MLK Weekend 2025: 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., this Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. 

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.  

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!

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 on Saturday and Sunday with the purchase of a regular or senior ticket in person at the Admissions Building. 

ENJOY WORLD-CLASS ENTERTAINMENT IN A SMALL-TOWN SETTING

Sit back, relax and enjoy a Broadway show at Hershey Theatre over the holiday weekend! The venue will host “Pretty Woman” for five performances over the long weekend on Friday, Jan. 17 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 18 at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 19 at 1 and 6:30 p.m.

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

The Hershey Bears return home to GIANT Center over the long weekend for two exciting matchups. The Chocolate & White face the Belleville Senators on Friday, Jan. 17, where guests aged 21+ can look forward to enjoying $5 16 oz. select beers as part of a pre-game happy hour from doors until puck drop. Then, on Sunday, Jan. 19, it's Throwback Jersey Auction and Toyota Poster Night as the team takes on the Rochester Americans. Players will be wearing throwback-themed jerseys to be auctioned off post-game and all guests in attendance will receive a special poster, thanks to Toyota. 

DINE 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 entree 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!

• Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor is open Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.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 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.? Housing 600 butterflies from around the world, the atrium makes for the perfect 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. Don't forget, 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. Don't miss out on grabbing 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!