Hersheypark Halloween—recognized as one of the top Halloween events in the country by USA TODAY 10Best—delivers plenty of daytime fun for families before the immersive haunt experiences start at 6 p.m. Visitors can enjoy kid-friendly rides, sweet trick-or-treat stops, festive Hershey Character meet-and-greets, and much more. Families visiting with little ghouls and goblins can rely on this guide of family-friendly things to do at Hersheypark Halloween to help plan their perfect spooky season visit.

1. Rides for Every Age Group

Hersheypark Halloween tickets include access to 50 rides, weather and maintenance permitting. The park caters to every Hershey height group, offering more than 40 family and kiddie attractions along with more than a dozen thrilling coasters.

Thrill seekers in the family are in for a real treat, as the lights go out for dark rides on Candymonium, Comet, Lightning Racer and Wildcat's Revenge during the last hour of Hersheypark Halloween operation. For even more Halloween fun, Laff Trakk will feature lights-out rides during the entire operating day.

This event also serves as the final opportunity to experience select high-thrill coasters before they undergo winter maintenance in preparation for the 2027 season.

Please note that select family and kiddie attractions—including Granny Bugs, Monorail, Music Express, Pony Parade, Red Baron, Sweet Swing, Tea Cups and Trailblazer—may close at 5 p.m. prior to Dark Nights. Visitors are encouraged to download the Hersheypark mobile app to check real-time attraction availability and view the park map.

2. Trick-or-Treating for Kids (12 and Under)

There’s no sweeter place to trick-or-treat than Hersheypark! Children ages 12 and under can put on their favorite Halloween costumes* and explore 14 fun-filled candy stops along the Hershey's Trick Or Treat Trail. The trail starts with four stops at Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction and continues into The Boardwalk At Hersheypark region, where 10 additional stops await in Treatville.

Treatville opens at 6 p.m. on Fridays and at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and closes each operating evening at 8:30 p.m., including Halloween night on Saturday, Oct. 31. The path begins at The Boardwalk main entrance across from Fallout Zone and Estate of Evil and winds throughout the water park with fun photo spots and a festive hay maze.

*Costume Policy

• All guests: Costumes that may cause confusion between the Dark Nights actors and guests are not permitted. Additionally, except as otherwise noted below, costumes are permitted on attractions provided they do not interfere with the restraint system, proper riding position, or cause a hazard to guests, employees, and/or the attraction. The loose articles policy for each attraction can be found under the “Additional Restrictions/Accessibility” link located on the information pages for each attraction on Hersheypark’s website, in the Rider Safety & Accessibility Guide, and on the Height Signs located at each attraction. Failure to adhere to the Hersheypark Costume Policy may result in the costume not being permitted or guest removal from the Park.
• Guests age 12 and under: Costumes and costume masks that provide unobstructed peripheral vision at all times with openings that allow the eyes to be fully seen may be worn. Costume masks are not allowed to be worn on any attractions. Having a fully painted face is permitted. This applies to guests who come to Hersheypark in makeup and also to guests who have their faces painted by the Park’s face painters.
• Guests age 13 and older: Costumes may be worn but must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, revealing, objectionable, violent, or otherwise disrupt the general safety of guests or employees. Costumes may not contain any props or accessories that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon. Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another guest. Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening. Costumes may not drag on the ground as they could be a trip hazard. Costume masks are not permitted, but guests may have up to half of their face painted provided that it does not alter their identity.

3. All-New Monster Meet & Shriek

New this year, guests can come face-to-face with the monsters of Dark Nights during the Monster Meet & Shriek inside the Chevrolet Music Box Theatre. Offered every Hersheypark Halloween operating day from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., this family-friendly entertainment experience lets guests of all ages meet and pose for photos with featured monsters from the haunted houses and scare zones. Guests are welcome to take their own photos, but a dedicated Photo Pass photographer is also available on-site to capture spooky memories.

Daily character appearances are noted in the Hersheypark app but are subject to change based on availability.

4. Sweet Greets with Hershey Characters

Hersheypark is the only amusement park where guests can snap selfies with Hershey Characters dressed in Halloween costumes. Sweet Greet opportunities are offered at Hershey’s Hangout with Hershey Bar and Miss Kiss, and at Reese's Cuphouse with Reese and JR. Check the Hersheypark app for full schedule details, and remember to share your pictures on social media using #HersheyparkHalloween!

5. Scare-Free Avenue of the Afterlife

For guests who want to experience the Dark Nights thrills without any chills, there's no need to fear! Families can take a walk down the Avenue of the Afterlife, conveniently located in The Boardwalk. This scare-free zone is the place to dance, dine and celebrate the season with a crew of family-friendly creatures. Guests can purchase exclusive food, watch the Acro Duo jugglers and stilt walkers, and join a DJ Dance Party, now featuring select Hershey Characters - all while skipping the scares!

6. Our Friends From The Sea Show

Parkgoers can see California sea lions and Atlantic harbor seals during the Our Friends From The Sea show in the Aquatheatre at 2 and 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Please note there are no shows on Fridays.

7. 60+ Seasonal Food and Drink Options

Visitors often come for the rides, but they stay for the sweet treats at Hersheypark, and Halloween is no exception. Hersheypark offers a taste of fall with more than 60 limited-time snacks, savory eats and specialty drinks during Hersheypark Halloween. Instagram-worthy items include Flamin' Hot Cheetos Corn Dog Nuggets, a Brisket Cuban Sandwich and three Halloween-themed King Size Shakes—signature milkshakes topped with baked goods celebrating a decade of popularity in 2026!

Additionally, guests sample a variety of scary-good culinary offerings available during Dark Nights with the Hersheypark Halloween Tasting Pass. The pass lets visitors eat their way through Hersheypark by choosing up to five specialty items from more than 30 food and drink options. Priced at $39.99 plus tax, it can be purchased online prior to a trip or at Guest Services locations in the Park.

The Hersheypark Halloween Tasting Pass is $39.99 and can be purchased online or in-person at Guest Services locations. New this year, Tasting Passes are digital only for guest convenience. Guests will receive a barcode via email that can be easily scanned five times.

Explore our 2026 Foodie Guide to Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights to plan your culinary adventure through Hersheypark.

8. Haunted Houses and Scare Zones

If your family wants to give the scares a try, Dark Nights returns for its fifth year with an expanded lineup of frightful fun starting at 6 p.m. Admission to Dark Nights is included with a Hersheypark Halloween ticket or 2026 Hersheypark Season Pass, granting access to five haunted houses with varying levels of intensity and five spine-tingling scare zones.

New in 2026, brave visitors can follow the fractured tracks of the Reese’s Depot Of Doom scare zone. But they must beware. The freight yard may look abandoned, but it comes alive at night with shadowy trespassers starving for company. Navigate the fog-drenched boxcars with caution. Will you escape the Depot, or will you be doomed forever?

Note: Some aspects of the experience may be too intense for children younger than 13. Parental discretion and guidance are advised.

9. Creatures Of The Night at ZooAmerica (Starting Oct. 16)

Guests should bring their flashlight and curiosity, because ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is getting in on the Halloween action with Creatures Of The Night! The Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. this fall, with the Creatures Of The Night event running Fridays through Sundays from Oct. 16 to Nov. 1. The Halloween-themed experience from 6-9 p.m. is the only time of year that ZooAmerica is open after dark for visitors to explore the 11-acre Zoo by flashlight, see their favorite nocturnal animals under the cover of nightfall and enjoy educational activities.

ZooAmerica is included in the one-price admission to Hersheypark Halloween when accessed from the bridge inside Hersheypark during posted Park hours. Guests interested in visiting ZooAmerica before Hersheypark opens will have to purchase a separate Zoo admission.

10. Overnight Fall Getaway

Visitors looking to treat the family to a Halloween weekend in The Sweetest Place On Earth can book the perfect fall getaway at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark, with rates available online.

The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge, and the all-new Hershey Inn & Suites offer several Halloween packages, including a Dark Nights package featuring two nights of deluxe accommodations, a two-day Hersheypark ticket, breakfast each day, Hersheypark Halloween Tasting Passes and Dark Nights Haunted House Fast Track Passes for each guest.

All resort guests receive FREE Resort Benefits, including the best price on Hersheypark tickets, extra hours at the Park with Preview Plan and free front-gate shuttle service to our exclusive resort drop-off location.

