MLK Weekend 2024: Things To Do in Hershey, PA

Looking for something to do on this long weekend? There are lots of sweet happenings throughout Hershey The Sweetest Place On Earth! Keep scrolling for some of our favorite activities in Hershey, PA.

ENJOY A WINTER GETAWAY AT OUR RESORTS

With so much to do over the long 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.

Keep scrolling for more ideas of things to do in Hershey during your stay. And, don't forget, all resort guests receive FREE Resort Benefits, including free or discounted admission to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story Museum, preferred pricing to ZooAmerica, on-site recreation and activities and more. See you soon!

DISCOVERY WEEKEND AT ZOOAMERICA

Looking for a fun winter activity for the family? The beginning of the year is a great time to visit ZooAmerica, open daily, as many of the North American animals are more active in winter. 

Plus, Discovery Weekends are back this month so kids ages 8 and under will get into the Zoo for FREE with the purchase of a regular or senior ticket. 

LEARN MORE: 10 Things You Didn't Know About North American Animals at ZooAmerica in Winter

ENJOY WORLD-CLASS ENTERAINMENT IN A SMALL-TOWN SETTING

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a show at GIANT Center over the holiday weekend! The venue will host Cirque du Soleil's CRYSTAL for five performances on Jan. 11-14. CRYSTAL is a one-of-a-kind production that brings the circus arts to the ice for the very first time. Seven jaw-dropping traditional circus acts have been thrillingly adapted for Cirque du Soleil's first foray into a brand new creative territory - the ice! Take a journey into the vivid and whimsical world of imagination with CRYSTAL. Incredible seats are available for all five shows at HersheyEntertainment.com. 

FOLLOW THE HERSHEY BEARS, THE AHL'S TOP TEAM!

Cheer from the comfort of home with the rest of Bear Nation  - watch the Hershey Bears on AHLTV as the Chocolate and White hit the road and battle the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on Saturday, Jan. 13 at 7:05 p.m. and the Bridgeport Islanders on Monday, Jan. 15 at 3 p.m.

The Bears return home to GIANT Center to host the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. for PSECU Knit Cap Night, when the first 5,000 fans in attendance will receive a Calder Cup Champions knit cap, courtesy of PSECU.

DINING IN HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATETOWN

There’s no sweeter place to enjoy lunch, dinner, dessert or drinks this weekend than in Hershey’s Chocolatetown. 

• The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday and Monday. Guests can enjoy classic family fare with a fun spin and hints of chocolate for lunch or dinner. Plus, there’s a signature dessert menu filled with mouth-watering Hershey's chocolate-inspired treats. 
• Dine with Coco The Bear: If you're in town on Thursday, enjoy a FREE kid’s dessert with the purchase of a kid’s meal during Dine With Coco The Bear, available Thursdays in January from 5-7 p.m. Plus, hang out with Coco, The Official Mascot of the Hershey Bears!

And a special perk for 2024 Full and King Size Pass holders - we’ve doubled your discount for The Chocolatier so show your pass to get 20% off food (alcohol not included and one discount per check).

• Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor is open Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  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 Sweeterie Confectionery Kitchen is open from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily this weekend. Guests can choose from a curated collection of mouth-watering confections including chocolate-dipped treats, decadent desserts, signature hand-crafted fudge, and more.

WARM UP AT CHOCOLATE WORLD

There's always something to do at Hershey's Chocolate World Attraction, the official visitor's center of The Hershey Company. Create Your Own Candy Bar,  enjoy a free chocolate factory tour ride and become a chocolate tasting expert at the Hershey's Unwrapped experience. Plus, save time for shopping and a milkshake or other sweet treat! View hours.

EXPERIENCE THE TROPICS AT HERSHEY GARDENS

Did you know Hershey is home to one of only 25 year-round indoor tropical butterfly atriums in the U.S.? It's home to 600 butterflies from around the world and makes for a great wintertime activity. Find the Butterfly Atrium at Hershey Gardens, a 23-acre walk-through botanical display garden.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily this weekend. Remember, resort guests receive free or discounted admission! 

DISCOVER OUR SWEET HISTORY

While visiting Hershey, Pa., take some time to learn about the town's sweet history. The Hershey Story Museum in downtown Hershey honors and preserves the life and legacy of Milton S. Hershey, the town he created and the lives he touched.  While you're at The Hershey Story, grab tickets for interactive Chocolate Lab and Chocolate Tastings experiences. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Remember, resort guests receive free or discounted admission!