MLK Weekend 2026: Things To Do in Hershey, PA
How To Spend The Long Weekend in The Sweetest Place On Earth
Looking for something to do over the long Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend? There are many sweet happenings throughout Hershey, The Sweetest Place On Earth! Keep scrolling for some of our favorite activities in Hershey, Pa., from Jan. 16-19, 2026.
Enjoy a Winter Resort Getaway
With so much to do and perhaps an extra day off work or school, why not take a long weekend getaway? There’s no sweeter place to stay than Hershey Lodge (featuring our 30,000 square foot indoor pool complex, Hershey's Water Works), The Hotel Hershey or our most luxurious accommodations at The Villas at The Hotel Hershey, each property 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.
Check out our Winter Guides for The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hersheypark Camping Resort a full list of activities to enjoy at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark in the month of January.
BONUS: 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 Weekends at ZooAmerica
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Looking for a fun winter activity for the family? The beginning of the year is an ideal time to visit ZooAmerica, as many of the North American animals are more active during the winter. ZooAmerica is open daily over the long weekend and features special Discovery Weekends programming on Saturday, Jan. 17, and Sunday, Jan. 18. Visitors can observe enrichment activities, join zookeeper chats, and participate in fun crafts related to the theme of "Curious Climbers."
BONUS: Children ages eight and under enter the Zoo for free on Saturdays and Sundays in January with the purchase of a regular or senior ticket in person at the Admissions Building.
Dine in Hershey's Chocolatetown
Open daily; Hours vary
There’s no sweeter place to enjoy lunch, dinner, dessert or drinks this weekend than at The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio in Hershey’s Chocolatetown. The full-service restaurant and bar is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. over the long weekend. 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.
Sports fans in town on Thursday, Jan. 15, can “Dine with Coco The Bear," The Official Mascot of the Hershey Bears. The weekly event, held on Thursdays from 5-7 p.m. during the Hershey Bears hockey season, provides diners with the opportunity to meet the beloved mascot. An exclusive menu featuring Hershey Bears-inspired items will also be available during this special event. Plus, kids receive a free kids’ dessert with the purchase of a kids' entrée.
If you are planning a visit to The Chocolatier on Friday, Jan. 16, or Monday, Jan. 19, you can enjoy the all-new weekday Sandwich & Shake combo. This deal, available every Monday through Friday in January, includes a choice of any milkshake and any burger or handheld, along with fries, for $25.
The Sweeterie Confectionery Kitchen is open from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily during the long 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 Hershey's Chocolate World
Open daily; Hours vary
There's always something to do at Hershey's Chocolate World Attraction, the official visitor's center of The Hershey Company, especially over the long weekend. 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!
Experience the Tropics at Hershey Gardens
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Did you know Hershey is home to one of only 25 year-round indoor tropical butterfly atriums in the U.S.? Hershey Gardens, a 23-acre walk-through botanical display garden, houses hundreds of butterflies from around the world. The atrium makes for the perfect wintertime activity.
Are you planning to visit on Sunday? Join friends of Hershey Gardens on January 18 from 2 to 3 p.m. for a walk around the garden to enjoy the beauty of winter. Eclipsed by flowers in other seasons, the trees and shrubs take center stage during the winter months. Diverse colors, shapes and textures will highlight the Gardens’ natural architecture. The Winter Walk is included in general admission, please note that walks will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
BONUS: Guests of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark receive free or discounted admission!
Discover the Sweet History at The Hershey Story
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
While visiting Hershey, Pa., take some time to learn about the town's sweet history at The Hershey Story. The 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 the interactive Chocolate Lab and Chocolate Tastings experiences.
BONUS: Guests of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark receive free or discounted admission!
Tour Founders Hall Visitors Center
Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company is proud to help fulfil the dream of our founder, Milton S. Hershey, by providing value to Milton Hershey School (MHS) in its mission of helping students lead fulfilling and productive lives - just as Mr. Hershey intended. The Milton Hershey School Founders Hall Visitors Center is open to visitors, offering an opportunity to explore more than 110 years of MHS history. The free tour explores the story of the School's past, present and future. Founders Hall is located at 801 Spartan Lane, Hershey, PA 17003, near the intersection of Meadow Lane and East Governor Road (Rte. 322).