Save On Halloween Visits

Hersheypark Halloween admission includes access to the Dark Nights haunted houses and scare zones, more than 50 rides and attractions, Hersheypark Halloween entertainment and much more fun for the whole family. Hersheypark Halloween pre-sale tickets are available now, starting at $36.99 when you pick your day on www.Hersheypark.com. One-Day Any Day Halloween tickets are also available for $54.99, giving guests the flexibility to visit on any Hersheypark Halloween public operating day. Current 2026 Season Pass Holders can enjoy unlimited visits to Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights.

Check out our top recommended attractions and signature Hershey activities for a visit over the long holiday weekend.

Spend a Full Day at Hersheypark Amusement Park

Open Daily; Hours Vary

The sun is setting on the summer season at Hersheypark, as Labor Day weekend marks the end of daily operations. Pennsylvania's largest amusement park offers non-stop excitement with more than 70 rides and attractions, an entire water park and one-of-a-kind sweet treats. Don't miss out on your last chance to see the Sweet Land of Liberty live stage show inside the climate-controlled Chevrolet Music Box Theatre, take a final plunge on Tidal Force or get your loops in on sooperdooperLooper before it temporarily closes for a new station.

Guests can save on their visit with $49.99 summer tickets available for purchase online.

Please note that Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 7) is the last operating day of the 2026 season for The Boardwalk at Hersheypark water park.

See Wildlife Up Close at ZooAmerica

Open Daily; Hours Vary

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is open daily through Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It's the last chance for animal lovers to participate in free daily activities, including keeper talks, animal encounters and feeding and training sessions. For a more personal experience, premium animal feedings allow visitors to feed favorite foods to gray wolves, a black bear or a river otter.

Access to the 11-acre zoo is included with a Hersheypark admission ticket. Those interested in visiting ZooAmerica in the morning before Hersheypark opens must purchase separate Zoo admission tickets online or at the Zoo Admissions Building.

Stay Overnight and Save with Summer Resort Packages

Availability Varies

Turn your trip into an extended long weekend getaway at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark! All resort guests receive FREE Resort Benefits, including free front gate shuttle service to and from Hersheypark, extra hours at the Park, resort activities for the whole family, free or discounted admission to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story Museum Experience, and plenty more perks.

Make the most of your time in Hershey with a 2-Day Stay And Play Package offered at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hershey Inn & Suites. The package includes 2-Day Hersheypark admission for each guest, deluxe accommodations and daily breakfast. Outdoor enthusiasts can book the Summer Camping Package at Hersheypark Camping Resort for top savings on Hersheypark tickets.

Take a Dip in the Outdoor Resort Pools

Open Daily; Hours Vary

Labor Day weekend calls for one last dip in the outdoor pools at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hersheypark Camping Resort before they close for the summer. Guests of The Hotel Hershey will enjoy an infinity-edge adult pool (18+) and family pool with zero-grade entry, while guests of Hershey Lodge can look forward to a spray fountain and lounge area. Two swimming pools and a kiddie pool are located at Hersheypark Camping Resort, along with plenty of other outdoor activities for guests of all ages.

Relax with Seasonal Spa Treatments

Availability Varies

Take time to unwind over the long weekend with an appointment at one of Hershey's award-winning spas! Both The Spa At The Hotel Hershey resort spa and MeltSpa by Hershey day spa in downtown Hershey offer an array of signature chocolate treatments and seasonal services. 

Ready to dive right into fall? Embrace autumn early with pumpkin spice facials, body scrubs and massages starting Aug. 25 or indulge in classic Hershey's Chocolate Treatments—ranging from soothing massages and facials to salon treatments and body wraps.

Savor Local Dining Across Hershey

Operating Days and Hours Vary

Hershey features an incredible array of dining choices to suit every taste, ranging from relaxed, casual spots to refined culinary experiences. Downtown Hershey offers a vibrant atmosphere with interactive dart games alongside craft culinary creations at the new Hershey Social Restaurant + Bar. Guests can even choose to enjoy prime seafood and steaks in a sophisticated setting at Devon Seafood + Steak.

Visitors of The Hotel Hershey can start their day off with fresh coffee and breakfast at Chef's Market, enjoy Italian classics at Trevi 5, or savor American classics and bold flavors at The Circular and 1933 Restaurant & Tavern. Hershey Lodge also offers all-day dining options, from over-the-top creations at Stacks to indulgent meals at The Bears' Den, Fire & Grain or Revelry; the choices are endless.

Hungry after a day of coaster rides at Hersheypark? Don't miss out on a fun-to-table meal at The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio. From a unique Ferris Wheel appetizer to delicious handhelds and more, The Chocolatier has something for everyone in the family. Reservations at all properties are strongly encouraged.

Tour the Founders Hall Visitors Center at Milton Hershey School

Open Friday, Sept. 4, and Saturday, Sept. 5; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Milton Hershey School (MHS) Founders Hall Visitors Center is open for visitors to explore more than 110 years of MHS history. The free tour explores the story of the School's past, present and future. Founder's Hall is located at 801 Spartan Lane, Hershey, PA 17003, near the intersection of Meadow Ln. and East Governor Rd. (Rte. 322).

Discover the Botanical Wonders of Hershey Gardens

Open Daily; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Spend part of the long weekend immersed in nature at Hershey Gardens. Spanning 23 scenic acres, the destination features 13 distinct themed grounds along with a tropical indoor Butterfly Atrium.

Guests visiting Sept. 4 to Sept. 6 can also view the fabulous works of art at the “Blooming Art” display inside the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory as part of the Hershey Area Art Association Show & Sale. Entry to the art exhibition is included with standard admission.

Learn about Milton S. Hershey's Legacy at The Hershey Story

Open Daily; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Hershey Story Museum honors and preserves the life and legacy of Milton S. Hershey, the town he created and the lives he touched. While exploring the museum's exhibits, visitors can grab tickets for the interactive Chocolate Lab to try their hand at chocolate pouring and decorating, and Chocolate Tastings to experience a flight of warm drinking chocolates from around the world. 

We look forward to welcoming you to The Sweetest Place On Earth. Start planning your long weekend getaway today, and don't forget to tag your favorite moments on social media with #HersheyPA.

1. Spend The Day at Hersheypark

Open Daily; Hours Vary

Coasters, delicious eats and more are calling at Hersheypark amusement park! The largest amusement park in Pennsylvania features three parks in one this summer, all accessible via a single admission ticket. Guests can enjoy more than 70 rides, including the most coasters in the Northeast, a full water park and an 11-acre zoo.

2. Cool Off at The Boardwalk

Open Daily, Weather Permitting; Hours Vary

Enjoy the last splashes of summer at The Boardwalk at Hersheypark water park! Experience two new water play areas, The Inlet and The Island at Bayside Pier, or get drenched by the massive East Coast Waterworks and its 1,000-gallon tipping bucket. Plus, take a thrill ride on Whitecap Racer and Breaker’s Edge Water Coaster, or relax on the 1,360-foot Intercoastal Waterway lazy river. Access to The Boardwalk is included with general Hersheypark admission through Labor Day, weather permitting.

3. Visit ZooAmerica

Open Daily; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is open every day in August for guests to explore a variety of habitats housing North American animals, including a river otter, Canada lynx, gray wolves and a black bear. The 11-acre zoo offers daily summer activities, such as special animal enrichment and training sessions for guests to watch.

Hersheypark tickets include entry to ZooAmerica only by accessing the Zoo through the bridge inside Hersheypark during posted Park hours. Those interested in visiting ZooAmerica in the morning before Hersheypark opens must purchase separate Zoo admission tickets online or at the Zoo Admissions Building.

4. Jazz On The Veranda at The Hotel Hershey

Aug. 7, 8 & 14; 7 to 10 p.m.

Unwind on the veranda at The Hotel Hershey with live music, sweet views, cocktails and light shareables available for walk-up service. Seating is first-come, first-served. The Veranda offers the sweetest viewing area for the fireworks presented by HERSHEY's on Aug. 8!

5. Fireworks Display at Hersheypark

Aug. 8; 10:15 p.m.

Spend the day riding coasters and close it out by enjoying a patriotic fireworks show! Saturday, Aug. 8, marks the final fireworks display presented by HERSHEY's in celebration of America's 250th. Hersheypark guests can stay inside the amusement park or the parking lots to watch the fireworks.

