Guide to New Year's Eve 2025 in Hershey, Pa.
Ring in 2026 with Activities, Delicious Eats and an Immersive Downtown Display
The countdown is on to say ‘goodbye’ to 2025 and ‘hello’ to 2026! Hershey The Sweetest Place On Earth will celebrate New Year's Eve with holiday attractions, family-friendly activities, delicious eats and an immersive downtown display.
Check out our guide to New Year's Eve 2025 in Hershey, Pa., to plan your sweet start to the new year.
Hersheypark Christmas Candylane
Open 12 to 4 p.m.
Hersheypark is open for Christmas Candylane on Dec. 31 from 12 to 4 p.m. The holiday attraction features five million twinkling lights, holiday thrills on select rides and coasters (weather and maintenance permitting), an up-close look at all nine of Santa’s reindeer, TREEville trail with 25 trees that share the stories of The Sweetest Place On Earth, signature hot chocolate, seasonal treats and more. Guests can also look forward to meeting their favorite Hershey Characters donned in their coziest winter apparel at a new location near Reese's Cupfusion.
Please note that Santa is only available for photos through Dec. 24, but his reindeer will be at the Mary N. Bright Airfield in Hersheypark through Jan. 4.
Tickets also include entry to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park only when accessing the Zoo from the bridge inside Hersheypark during posted Park hours. ZooAmerica is open on Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those interested in only visiting the Zoo can purchase separate tickets online or in person at the ZooAmerica admissions building.
Hershey Sweet Lights
Open 5 to 9 p.m.
Just outside of Hersheypark, Hershey Sweet Lights presented by PPL Electric Utilities drive-through attraction is open on Dec. 31 from 5 to 9 p.m. Families can hop in the car and marvel at more than 500 illuminated, animated holiday light displays spanning two miles of fields and wooded trails. Many displays follow unique themes, such as "The 12 Days of Christmas," an Enchanted Forest, Hersheypark rides and Hershey Bears hockey, as well as a region inspired by the Northern Lights. Guests can download the Hersheypark app to enjoy holiday music, powered by iHeart, while viewing the lights.
Guests are encouraged to buy early and online to save. Admission for a single car (seats up to 8 people) on Dec. 31 is $29.99 plus taxes and fees when purchased in advance online. On-site pricing without a pre-purchased ticket is also available at the full gate price of $54.15.
Sold Out: New Year's Eve Celebration at The Hotel Hershey
Seatings begin at 6 p.m.
Overnight guests of The Hotel Hershey can ring in the New Year with a sweet evening celebration complete with a grand dinner and dessert buffet prepared by the Hotel's expert culinary team. Seatings begin at 6 p.m. After dinner, guests can take part in a variety of family entertainment leading up to midnight, including karaoke, games, a magic show and, of course, the countdown to 2026 with a DJ-hosted dance party.
The cost is $165 per adult (ages 12 & up) and $105 per child (ages 3 - 11). There is no cost for children under the age of 3. This event is exclusively for overnight guests of The Hotel Hershey and reservations are required. Please note that this event is currently sold out. Guests can call 717-534-8800 to be added to the waitlist.
Holiday-Themed Chocolate Lab Classes
Various Times Throughout the Day beginning at 10 a.m.
Guests can enjoy a 45-minute holiday-themed chocolate lab class at The Hershey Story Museum where they learn about chocolate and make their own chocolate treats. Chocolate Lab tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and may be purchased at The Hershey Story admissions desk on the day of the visit. Children must be at least 5 years old to enter the Lab. A paying adult must accompany children under the age of 13. The full class schedule for Dec. 31 can be found online.
New Year’s Eve Celebration at Hershey’s Chocolate World
Celebration begins at 3 p.m.
Hershey’s Chocolate World is counting down to a sweet New Year and invites guests to a family-friendly party, complete with a DJ, visits from the Hershey Characters and more, on Dec. 31 from 3 to 8:30 p.m.
Please note that Chocolate World is open on Dec. 31 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. for shopping, the free chocolate tour ride and other paid attractions.
Downtown Hershey New Year’s Eve Celebration
Activities begin at 11 a.m. and last through midnight
Downtown Hershey will ring in 2026 with a can't-miss celebration for all to enjoy, featuring kid-friendly entertainment, main stage music and a unique laser and pyrotechnics display featuring Americana elements to honor the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
Families can look forward to New Year's countdowns and bubble wrap stomps at The Hershey Story Museum during the day at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. For younger guests who may not make it til midnight, the event will feature a family hour from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., including local music from children’s musician Holly Serio, face painting, vendors and more. The Hershey Characters will visit the main stage at 8:30 p.m. for a final bubble wrap stomp and dance party.
Main stage music performances will begin at 9 p.m. Returning to headline this year’s event is Pennsylvania quartet and TikTok sensation Burn the Jukebox, following their crowd-pleasing show in 2024. The group’s set will include pop and rock hits spanning over five decades, along with their own original songs. Opening for Burn the Jukebox is the five-person cover band Fully Stocked, pumping out energy and fun with rock and pop songs from the 1970s to today.
At midnight, Denny Logan and the Hershey Characters will lead a countdown to help raise the Hershey's KISS before an immersive laser and pyrotechnics display – even if it’s foggy.
If you attend any of these New Year’s Eve events, snap some photos and tag us on X at @HersheyPA and Instagram at @TheSweetestPlaceOnEarth using #HersheyPA.