Haunt Guide to Hersheypark Dark Nights 2024

If you love hair-raising thrills and blood-curdling frights, especially during Halloween, then Dark Nights at Hersheypark has to be at the top of your to-do list this fall. The immersive haunt experience runs for eight weekends from Sept. 13 through Nov. 3 as part of the Hersheypark Halloween seasonal event - the most weekends ever. 

The darkness sweeps over Hersheypark each operating night beginning at 6 p.m., with thrills lurking around every corner both day and night. An incredible value, Dark Nights is included with a Hersheypark Halloween ticket, 2024 Season Pass or 2025 Season Pass+. 

Check out this guide to what's new and terrifying this season waiting to scare you like never before at the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania.

Feel the rush on more than a dozen high-thrill rides

Many people may not realize that nearly all of the rides and roller coasters at Hersheypark, except for the water attractions, remain open for the Halloween season, weather and maintenance permitting. Of the more than 50 rides included with admission during Hersheypark Halloween, 15 are given a high-thrill or aggressive-thrill rating, so there is no shortage of screams to be had. For guests who crave the ultimate intensity, we recommend hitting up Skyrush (with its new seat and restraints), Fahrenheit, Great Bear and Storm Runner for a last ride before they close for the holiday season.

Take a coaster ride in complete darkness

The Halloween season is the ONLY time of year that thrill seekers can experience a dark ride on some of their favorite roller coasters. During the last hour of operation each evening, the lights are turned off on Wildcat’s Revenge, Candymonium, Comet and Lightning Racer to create a ride experience unlike any other. Plus, the indoor glowing Laff Trakk coaster is completely dark during all operating hours. Trust us when we say riding a coaster at white-knuckle speed in the pitch dark is not for the faint of heart. 

Scream your way through five haunted houses

The five haunted houses throughout Hersheypark are included for the haunt enthusiasts in the family. The terrifying tales guests thought they knew are turning the page with new chapters. 

• Estate of Evil (New for 2024): A charming new brownstone has officially hit the market, and you're invited to take a tour! Wander through the 13 rooms of this spacious mansion and prepare to be captivated by the meticulous care the live-in waitstaff has taken to preserve the past. While exploring, envision yourself tending to the enchanting garden, entertaining inside the lively game room, and raising a glass inside the private wine cellar. But, be vigilant, or suffer the same fate as the previous owners.
• Auntie Mortem’s Abattoir: Step into the back office where the secrets of the Mortem family's trade are kept hidden in plain sight. Uncover the devious tactics her nephews use to keep the business in the red, but beware—you just might meet Auntie Mortem in the flesh.
• Haunted Coal Mine: Curse Of The Tommyknockers: Come face to face and shoulder to shoulder with the Tommyknockers and feel their wrath once more. Explore new depths, unveil hidden terrors, and brave the unseen in their haunted mine.
• The Descent: Catacombs Of Decay: A new merchant has reopened the antiquities shop and transformed it into a rare book store filled with ancient and powerful volumes. As Vera's abilities grow stronger, she pulls unsuspecting souls into the mysterious tunnels below. Be careful not to become part of her collection.
• Twisted Carnevil: The nightmare-fueled fun never ends at the Twisted Carnevil. Step beyond the tent and prepare to be mesmerized by a new hypnotic show stopper. This frightening spectacle will turn your reality upside down.

Brave the three spine-tingling Scare Zones

Also part of Dark Nights, midways transform into three Scare Zones each evening.

• Darkstone’s Hollow: Battle for Spring Creek (NEW in The Hollow): Ousted from his own show, Darkstone is now caged for all to see, while the showmen that hawked his traveling mythical collection now frantically seek shelter from the creatures that have claimed the hollow as their own.
  • Battle For Spring Creek (NEW): There are fire performers who will Battle on the Bridge in Darkstone’s Hollow scare zone during the night at 8:45 p.m., 9:45 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. (Fri./Sat. only)
• Midway Of Misery (Outside Laff Trakk): Misery loves company...The Decayed Brigade will welcome new sliders from the underworld and now have more corners to lurk in and ground to cover. Beware, for those who flock to the flames you never know who (or what) is waiting beyond the arch.
  • Slider Showcase (NEW): Guests can see the viral Decayed Brigade, including Fryboy and Gas Can, slide through the night during their showcase of skills located in Midway Of Misery at 10:15 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 9:15 p.m. on Sundays.
• Fallout Zone (Near Tidal Force): Rogue radioactive material has begun to emit an eerie green fog. Crews are scrubbing the midway to isolate, contain, and neutralize any threats. You may avoid the fallout but can you escape the madness from those within?

Scare your taste buds off with dreadfully delicious eats and desserts to die for

Guests can get a taste of some of the frightfully delicious food offerings available only during Dark Nights with the Hersheypark Halloween Tasting Pass. The Pass includes a choice of up to five specialty menu items from more than 35 food and beverage options throughout the Park, such as the KILLbassa Bowl, Loaded Sweet Potato Fries, Pomegranate Boba Iced Tea, Red Velvet Cookies & Scream Brownie and more. The Tasting Pass is $36.95 plus tax and can be purchased online before a visit.

Grab a nocturnal nightcap at a haunted rooftop bar

Park-goers brave enough to look past the cobwebs and venture upstairs to Spirit’s Rooftop Bar at The Chocolatier high above Chocolatetown will find spirits both real and imagined. Guests ages 21 and older can sip on a variety of delicious, spell-binding concoctions - from smoking cocktails and libations that will astonish and amaze with each sip - all while gargoyles watch over their every move. The haunted rooftop bar is available during all Hersheypark Halloween operating days, starting at 4:30 p.m. from Sept. 13 through Nov. 3, 2024, weather permitting. Seating is first-come, first-served. Reservations are not accepted.  

Save on tickets now

Hersheypark Halloween tickets include 50 rides (weather and maintenance permitting), five Dark Nights haunted houses, three Scare Zones, thrilling dark ride opportunities and Halloween entertainment.  

Guests can save up to 40 percent on Halloween by selecting the date of their visit, with tickets starting at $49.99, or purchase an Anytime Ticket that can be used on any date during the season. Guests visiting during Hersheypark Halloween can use any previously purchased 2024 Hersheypark ticket with a listed expiration date of January 1, 2025. 

Get to the thrills faster

Guests wishing to get to the thrills and fear faster and skip the lines during Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights can add a Fast Track program to their admission ticket. Limited quantities are available, so guests are encouraged to buy online today. Please note that Hersheypark admission tickets are sold separately and are required for entry to Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights. 

• Hersheypark Fast Track + Dark Nights Haunted Houses Unlimited - Skip the regular line all day long on participating coasters and rides, plus all night long at the five haunted houses after 6 p.m. 
• Dark Nights Haunted House Fast Track Unlimited  - Skip the regular line all night long at the five haunted houses after 6 p.m.
• Hersheypark Fast Track - Skip the regular line once per day on participating coasters and rides.
• Hersheypark Fast Track Unlimited - Skip the regular line for each of the participating attractions all-day-long.

Dare to join?