6. Celebrate S'mores Week at Hersheypark

Aug. 10-16; Hours Vary

National S'mores Day is celebrated on Aug. 10, and Hersheypark will once again mark the occasion with a weeklong lineup of delectable s'mores treats. From a S'mores King Size Shake to a S'mores burger and other themed baked goods, the sweetest amusement park has something to satisfy your cravings.

7. See A Live Show

Dates and Times Vary

Concert season is still heating up across the destination, with popular acts making their way to Hersheypark Stadium presented by Penn State Health and Hershey Theatre this month.

• Aug. 1: Guns N' Roses at Hersheypark Stadium
• Aug. 14: Tyler Childers at Hersheypark Stadium
• Aug. 15: Kesha at Hersheypark Stadium
• Aug. 18: Dogstar at Hershey Theatre
• Aug. 19: The Wiggles at Hershey Theatre
• Aug. 21: Killers of Kill Tony at Hershey Theatre
• Aug. 22: Pitbull at Hersheypark Stadium

8. Music in The Gardens at Hershey Gardens

Aug. 13, 20 & 27; 6 to 8 p.m.

Grab your favorite snacks and beverages to enjoy three nights of live music at Hershey Gardens. Performances include Generations Big Band on Aug. 13, The Best of Broadway on Aug. 20 (rescheduled to Sept. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m.) and Rhythmic Groove ft. Rose Hudson on Aug. 27.

9. Enjoy Outdoor Dining

Daily; Reservations Available at Select Locations

On nice weather days in Central Pennsylvania, join us for sweet outdoor dining (weather permitting) at the locations below across the destination:

• The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio in Hershey's Chocolatetown
• Hershey Social Restaurant + Bar in downtown Hershey
• Devon Seafood + Steak in downtown Hershey
• Trevi 5 Italian Restaurant at The Hotel Hershey
• 1933 Restaurant & Tavern at The Hotel Hershey
• Revelry Chophouse, Bar & Patio at Hershey Lodge
• STACKS all-day breakfast and lunch restaurant at Hershey Lodge

10. Relax With A Summer Spa Treatment

Daily; Appointments Highly Encouraged

Treat yourself to a day of relaxation at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey or MeltSpa by Hershey this month! Summer spa packages at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey include the Vacation For A Day Package, or indulge in the Summer Strawberry Collection at MeltSpa by Hershey with treatments like the Summer Strawberry Immersion, Scrub, Manicure and Pedicure.

11. Explore Founders Hall Visitors Center at Milton Hershey School

Open Monday - Saturday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Milton Hershey School (MHS) 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).

12. Book an End-Of-Summer Getaway

Extend your visit to The Sweetest Place On Earth with an overnight getaway to one of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark! Save with popular summer packages, including the guest-favorite Kids Stay, Play & Eat FREE Package at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and all-new Hershey Inn & Suites. With this package, kids under 17 can enjoy deluxe accommodations, free breakfast and free Hersheypark tickets.

Additional packages and offers at these properties include:

• Hersheypark 1-Night Package
• 2-Day Stay & Play Package
• Ultimate Summer Fun Package

Earlier this year, we welcomed Periwinkle (Peri) the Ringtail back to the ZooAmerica family. She and her three sisters were born here in 2018 to parents, Violet & Rambo. All four female ringtails then moved onto other accredited zoos. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Ringtail Species Survival Plan made the recommendation last October to pair Remington and Periwinkle for breeding. Remington (Remi) came to us from a wildlife rehabilitation center in California. Peri and Remi were introduced in early March, and we are thrilled that one of our former kits has welcomed a baby of her own. She even gave birth to Teddy in the same nest box that she was born in nearly eight years prior!

Periwinkle and Teddy will be visiting the ringtail habitat soon! Teddy is gaining more confidence in his abilities to walk, run, jump, slide and climb in his behind-the-scenes area. Once he is more skilled in his mobility, he will begin to explore the larger ringtail habitat. We will keep you updated when he and Periwinkle can be viewed by our visitors!

Other New Animal Additions to 11-Acre Zoo in Hershey

Teddy joins some other new arrivals at ZooAmerica this summer, including two black bear cubs and nine prairie dogs. You can read more about them here.

Briar and Bramble, a pair of orphaned black bear cub siblings, recently arrived in Hershey through the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks after being classified as non-releasable. The male and female cubs are acclimating behind the scenes, where they will grow and eventually be integrated with the zoo's resident bear, Chief, before making their official public habitat debut in the Eastern Woodlands region in 2027.

In the Big Sky Country, nine black-tailed prairie dogs can be spotted, though they frequently retreat inside their burrows to escape the heat.

The pair is currently acclimating behind the scenes, where they will mature and eventually integrate with the zoo's resident bear, Chief, before their public habitat debut in the Eastern Woodlands region in 2027.

"Beyond their charm, Briar and Bramble serve as ambassadors for their species, helping us educate our visitors on how to coexist responsibly with bears,” stated Theresa Wilson, Director of ZooAmerica. “We look forward to sharing their progress on our social media channels as they settle into their new home."

The bears are two of several new additions at ZooAmerica, including the arrival of nine black-tailed prairie dogs and the birth of a ringtail kit this summer. Born to parents Periwinkle and Remington, the male kit represents a second generation of ZooAmerica-born ringtails and signifies a key conservation success for the Ringtail Species Survival Plan.

Wilson noted the significance of the arrivals, stating, "This ringtail birth is deeply sentimental since the mother was also born here at ZooAmerica. Similarly, prairie dogs connect us to our history, as they were the first species our founder, Milton S. Hershey, introduced to his zoo over a century ago. We are proud to continue that legacy."

Guests can currently see the prairie dog colony in the Big Sky Country area, though they often hide inside their burrows when it is hot. The ringtail kit is off-habitat as it continues to grow.

ZooAmerica is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Sept. 6 and from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 7. Regular admission for guests ages 9-61 is $16.50 plus taxes and fees. Admission for juniors (ages 3-8) and seniors (ages 62+) is $14.50 plus taxes and fees, while children 2 and under are admitted for free. ZooAmerica is also included in the one-price admission to Hersheypark as one of three parks in one when accessed from the bridge inside the amusement park during posted hours. 

Head to Hersheypark Amusement Park, Open Daily This Summer

Hersheypark, a world-class 121-acre amusement park in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is open daily for the summer season through Sept. 7. Summer tickets include three parks in one with more than 70 rides, an 11-acre water park and access to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park when entering from within Hersheypark.

The summer ride lineup features 15 mild-to-wild coasters (the most in the Northeast), various family-friendly attractions and more than 20 kiddie rides spread throughout the Park- 

Given the incredible value included with a Hersheypark ticket, guests often choose to spend multiple days at Hersheypark to ensure enough time to experience all of the summer fun. As a reminder, The Official Resorts of Hersheypark guests receive the best price on Hersheypark tickets.

New Splashes at Water Park

Hersheypark is home to The Boardwalk, an 11-acre water park with one million gallons of water among 16 water attractions. The water park is located inside the amusement park, making it easy to cool off between coaster rides. 

New for 2026, Guests can look forward to a brand-new interactive water play experience at The Boardwalk within Bayside Pier, featuring 45 fun-filled aquatic elements designated for all ages. 

• The Inlet at Bayside Pier introduces a shaded splash area complete with playful dolphin and fish water features, along with whimsical spray elements perfect for cooling off on warm summer days. 

• Nearby, The Island at Bayside Pier features towering 10-foot palm trees with tipping water buckets that deliver refreshing surprises. 

Both new spaces include comfortable rubberized decking and shaded canopy areas, creating inviting spots for guests to splash, relax and enjoy everything The Boardwalk at Hersheypark has to offer.

All-American Summer Celebration

Hersheypark celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with patriotic events and activations all summer long, including the following: 

• Multiple dates of fireworks presented by HERSHEY’S on July 3, July 4 and Aug. 8 at 10:15 p.m.
• ALL-NEW live music show, Sweet Land of Liberty: A Celebration of the American Songbook, in the Chevrolet Music Box Theatre venue through Sept. 7
• Select Americana-themed attractions, like Star-Spangled Laff Trakk
• Red, white and blue ride light packages and decor
• Hershey Characters dressed in their festive best
• Limited-time food and drink, including a Star-Spangled King Size Shake (only available in July)

Visit North American Animals at ZooAmerica

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is an 11-acre, walk-through zoo that cares for more than 60 species from five regions of North America. Guests can see a black bear, wolves, Canada lynx, elk and other animals native to this continent.

