocolatier

The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio is open daily for lunch and dinner, with new offerings available while supplies last. Guests can sip new cocktails like a Chocolate Manhattan and indulge in two of our newest desserts. Plus, the long weekend is the perfect time to visit The Chocolatier to enjoy the popular Chocolate Mini Martini Flight! Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Bonus: 2023 Full and King Size Season Pass Holders and Zoo Pass Holders receive 20% off dine-in or to-go orders on Monday through Thursday in February when they show their Pass. The offer is not valid on alcohol or with any other discount. 

4. Shop in Hershey's Chocolatetown

Hersheypark amusement park is closed for the off-season, but shopping experiences in Hershey’s Chocolatetown are open over the long weekend. 

  • Hersheypark Supply Co. is open on Feb. 17-20 from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The premier, 10,000-square-foot flagship store offers the largest collection of apparel, gifts, toys and more exclusive to Hersheypark.
  • The Sweeterie Confectionery Kitchen is open on Feb. 17-20 from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (hours subject to change). Guests can choose from a curated collection of mouth-watering confections including chocolate-dipped treats, decadent desserts, fudge, and more.
  • Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor is open on Feb. 18-19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (hours subject to change). Guests can indulge in custom house-made ice cream creations crafted by expert Ice Creamologists complete with Hershey’s candy toppings, decadent sauces, and more. Savory options are also available as part of a shareable menu - the perfect lunch option!

5. Chocolate & Wine Pairing Experience at Hershey's Chocolate World

Sip, sip, hooray! On weekends in February (including President's Day weekend), Hershey’s Chocolate World will host a unique guided tasting of decadent Hershey’s Chocolate desserts paired with popular wine varieties. Each guest will receive a souvenir wine glass to take home with them. The Chocolate & Wine Pairing Experience is offered on Feb. 18-19, 2023, at 2 and 4 p.m. with limited seating

Bonus: There are plenty of other events and things to do over the long weekend. For example, visitors can join the Hershey's Characters and their fellow band members for a parade on Feb. 18-19 at 1:30 p.m. in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hershey's Chocolate World.

6. Chocolate Tastings at The Hershey Story

Chocolate lovers can sample flights of warm drinking chocolates from around the world at Tastings at The Hershey Story on Feb. 18-19 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Feb. 17 and 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. As a sweet addition, guests can enjoy Cupid's Brew - a warm, delicious mug of Hershey’s milk and special dark hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and heart-shaped sprinkles - for $9 per beverage through Feb. 28.

Bonus: After sampling chocolate, visitors can learn about the sweet history of the town built on chocolate at The Hershey Story Museum. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 

7. Reduced Admission at Hershey Gardens

Overlooking the town of Hershey, Hershey Gardens is home to 23 acres of botanical beauty with a breathtaking assortment of flowers and shrubs, a stately collection of rare and signature trees, themed gardens, a Butterfly Atrium, The Children's Garden and BugZone. Hershey Gardens is open on Feb. 18-20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Now through March 24, Hershey Gardens is offering reduced winter pricing with $10 regular admission (ages 13-16), $9 senior admission (ages 62+) and $8 junior admission (ages 3-12). Members, guests of Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey, and children 2 and under are free.

Bonus: Over the long weekend, visitors can enjoy the Hershey Area Art Association Show & Sale included in admission. Hours are Friday and Saturday, Feb. 17-18, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Share your sweet moments with us over the long weekend! Follow @HersheyPA on Twitter and @TheSweetestPlaceOnEarth on Instagram, and use #HersheyPA in your posts.