Hersheypark Christmas Candylane and Hershey Sweet Lights Now Open for 2024 Holiday Season

The most wonderful time of the year is here, as Santa and all nine of his reindeer have arrived at Hersheypark for the opening of Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. The merriest event of the year in Hershey kicks off tonight, Nov. 15, from 5-9 p.m. and runs on select dates through Jan. 1, 2025, with daily operations beginning on Dec. 12. Hours vary by day.

For over 40 years, Hersheypark Christmas Candylane has been a holiday tradition for generations of families. This year, visitors to the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania will experience 5 million holiday lights (the most in Pennsylvania), seasonal ride offerings and seven coasters, a new home for Santa and all nine of his reindeer in the Mary N. Bright Airfield, festive Hershey Character Meet and Greet opportunities and more - all included with a ticket. 

The separately ticketed Hershey Sweet Lights Presented By PPL drive-through attraction also kicks off tonight from 5-10 p.m. with new displays and theming experiences. 

Unique Hersheypark Holiday Offerings

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane features many festive experiences only found in The Sweetest Place On Earth, including:  

• The most lights in Pennsylvania, with 5 million, including the NOEL light show featuring lights synchronized to Christmas music
• Select family-friendly rides* like Dry Gulch Railroad and the Ferris Wheel that provide picturesque views of the lights
• Seven coasters*, including holiday theming on Jolly Rancher Remix and Laff Trakk
• The only place in the Northeast where guests can see all nine of Santa's reindeer in a new location with Santa called the Mary N. Bright Airfield
• A photo opportunity and interactive experience with Santa, his elves and Mrs. Claus through Dec. 24 
• Hershey Character Sweet Greets with fun holiday music and a photo opportunity inside the heated Chevrolet Music Box Theatre
• More hot chocolate varieties than ever, with signature hot chocolate, new boozy hot chocolate offerings and a hot chocolate bar with dessert toppers
• One-of-a-kind sweet treats, including the Park’s first-ever collectible snack container and award-winning holiday King Size Shakes
• TREEville trail with more than a dozen decorated trees that tell the stories of The Sweetest Place On Earth, opening Dec. 6

*Rides are subject to weather and maintenance. Cold temperatures, wind and snow on tracks can impact what can operate for the optimal guest experience. The Hersheypark app will list ride availability in real-time. 

Hershey Sweet Lights Presented By PPL

Outside of Hersheypark, Hershey Sweet Lights Presented By PPL has been a drive-through tradition for more than 20 years. Hershey Sweet Lights boasts two miles of fields and wooded trails decorated with nearly 600 illuminated, animated displays that follow unique themes, such as The 12 Days of Christmas, an Enchanted Forest and Hersheypark rides. 

New for 2024, Hershey Sweet Lights features:

• Three custom Hershey-themed displays depicting Wildcat’s Revenge hybrid coaster, Jolly Rancher Remix coaster and Hershey Bears hockey
• All-new region inspired by the Northern Lights
• New arrival experience with festive food and retail bundles for purchase, including the new Kissmas TREEts Collectible
• Enhancements to the Victorian Village portion of the attraction
• New Candy Cane Forest exit boasting uplit trees and light displays

Buy Online and Save

Today is the last day to save more than 45% on Christmas Candylane tickets when purchased online by 11:59 p.m. EST on Nov. 15. The tickets purchased during the Countdown to Candylane Pre-Sale offer are valid through Jan. 1, 2025.

Guests interested in experiencing Hershey Sweet Lights are encouraged to buy early and online to save. Admission ranges from $29.99 to $52.15, depending on the date you select and the type of vehicle when purchased online in advance before 5 p.m. Tickets for a standard car are $49.15 at the gate after 5 p.m.