ZooAmerica is open daily this summer from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Sept. 7. To enhance a summer visit, guests can enjoy daily activities, like special animal enrichments, animal encounters and keeper chats, included with admission. 

Regular admission to ZooAmerica is $16.50 plus taxes and fees. Juniors ages 3-8 and seniors ages 62+ are $14.50 plus taxes and fees. Children 2 and under are free. Hersheypark tickets include ZooAmerica only when accessing the Zoo through the bridge inside Hersheypark during posted Park hours. The Zoo is the perfect place for families visiting Hersheypark to take a quick break from the thrills.

Enjoy Live Entertainment

A sweet summer season of outdoor live entertainment is underway at Hersheypark Stadium with something for every music lover. Few places offer guests the opportunity to enjoy coasters all day and see shows outdoors at night under the Central Pennsylvania sky! 

• Chris Stapleton, June 24
• Santana & The Doobie Brothers, June 26
• Tim McGraw, July 11
• Thomas Rhett & Niall Horan, July 18
• Five Finger Death Punch, July 25
• Guns N’ Roses, August 1
• Tyler Childers, August 14
• Kesha, August 15
• Pitbull, August 22
• Iron Maiden, September 15 

Downtown, the Hershey Theatre has a robust lineup of shows throughout the summer.

• Chicago, June 23
• A Beautiful Noise - The Neil Diamond Musical, June 30- July 5
• Vine Gill, July 10
• Alison Krauss & Union Station, July 14
• Bluey’s Big Play, July 25- July 26
• Tori Amos, July 27
• Derek Hough, July 31
• Dogstar, August 18
• The Wiggles, August 19
• Killers of Kill Tony, August 21
   

GIANT Center also welcomes three more must-see summer shows with James Taylor, Dude Perfect, and “Weird Al” Yankovic, followed by five shows in the remainder of 2026. 

Dine Al Fresco at Hershey Social Bar + Restaurant 

Summer means outdoor dining in Hershey is in full swing. Visitors to Hershey can head downtown and enjoy the views of the Hershey’s Kisses-shaped street lights from the patio of the new Hershey Social Restaurant + Bar. With a wide array of food and drink offerings, Hershey Social has something for everyone after a long day at Hersheypark, before a show, or just because. Plus, daily happy hour specials are available from 4-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1-3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Eat on the Patio at The Chocolatier

With fun indoor booth seating themed around Comet and Tilt-A-Whirl to an outdoor patio offering one-of-a-kind views of Candymonium and our 107-year-old Carrousel, The Chocolatier is a visual experience like no other. An open kitchen serves up classic family fare with a fun Hershey twist. Diners can indulge in a Reese’s Take5 Chicken Sandwich, Heath Bar Crusted Salmon or Cocoa-Dusted Beef Short Ribs along with over-the-top Hershey's candy-inspired milkshakes, sundaes and desserts. One thing is for certain: a trip to The Chocolatier is sure to be as fun as it is delicious.

New for this summer, before Hersheypark Stadium shows, guests can enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat buffet on the patio starting three hours before concerts begin, featuring elevated summer barbecue favorites with themed cocktails to celebrate the artists performing that evening.  

Reservations are strongly encouraged for indoor table service, but not available for outdoor patio dining. Guests interested in re-entering Hersheypark after enjoying the patio will need to get their hands stamped. 

Relax at the Spa

Visitors can indulge in summer relaxation at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey resort spa and MeltSpa by Hershey day spa with signature chocolate treatments and seasonal treatment collections. Summer packages at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey include the Vacation For A Day Package, Citrus Sensation Package and Sweet Summer Sampler. MeltSpa by Hershey is excited to bring back a guest favorite, the Summer Strawberry Collection, featuring a Summer Strawberry Body Scrub, Immersion, Manicure, Pedicure and more. These seasonal summer packages and treatments are available through Aug. 31.

Looking to have a spa day the Hershey way? Guests can revel in one-of-a-kind chocolate spa treatments at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey with the Chocolate Fondue Wrap, Cocoa Massage and Whipped Cocoa Bath. Or they can head to MeltSpa for their exclusive Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Treatments, infused with Hershey’s dark chocolate, that will leave spa visitors feeling refreshed and smelling sweet

Where to Stay in Hershey

As you can see, there is so much to do during a visit to Hershey that many guests spend the night (or two or three or more). Really, what could be better than spending the night in The Sweetest Place On Earth? Booking a sweet getaway at one of the four Official Resorts of Hersheypark is the perfect way to kick off the summer! Guests can save on a stay with popular summer packages, including the guest-favorite Kids Stay, Play & Eat Free Package at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and the all-new Hershey Inn & Suites or the Hersheypark Summer Camping Package at Hersheypark Camping Resort. 

The sweetest part about choosing to stay at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark is the FREE Resort Benefits, including extra hours at Hersheypark with Sweet Start available through Sept. 7 and Preview Plan, and free front-gate shuttle service to the exclusive resort drop-off location at Hersheypark.

Hershey Inn and Suites

Located at 1300 West End Avenue in Hummelstown, the recently opened four-story, 130-room property marks the company's first brand-new hotel in nearly 60 years. Hershey Inn & Suites offers a first-of-its-kind family suite with bunk beds, a complimentary hot breakfast (a first for an Official Resort of Hersheypark), a lobby bar, a 24/7 arcade, a fitness center and an indoor pool open year-round.

The Hotel Hershey

Opened by chocolatier Milton S. Hershey in 1933, The Hotel Hershey is known for its refined elegance, signature service and abundant amenities and is a recipient of the AAA Four-Diamond Award. The Hotel is right across the street from Hersheypark and situated high atop the town of Hershey. Guests at the hotel can enjoy delicious dining, sweet relaxation at the Chocolate Spa, and experience a variety of recreational activities, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a sports complex and miles of hiking trails.

Swing by The Hotel Hershey on select Fridays this summer from 7 - 10 PM for Jazz On The Veranda. Make a reservation at your favorite restaurant before the music starts to enjoy a delicious dinner, and then stay for the music! Reservations not accepted for the jazz. 

Dates: 

• Saturday July 4 (includes Fourth of July fireworks and a special menu)

• Wednesday, July 8

• Friday, July 10

• Friday, July 17

• Friday, August 7

• Friday, August 14

For more information about this beautiful and historic property, check out The Hotel Hershey summer guide.

The Villas At The Hotel Hershey

Those interested in the ultimate luxurious stay should consider The Villas at The Hotel Hershey. Twelve Villas feature 48 reimagined rooms with refreshed furnishings and unmatched amenities, including an all-new exclusive concierge lounge with food, drinks and activities, daily Hersheypark tickets and One-Day Fast Track. Seven more Villas will open throughout the summer. This historic expansion will double the size of The Villas, offering even more luxury as part of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark and the most premium Hersheypark experiences.

Take a look inside The Villas and explore the daily schedule of exclusive activities and offerings for guests.

Hershey Lodge

Warm, welcoming, and distinctly Hershey, Hershey Lodge provides convenience and comfort for families and guests of all ages with sweet hospitality and chocolate around every corner. A guest favorite, Hershey's Water Works indoor water complex features a Reese's Water Walk, Twizzlers Twists water slides and a zero-entry pool for unlimited family fun. Families will also enjoy recreational amenities and activities like miniature golf and chocolate bingo. 

To learn more about this kid-friendly property, check out our Hershey Lodge summer guide.

Hersheypark Camping Resort 

Hershey is also home to Hersheypark Camping Resort for guests looking to stay in a log or deluxe cabin, park an RV at a partial or full hook-up site or pitch a tent along the creek. The campground offers more than 300 open and shaded sites situated among 55 acres of emerald hills, including two tiny homes - perfect for campers looking for a modern and trendy experience. During the summer, campers can enjoy splashes at two pools and a kiddie pool, as well as fun-filled activities like outdoor movies, crafts and animal encounters hosted by ZooAmerica. 

To learn more about camping in Hershey, check out the Hersheypark Camping Resort summer guide. 

