Hersheypark Christmas Candylane Returns Nov. 13 With New Experiences

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, the largest theme park attraction of its kind in Pennsylvania, returns on Nov. 13, 2026, marking the start of the holiday season in The Sweetest Place On Earth.

A cherished holiday tradition for more than 40 years, Hersheypark Christmas Candylane features an exciting lineup of all-new offerings like a Fire & Ice experience, while continuing to deliver the beloved seasonal experiences guests know and love. The USA TODAY 10Best-nominated theme park holiday event boasts the most lights of any amusement park in the state and is one of the only places in the Northeast to see all nine of Santa’s live reindeer.

For a limited time, visitors can save more than 45 percent on admission during the Christmas Candylane Presale through Nov. 15 by purchasing tickets online.

New Holiday Experiences

Headlining this year's lineup are several new, immersive holiday experiences included with park admission:

• All-New Fire & Ice Experience (launching Nov. 27): On select dates through Dec. 27, experience a winter wonderland featuring custom-crafted sculptures and an all-new light and fire show. Watch icy lights and blazing flames illuminate the night, perfectly synchronized to an atmospheric score.
• Expanded TREEville presented by Hershey’s (opens to the public Nov. 14): Experience TREEville at The Shore attraction in The Boardwalk At Hersheypark water park like never before! Walk among a magical grove of 14 Hershey’s candy-themed trees to take in the lights, lasers, and swirling fog. Plus, enjoy two festive treat stops with sweet and salty surprises along your walk.
• Festive Ride Overlays: In addition to dozens of family rides and select coasters, enjoy four new festive cars and all-new light displays at the Twin Turnpike ride, then sing along to a festive soundtrack on Holly Jolly Laff Trakk coaster.
• Estate Of Evil Holiday Open House (opens to the public Nov. 14 and offered nightly after 5 pm): Step inside the Estate Of Evil house to see how the staff has decorated the rooms with terrifying holiday flair. Take a stroll through sinister sights and eerie seasonal sounds while the staff is away.

All 2026 Bite, Full, King and Giant Size Hersheypark Season Pass Holders receive an exclusive first look at Estate Of Evil Holiday Open House and TREEville presented by Hershey’s on Nov. 13 as part of their perks.

Returning Favorites

From festive lights to seasonal rides and entertainment, Hersheypark Christmas Candylane continues to offer guest-favorite holiday attractions across the 121-acre amusement park, including:

• Millions of Lights: Marvel at more than five million lights, the most of any amusement park in Pennsylvania, and watch the music-synced NOEL light show presented by Highmark along Spring Creek every 15 minutes starting at 5 p.m.
• Unique Rides: Take a ride on 40 family-friendly and thrilling attractions, weather, temperature and maintenance permitting
• Santa and Reindeer: See Santa and all nine of his reindeer, including Rudolph, in the themed Mary N. Bright Airfield experience. (Santa is at Hersheypark through Dec. 24 with his reindeer here through Jan. 3, 2027.)
• Twinkling Thru Time Show: Relive your favorite holiday memories in Twinkling Thru Time stage show in the heated Chevrolet Music Box Theatre venue! Step into this returning fan-favorite show as Granny Anne takes you on a musical trip through the decades packed with classic, toe-tapping Christmas hits.
• Holly Jolly Sweet Greets: Snap a photo with select Hershey Characters donning their coziest winter apparel at a new location under the old Carrousel pavilion in Founder’s Way region
• Our Friends From The Sea Show: See the seals and sea lions during an educational show in the Aquatheatre inside Hersheypark

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is also included with admission to Hersheypark Christmas Candylane by accessing the Zoo from the bridge inside Hersheypark in the Kissing Tower Hill region during posted Park hours. The 11-acre zoo is open daily in November and December from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Winter is an ideal time to visit ZooAmerica, as many of the animals in the outdoor habitats become more active when temperatures drop.

Limited-Time Food and Beverage

Seasonal food and beverage offerings available during Hersheypark Christmas Candylane include new flavors of King Size Shakes and Holidogs hot dogs, as well as the return of the popular Hot Chocolate Bar and boozy hot chocolate offerings for guests 21 and older. A sweet souvenir, the Kissmas TREEts Collectible is also back.

The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio is open daily for lunch and dinner in November and December except on Thanksgiving and Christmas. A Breakfast with Santa experience is available on select dates from Nov. 27 through Dec. 24, featuring a delicious breakfast buffet with hints of chocolate, kids' activities and holiday family fun.

Hours and Tickets

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane opens to the public on select dates and all weekends from Nov. 13, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027. Extended hours are offered around Thanksgiving week, with daily operations starting Dec. 18 (closed on Christmas Day). Hours vary by day.

For a limited time, visitors can save more than 45 percent on admission during the Christmas Candylane Presale when purchasing tickets online through Nov. 15. Tickets purchased through the Presale are valid on any public operating day through Jan. 3, 2027.

Current 2026 Season Pass Holders can enjoy unlimited visits to Hersheypark Christmas Candylane as part of their year-long perks. 2027 Season Passes are on sale now - a great gift option! New this year, 2027 Full, King, and Giant Size Season Passes include the rest of 2026 for free, so guests can buy now and visit during Hersheypark Christmas Candylane.

Seasonal Getaways at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark

Visitors can extend their holiday stay in The Sweetest Place On Earth at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark: The Hotel Hershey, including The Villas luxury accommodation, Hershey Lodge family resort, Hershey Inn & Suites and Hersheypark Camping Resort campground.

On select dates starting Nov. 13, guests can enjoy holiday resort packages to ring in the season. The Hersheypark Christmas Candylane 1-Night and 2-Night packages at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hershey Inn & Suites include deluxe accommodations, Hersheypark Christmas Candylane tickets, and more. Hersheypark Camping Resort will also offer a Hersheypark Christmas Candylane camping package.

All guests receive Free Resort Benefits, including free front gate shuttle service, preview hours at Hersheypark and chocolate at check-in. Overnight guests of Hershey Lodge receive exclusive access to Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge indoor pool complex.

Holiday Happenings Around Town

The town built on chocolate is home to holiday concerts and championship hockey at GIANT Center arena, Broadway shows and live events at Hershey Theatre, seasonal spa treatments at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey resort spa and MeltSpa by Hershey day spa, and festive dining at more than a dozen premier restaurants.

The Hershey Story Museum on Chocolate Avenue, Hershey Gardens and Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction also offer special holiday events and promotions.

For additional information, hours, ticket offers and pricing for all holiday happenings in Hershey, please visit www.HersheyPA.com.