Explore Other Hershey Must-See Attractions

When you aren't riding coaster, relaxing at our resorts, or enjoying a show, there's even more sweet inspired fun to be had throughout Hershey. 

Hershey Gardens

Guests can embrace the summer season by visiting 23 acres of beautiful blooming plant life at Hershey Gardens. Open daily, Hershey Gardens is home to 11 themed gardens, seasonal displays, and an assortment of flowers, shrubs and trees for guests of all ages to enjoy. Kids can immerse themselves in the Children’s Garden and Butterfly Atrium or get up close and personal with crawling creatures inside the Conservatory’s Zoology Zone. 

Tickets to Hershey Gardens are included with a stay at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hershey Inn & Suites and are discounted with a stay at Hersheypark Camping Resort. Visitors can also purchase general admission tickets.

The Hershey Story Museum 

Visitors to The Hershey Story Museum can learn the story of our founder and chocolate pioneer, Milton S. Hershey, his wife Catherine, and the town of Hershey through exhibits, artifacts and interactive experiences. Guests can also make and decorate chocolate in the Chocolate Lab for an additional fee or sip chocolates from around the world during Chocolate Tastings. 

Open daily, The Hershey Story tickets are included with a stay at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hershey Inn & Suites and are discounted with a stay at Hershey Camping Resort. Tickets may also be purchased at the Museum's main entrance.

Hershey’s Chocolate World 

Hershey’s Chocolate World is open daily this summer (view hours here). During a visit, families can experience HERSHEY'S Great Candy Expedition. This one-of-a-kind train-themed adventure will take passengers on a fantastical journey through colorful lands inspired by all the favorite Hershey candies. To sweeten the experience, guests get to help choose the train's path for a fun, interactive element! Visitors should not forget to make their candy dreams a reality at the Create Your Own Candy Bar experience or indulge in some of the delicious food and drink offerings Hershey's Chocolate World has to offer. 

Join out team this summer

Visit our Careers site to explore current opportunities to join our team! 

If you have little ones and are considering a summer getaway to The Sweetest Place On Earth, we’ve got you covered with our complete guide to Hershey for kids. 

Plus, for a limited time this summer, families can save with our Kids Stay, Play & Eat FREE resort package and sweet Hersheypark ticket offers. Keep reading for all of the details!

Where to Stay

The first step in planning a family vacation is figuring out where to stay with the kids. Lucky for visitors to Hershey, there are plenty of kid-friendly hotel accommodations in close proximity to all of the attractions. 

The Official Resorts of Hersheypark

From the Hershey’s chocolate bar received upon check-in to meet-and-greets with Hershey Characters in the lobby*, families will love The Official Resorts of Hersheypark and their many sweet amenities. Guests can choose from accommodations at The Hotel Hershey luxury AAA Four Diamond property, the warm and welcoming Hershey Lodge resort, Hersheypark Camping Resort year-round campground or Hershey Inn & Suites, the newest hotel to join the portfolio that also includes FREE hot breakfast.

*Available at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hershey Inn & Suites

Those interested in even more luxury should consider The Villas at The Hotel Hershey, an elevated luxury accommodation experience with exclusive amenities, including daily Hersheypark tickets and a One-Day Fast Track per person. 

The Villas offer 4-and 6-bedroom options that are perfect for large families. Guests can book an entire Villa and gain access to a Great Room featuring vaulted ceilings, a wet bar and a private fireplace, perfect for evening wine for the adults while the toddlers play nearby.

Villas guests can start and end their day in the exclusive Villas Concierge Lounge with continental breakfast, grab & go snacks, fountain soda, s'mores roasts around the Villas Concierge Fire Pit, exclusive Hershey Character weekend meet and greets and a dedicated concierge team member to help make reservations and handle requests. 

The Official Resorts of Hersheypark offer many kid-friendly experiences to sweeten any stay.

Kids’ Check-In: Offered seasonally and on select weekends at The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge, kids can start their getaway with their very own check-in at our Kids’ Check-In desk in the lobby. This sweet experience allows kids to sign the kids’ guest book, participate in a Hershey’s candy guessing game and receive a chocolate surprise.

Kid-Friendly Resort Activities: Throughout the summer, kid-friendly recreation and activities are available at all four resorts. At The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge, guests can enjoy family fun, such as chocolate bingo, s’mores roasts, mini golf or glow putting, Hershey Character appearances and more. A new arcade in The Hotel Hershey plaza is now open, where guests can win prizes and play classic games like pinball, skeeball, video games and more from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, kids can play at the playgrounds and indoor game room and participate in activities ranging from educational animal programs to comedy magic shows. At Hershey Inn & Suites, kids can enjoy the 24/7 arcade.

Splashes At The Pool: Don’t forget to pack the swimsuits! Kids won’t want to miss out on the splashing good times to be had at the resort’s pool complexes. Weather permitting, the outdoor pools at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hersheypark Camping Resort are open for the summer season from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. 

• Perfect for families, the outdoor pool complex at The Hotel Hershey features a family pool with zero-grade entry, two large slides and a kiddie spray deck, as well as an infinity-edge adult pool and whirlpool.
• The Villas guests enjoy 30 minutes of early access to the outdoor pool complex at The Hotel Hershey.
• In addition to an outdoor pool, guests of Hershey Lodge can enjoy a sweet indoor pool complex year-round called Hershey’s Water Works, complete with Twizzlers Twists water slides, a Reese’s Water Walk, a zero-entry pool, a sand castle spray zone, a lighthouse tipping bucket, basketball hoops and more.
• Campers at Hersheypark Camping Resort can cool off in two outdoor pools and a kiddie pool.
• Hershey Inn & Suites offers access to an indoor pool year-round. 

Packages and Benefits: Families can save on a getaway to The Official Resorts of Hersheypark with sweet overnight packages, including the guest-favorite Kids Stay, Play & Eat FREE Package - back for a limited time. Available on select Hersheypark operating dates through Sept. 7 at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hershey Inn & Suites, this package includes free accommodations, free Hersheypark tickets and free breakfast each day of stay for kids 17 and younger. 

Plus, all resort guests also receive FREE Resort Benefits, including the best price on Hersheypark tickets, free front gate shuttle service to and from the Park, extra hours at the Park, free or discounted admission to area attractions and more.

What to Do

There is plenty to see and do with kids in The Sweetest Place On Earth. Families can spend the day at the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania, learn about North American animals at an 11-acre zoo, attend a family-friendly show, create their own candy bar, see dozens of rare butterflies, explore the history of Hershey at a museum and so much more.

Ride all day at Hersheypark

For 120 years, Hersheypark has been known as a clean and green destination for family fun. The 121-acre amusement park is open daily through Sept. 7 (Labor Day) for coaster rides, King Size Shakes, Hershey Character selfies and water park splashes.

A sweet value, Hersheypark tickets include three parks in one—more than 70 attractions with the most coasters in the Northeast, The Boardwalk at Hersheypark water park and ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park.

All-American Summer Celebration: Hersheypark also offers patriotic activations and special summer events highlighting America’s 250th anniversary, including the following: 

• Multiple dates of fireworks presented by HERSHEY’S on July 3, July 4 and Aug. 8 at 10:15 p.m.
• ALL-NEW live music show, Sweet Land of Liberty: A Celebration of the American Songbook, in the Chevrolet Music Box Theatre venue from May 29 through Sept. 7
• Select Americana-themed attractions, like Star-Spangled Laff Trakk
• Red, white and blue ride light packages and decor
• Hershey Characters dressed in their festive best
• Limited-time food and drink, including a Star-Spangled King Size Shake (only available in July) and a Birthday King Size Shake available all summer long

Fun For All Ages: The extensive lineup of more than 70 rides offers something for everyone. Guests can explore rides on the Hersheypark app or website by Hershey’s candy height categories. Hersheypark has more than 20 kiddie rides, plus family favorites like the Carrousel with all 66 original horses and the Kissing Tower for an aerial view of the Park. Hersheypark is also home to the most coasters in the Northeast, from Cocoa Cruiser for the smallest thrill seekers to sooperdooperLooper as the first upside-down coaster for many young guests. For the older kids of 48 inches or taller, Wildcat’s Revenge hybrid coaster offers the ultimate thrills.

Families Can Ride Together: Hersheypark features a unique layout with 121 acres of outdoor attractions surrounded by shady trees, ample green spaces and fresh Pennsylvania air. Unlike other parks, Hersheypark was specifically designed with thrill rides in the same area as kiddie rides, so families don’t have to split up throughout the Park. One exception is Carrousel Circle, with many rides for the youngest guests. 

Kiddie Swap: Ideal for families, Hersheypark offers a Kiddie Swap program where one parent may ride while the other stays with the child and then, at the conclusion of the initial ride, the parents may "swap" places. Similarly, if one parent has two children who meet the height restriction but must be accompanied by a responsible rider, or who do not wish to ride alone, the parent may ride with one child while the other child waits in an appropriate ride area. At the conclusion of the initial ride, the parent may remain on the ride while the children "swap" places. 

Character Photo Opportunities: In addition to the rides, a beloved family tradition is taking a photo of children next to the Hershey Character-themed height categories in Hershey’s Chocolatetown as they grow each year. And, of course, Hersheypark is the only amusement park in the world where guests can snap a selfie with a Hershey Character. In celebration of the nation's semiquincentennial, Hersh, Miss Kiss and Reese are dressed in their patriotic attire this summer!

Sweet Treats: It wouldn’t be a trip to Hershey without treats kids love, from award-winning King Size Shakes (celebrating 10 years) to funnel cakes with Hershey's candies. For the ultimate sweetness, guests should visit Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor in Hershey’s Chocolatetown. Inspired by Mr. Hershey's early ventures in sweetness that came before his famous chocolate factory, expert Ice Creamologists craft custom creations from 100% local dairy house-made ice cream, Hershey's candy toppings, decadent sauces and more. Right next door to Milton's is The Sweeterie Confectionery Kitchen with chocolate-dipped treats, decadent desserts and signature hand-crafted fudge. 

The best part? Hersheypark offers various ticket options throughout the year, so families can choose the best option to fit their travel needs. 

Plus, general admission tickets include a free Preview Plan, allowing guests to enter Hersheypark for two hours on a night before their full-day visit by presenting their tickets at the main entrance to enjoy a fun-filled evening. Resort guests can enter three hours before closing.

Cool Off At The Water Park

After working up a sweat riding coasters this summer, park-goers can cool off at The Boardwalk at Hersheypark, an 11-acre water park located inside Hersheypark that is included with admission from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The Boardwalk has one million gallons of water among 16 water attractions, including two new water play areas, water slides, a water coaster, a lazy river and more. 

New for Summer 2026: Hersheypark recently debuted an enhancement to its water park, which is located within the amusement park and accessible via a single admission. The existing Bayside Pier kiddie wave pool with a zero-depth entry ramp and rolling waves now features two new water play areas boasting 45 aquatic elements for summer 2026. 

• A new shade-filled play zone, The Inlet at Bayside Pier, features water-spouting dolphins and fish, and whimsical water spray features.
• The Island at Bayside Pier debuts towering 10-foot-tall palm trees that tip buckets of refreshing water. 

Both new areas feature rubberized decking for additional guest comfort, allowing guests to sit and splash under shaded canopies. The new open design also allows families to seamlessly flow between other water attractions and cool off faster with access to the abundant water features. 

In addition to The Inlet and The Island at Bayside Pier, The Boardwalk has other kid-friendly water attractions. Shoreline Sprayground is an all-ages water fun playground with misters, bubblers, dancing fountains, spraying jets, water curtains and a drenching tipping bucket. The Boardwalk is also home to East Coast Waterworks, an attraction that boasts more than 600 interactive water features. The biggest splash comes from a 1,000-gallon tipping bucket for those looking to get drenched on a hot summer day.

See Dozens of North American Animals At The Zoo

ZooAmerica is an 11-acre walk-through zoo that cares for animals representing more than 60 species from five regions of North America. Guests can see gray wolves, a black bear, Canada lynx, a river otter, elk and other animals native to this continent.

Families with young animal lovers should consider elevating their zoo experience with a behind-the-scenes tour. ZooAmerica offers two special tours that guide participants through non-public areas, get them close to the animals and leave them with a deeper understanding of the animal world. Premium feeding experiences are also available, which includes admission to ZooAmerica.

ZooAmerica is included with a Hersheypark ticket only when accessing the Zoo through the Hersheypark bridge during posted Park hours. Regular admission to ZooAmerica is $16.50 plus taxes and fees. Juniors ages 3-8 and seniors ages 62+ are $14.50 plus taxes and fees. Children 2 and under are free.

Create Your Own Candy Bar

Conveniently located just across the plaza from Hersheypark, Hershey's Chocolate World is the official visitors center of The Hershey Company with many fun activities for families. 

Guests can learn how tropical cocoa beans become Hershey’s Chocolate on a free chocolate factory tour ride and participate in various paid experiences, including Create Your Own Candy Bar, Hershey’s Unwrapped: A Chocolate Tasting Journey, Reese’s Stuff Your Cup and Hershey Trolley Works. Plus, sip milkshakes and embrace the feeling of being a kid in a candy store as you browse their selection of Hershey’s exclusive chocolates and retail.

Pay a Visit to the Museum

The Hershey Story in downtown Hershey provides an interactive museum experience for children and adults alike, making it an excellent stop for the whole family. Guests can learn all about the life and legacy of our founder Milton S. Hershey, the town he created, and the lives he touched. Additional paid experiences are also available, including the Chocolate Lab, where guests can try their hand at chocolate pouring and decorating.  

Note: All guests of The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hershey Inn & Suites receive free admission, and guests of Hersheypark Camping Resort receive discounted admission.

See Hundreds of Butterflies From Around The World

Hershey Gardens is a 23-acre walk-through botanical display garden that offers 11 themed gardens, including thousands of roses in the summer and a Children’s Garden with interactive play areas, a performance space and a place for students to learn how to grow food. During a visit, guests can check out the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory, which includes a year-round indoor tropical Butterfly Atrium featuring hundreds of colorful butterflies from around the world. The atrium is one of only 25 year-round indoor tropical butterfly atriums in the U.S.

Note: All guests of The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hershey Inn & Suites receive free admission, and guests of Hersheypark Camping Resort receive discounted admission.

Where to Eat

Hershey is home to more than a dozen deliciously unique and award-winning restaurants, including some sweet dining options for families with children. 

Eat Breakfast At Fire & Grain

Families should start the day with a family breakfast at Fire & Grain. Located inside Hershey Lodge, the restaurant offers breakfast daily either as a buffet or a la carte menu based on availability. Children’s menus and buffet pricing are available, and kids receive their beverage served in a Hershey’s kid’s cup. Dinner and happy hour are also available daily at Fire & Grain.

Grab Lunch at The Chocolatier

Families looking for a fun lunch or dinner spot should consider making a reservation at The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio located in Hershey’s Chocolatetown. The full-service restaurant, bar and patio is open daily this summer and features nods to past and present elements from the Hersheypark ride collection, one-of-a-kind views of neighboring attractions and two bars. An open kitchen serves up classic family fare with a fun spin and hints of chocolate. Families can sit in a Tilt-A-Whirl booth at The Chocolatier to enjoy a Ferris Wheel sampler, popular burgers and a signature dessert menu filled with Hershey's chocolate-inspired treats like over-the-top milkshakes. 

Eat Dinner at Hershey Social Restaurant + Bar

Hershey Social, downtown Hershey's newest restaurant and bar experience, is open daily lunch and dinner. The space serves bold flavors and signature cocktails to sip, savor and socialize, plus fun, interactive darts for the whole family.

Cheer On Your Team At The Bears' Den

For families, sports fans and guests of all ages, The Bears' Den offers a fun hockey-rink atmosphere modeled after the hometown team, the Hershey Bears. Located inside Hershey Lodge, guests can enjoy classic American fare for lunch or dinner daily while taking in a game on one of 39 HD televisions and an enormous 7' x 12' HD video wall tuned in to all the sports action. 

If your family visits us this summer, be sure to snap some photos to remember your #HersheyparkHappy memories and tag us on social media at @TheSweetestPlaceOnEarth on Instagram.

From world-class resorts to a thrilling amusement park and concerts, there are endless opportunities to explore and have fun while visiting The Sweetest Place On Earth. In fact, there's so much to do that you'll need at least two days to enjoy it all. Explore this 2-day itinerary to help you prepare for your trip and experience all our destination has to offer.

Here are a few quick tips before diving into the day-by-day suggestions of things to do:

1. Save on your 2-day Hersheypark tickets by purchasing in advance online.
   • Discount offers are only available online. Tickets are full price in person.
2. Stay at one of  the four Official Resorts of Hersheypark to enjoy a variety of FREE Resort Benefits like the best price on Hersheypark tickets, free shuttle service to and from Hersheypark, and extra hours at Hersheypark.
   • Save with sweet packages, including our guest-favorite Kids Stay, Play & Eat FREE Package.   
   • Also, make sure to save some time to enjoy recreation on property, including swimming pools, family-friendly resort activities and more.
3. Book a treatment in advance at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey or MeltSpa by Hershey for the ultimate relaxation as summer availability is limited.
4. Purchase tickets for The Hershey Story or Hershey Gardens.
   • Guests of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark receive free or discounted admission at check-in.
5. If you’re interested in any of the Hershey’s Chocolate World indoor attractions, purchase a ticket online ahead of time.
6. Check the Hershey Entertainment schedule for any events, shows or concerts at Hersheypark Stadium, Hershey Theatre or GIANT Center.

Spend Two Days at Hersheypark

When you purchase a ticket to the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania, you get access to three experiences in one including 15 iconic coasters, an expansive water park, and our 11-acre zoo! With more than 70 summer attractions, make the most of your trip with a 2-Day Any Day Ticket, starting at just $45 a day.

If you're looking to explore more of this one-of-a-kind destination, then this is the itinerary for you!

Day One

Morning

You can’t begin your day without a good breakfast! 

• If you stay at The Hotel Hershey, The Circular offers breakfast daily from 7-10:30 a.m. The Belgian Kiss Waffles are a staple while visiting Hershey, as they have a Hershey’s Kisses shape in the center.
• If you stay at Hershey Lodge, head to Fire & Grain for breakfast, offered daily from 7-11 a.m. either as a buffet or a la carte menu based on availability. A la carte dishes range from fabulous French Toast with Hershey’s Chocolate Chips to a Smoked Salmon Benedict or even Steak & Eggs. Or, enjoy a breakfast and lunch menu at STACKS, an eatery serving dishes stacked high with flavor, such as stacks of Buttermilk Pancakes and Belgian Waffles with sweet toppings or savory options like the Crispy Chicken Biscuit Benedict or Meat Lovers Breakfast Bowl. Hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.
• Our newest resort property, Hershey Inn & Suites, offers free hot breakfast each morning.

After finishing your breakfast, head to your appointment at MeltSpa by Hershey day spa for some relaxation right in the heart of downtown Hershey. The exclusive Hershey’s Dark Chocolate treatments are some of our guests’ favorites. Plus, check out the seasonal Summer Strawberry Collection, featuring an immersion, manicure, pedicure and more.

Afternoon

Following your morning spa getaway, visit Hershey’s Chocolate World to take the famous Hershey’s Chocolate Tour, Create Your Own Candy Bar or take on Hershey's Great Candy Expedition, a train-themed adventure that whisks you away to candy-filled worlds. Be sure to stock up on your favorite Hershey’s candies! 

If you find yourself having more time in your afternoon to explore The Sweetest Place On Earth:

• Head over to The Hershey Story to learn more about Milton S. Hershey and the town's history. There is also a Chocolate Lab where you can build your own chocolate creation and learn how chocolate is made.
• For lunch, visit the all-new restaurant, Hershey Social, down the street from MeltSpa. Pro Tip: Hershey Social offers daily happy hour specials from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Evening

To wrap up your day, visit Hersheypark for the last two hours (or three hours if you’re staying at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark) to enjoy a free park preview included with your ticket. Squeeze in a few coaster rides before your full-day visit the next day. Remember to bring your ticket as you will still need to be scanned for entry. 

Need a dinner option that is convenient to the Park?

• The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio is located in the Hershey’s Chocolatetown region of Hersheypark outside of the front entrance. You do not need a Hersheypark ticket to dine there.
  • The Chocolatier serves up family fare with a fun spin and hints of chocolate from an open kitchen. The menu features all things from shareables to salads, big plates like Cocoa-Dusted Beef Short Ribs and Heath Bar Crusted Salmon, sweet desserts such as the Chocolate Fun-Due and the S'mores Milkshake and signature cocktails like the Reese's Cupfusion Old Fashioned and Mini Martini Flight. 

Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made in advance on The Chocolatier's website. 

Day Two

Morning

Rise and shine, it’s time for a day at Hersheypark!

• For a quick but tasty breakfast option on your way, stop by the Cocoa Beanery at Hershey Lodge or enjoy the complimentary hot breakfast buffet as a guest at Hershey Inn & Suites for some rich coffee and other yummy eats.
• For our guests at The Hotel Hershey, Chef’s Market is a similar grab-and-go option.

Afternoon

Resort guests and Full and King Size Season Pass Holders have access to Sweet Start (available through Labor Day), which allows them to enter the Park an hour before it opens to enjoy a selection of rides with shorter wait times. 

To all the coaster fanatics out there, we recommend heading straight to one of our 15 mild to wild coasters right when you enter the Park. But, don’t forget that Hersheypark tickets include three parks in one with the rides, ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park and The Boardwalk. From the 200 animals in our zoo to the 11 acres of water rides at our water park, there are endless things to experience during your visit to Hersheypark! 

• Please note that ZooAmerica is only included with a Hersheypark ticket by accessing the zoo through the Hersheypark bridge during posted Park hours. In advance of your visit, we suggest downloading the Hersheypark app and checking the hours for the zoo and the water park, as they may differ from the Park. 

Evening

If you get hungry heading into the late afternoon, there are plenty of in-Park dining options to choose from. 

• For a refreshing and healthy food option, Oola Bowls can be found at Kissing Tower Hill and at The Boardwalk! The Great Bear Bowl is a must-try that is inspired by our coaster.
• For all things barbecue, Spring Creek Smokehouse has everything from brisket and pulled pork to mac and cheese and mashed potatoes. 

Before you leave the Park, make sure you stop by HP Collections or Hersheypark Supply Co. to pick up some exclusive merchandise to commemorate your trip to The Sweetest Place On Earth.

We hope this itinerary helps you experience all the unique attractions that make Hershey, Pa., The Sweetest Place On Earth. Maximize your fun with our 2-Day Any Day Ticket and start planning your getaway!

The 11-acre Zoo in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is open daily through Sept. 6, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with modified hours of 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 7. The special activities are offered every day of the week through Sept. 7, weather permitting. Guests are encouraged to stop by the Admissions Building on the date of their visit for the most up-to-date daily activities schedule.

11-11:30 a.m. - Animal Enrichment

Location: Varies

Guests can join Zoo Educators and Naturalists alongside North American animals for a special enrichment activity or training session. Educators will meet with guests in front of the animal's habitat to share information about enrichment and its importance to the animal's physical and psychological well-being. These sessions provide animals with mental stimulation and the opportunity to engage in natural behaviors. Visitors will learn about individual animals and their natural history during this complimentary activity.  The list of participating animals and locations is available at the Zoo Admissions Building. 

2-2:30 p.m. - Animal Variety Program

Location: Woodlands Patio

Zoo guests can grab a seat on the Woodlands Patio and learn more about the animal ambassadors that call ZooAmerica home! This interactive program is an opportunity to connect with an educator and ask animal questions. Guests are encouraged to check the daily schedule in the Admissions Building for more information on which ambassadors will be featured during their visit.

2:30-3 p.m. - Tortoise Graze

Location: Between the prairie dog and pronghorn habitats

Tortoises and turtles love their time in the sunshine! Guests can visit these shelled reptiles each afternoon as they graze on the grass, bask in the sun or race each other to the nearest delicious dandelion flower. This activity provides a great opportunity to observe these slow-moving residents in a natural setting. 

4:30-5 p.m. - Keeper Corner

Location: Mountain lion, prairie dog and elk habitats

Zoo visitors are invited to stop by the Big Sky Country region of the Zoo to meet with our knowledgeable Zoo Naturalists for an engaging discussion about the various species that reside on the North American prairie. During this interactive session, guests will have the opportunity to learn about the unique personalities and natural histories of our individual animals in our Big Sky Country. Participants may even have the chance to observe the animals as they receive a tasty treat from their caretakers. This educational experience is designed to provide a deeper connection to the wildlife of the prairie region. 

Various Times - Animal Encounters and Exhibit Talks

Location: Varies

ZooAmerica offers animal encounters at various times each day for guests to see one of the ambassador animals up close. Visitors can also stop by certain animal habitats each day to learn about the animals' stories and natural history from the Zoo Educators during Exhibit Talks. The locations for these activities vary based on the featured animal. Guests should check the daily schedule in the Admissions Building for more information. 

While in the Admissions building, it's a great opportunity to see the mural featuring artwork from Milton Hershey School (MHS) students. This masterpiece is a collaborative effort between the Zoo and 20 MHS Senior Division students, whose individual drawings and paintings of North American wildlife—including owls, wolves, eagles, snakes and turtles—were combined into a unified design to greet visitors upon arrival. The mural not only celebrates the students' artistic talents but also reflects the mission of founder Milton S. Hershey to provide fulfilling opportunities for MHS students.

Summer daily activities are included with Zoo admission for added value. Regular admission for guests ages 9-61 is $16.50 plus taxes and fees. Admission for juniors (ages 3-8) and seniors (ages 62+) is $14.50 plus taxes and fees, while children 2 and under are admitted for free. Entrance is complimentary for all ZooAmerica Annual Pass Holders and 2026 Hersheypark Season Pass Holders.

ZooAmerica is also included in the one-price admission to Hersheypark as one of three parks in one when accessed from the bridge inside the amusement park during posted hours. Please note that ZooAmerica and Hersheypark hours vary. 

1. Spend The Day at Hersheypark

Open Daily; Hours Vary

Hersheypark amusement park is now open daily for its 120th summer season, with special events and activations in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. 

The largest amusement park in Pennsylvania features three parks in one this summer – all accessible via a single admission. Guests can enjoy more than 70 rides, including the most coasters in the Northeast, a full water park and an 11-acre zoo. 

2. Cool Off at The Boardwalk 

Open Daily, Weather Permitting; Hours Vary

Make a splash this summer at The Boardwalk at Hersheypark water park! Enjoy thrill rides like the Whitecap Racer and Breaker’s Edge Water Coaster, or relax on the 1,360-foot Intercoastal Waterway lazy river. Plus, experience our two new water play areas, The Inlet and The Island at Bayside Pier, or get drenched by the massive East Coast Waterworks and its 1,000-gallon tipping bucket. Access to The Boardwalk is included with general Hersheypark admission.

3. Visit ZooAmerica

Open Daily; Hours Vary

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is open every day in June for guests to explore a variety of habitats filled with North American animals such as river otters, Canada lynx and a black bear. The zoo offers daily summer activities, such as special animal enrichment and training sessions for guests to watch, weather permitting. 

Hersheypark tickets include entry to ZooAmerica only by accessing the Zoo through the bridge inside Hersheypark during posted Park hours. Those interested in visiting ZooAmerica in the morning before Hersheypark opens must purchase separate Zoo admission tickets online or at the Zoo Admissions Building.

4. Jazz On The Veranda at The Hotel Hershey

June 5 & 12; 7 to 10 p.m.

Unwind on the veranda at The Hotel Hershey on select Fridays this summer for live music, sweet views, cocktails and light shareables available for walk-up service. Seating is first-come, first-served. 

5. See A Live Show

Dates and Times Vary

June marks the start of outdoor concert season with the return of shows at Hersheypark Stadium presented by Penn State Health, along with an exciting lineup of acts at GIANT Center and Hershey Theatre. 

• June 6: Shinedown at GIANT Center

• June 7: Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening at Hershey Theatre

• June 10: Josh Groban with special guest Jennifer Hudson at GIANT Center

• June 13: Josh Gates at Hershey Theatre

• June 13: FREE America250PA Commonwealth Concert Series at Hersheypark Stadium featuring The Avett Brothers and Joan Jett

• June 14: Indigo Girls at Hershey Theatre

• June 15 (rescheduled from June 14): Forrest Frank at Hersheypark Stadium

• June 16: Daniel Tosh at Hershey Theatre

• June 20: Mumford & Sons at Hersheypark Stadium

• June 23: Chicago at Hershey Theatre

• June 24: Chris Stapleton at Hersheypark Stadium

• June 25: James Taylor at GIANT Center

• June 26: Santana & The Doobie Brothers at Hersheypark Stadium

• June 28: Dude Perfect at GIANT Center

• June 30: A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical at Hershey Theatre

6. Learn About Milton Hershey at the 1893 World’s Fair at The Hershey Story Museum

June 13 & 14; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Step into the excitement and innovation of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair at The Hershey Story Museum! Discover how the historic event shaped Milton Hershey’s future and the future of chocolate during a two-day, immersive event. The family-friendly indoor-outdoor experience features hands-on activities and interactive “innovation stations” inspired by the groundbreaking inventions and technologies showcased at the original 1893 fair.

7. Father's Day Celebrations at Hershey Gardens

June 21; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Treat Dad to a stunning display of classic Rolls-Royces and Bentleys at Hershey Gardens while learning the history of these luxury vehicles from the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club. Afterward, stroll through the grounds to enjoy 3,000 vibrant roses in full bloom just in time for the first day of summer. As a special gift, all dads receive free admission to the Gardens on Father's Day, and the car display is included with general admission.

8. Youth Takeover Day at The Hershey Story Museum

June 27; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Experience Hershey history through the eyes of the community's youth on Youth Takeover day at The Hershey Story Museum. As part of this annual national event, local students will take center stage to highlight young voices, ideas and leadership within the museum. Guests are invited to engage in hands-on activities, explore the Museum Experience and gain fresh perspectives on our region’s past through the unique insights of our local participants. This special programming is included with general Museum Experience admission.

9. Enjoy Outdoor Dining

Daily; Reservations Available at Selection Locations

As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, join us for sweet outdoor dining (weather permitting) at the locations below across the destination:

• The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio in Hershey's Chocolatetown
• Hershey Social Restaurant + Bar in downtown Hershey
• Devon Seafood + Steak in downtown Hershey
• Trevi 5 Italian Restaurant at The Hotel Hershey
• 1933 Restaurant & Tavern at The Hotel Hershey
• Revelry Chophouse, Bar & Patio at Hershey Lodge
• STACKS all-day breakfast and lunch restaurant at Hershey Lodge

10. Relax With A Summer Spa Treatment

Daily; Appointments Highly Encouraged

The Spa At The Hotel Hershey and MeltSpa by Hershey mark the return of their summer seasonal treatments this month! Treat yourself to a day of pampering at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey with summer spa packages like the Vacation For A Day Package or indulge in the Summer Strawberry Collection at MeltSpa by Hershey with treatments including the Summer Strawberry Immersion, Scrub, Manicure and Pedicure. 

11. National Rose Month at Hershey Gardens

June is National Rose Month, and there’s no better place to celebrate than Hershey Gardens, home to 3,000 blooming roses in 115 stunning varieties. To mark the occasion, any guest named "Rose" (or a variation thereof) will receive free admission all month long.

Plus, in honor of National Red Rose Day, Hershey Gardens is hosting special 30-minute guided tours of the Historic Hershey Rose Garden on Saturday, June 13, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tours are included with general admission.

12. Book A Getaway at an Official Resort of Hersheypark

Extend your visit to The Sweetest Place On Earth with an overnight getaway to one of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark! Save with popular summer packages, including the guest-favorite Kids Stay, Play & Eat FREE Package - back for a limited time at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hershey Inn & Suites. Or, celebrate National Camping Month with the Hersheypark Summer Camping Package, including Park tickets and accommodations at Hersheypark Camping Resort. 

Resort guests can make a splash at the outdoor pool complexes, open daily through Labor Day. Plus, enjoy daily resort activities, including Hershey Character appearances, s’mores roasts, chocolate bingo and more.

Here are six ways to stay Hersheypark Happy even when the forecast is calling for rain in Central Pennsylvania.

Ride Under Cover

Hersheypark is home to more than 70 rides with thrills for everyone. Although the weather may force a small handful of rides to temporarily close during scheduled operating hours, many of our rides can safely operate in light rain. Plus, there are a few that always remain open, maintenance permitting, for guest enjoyment under cover. During heavy precipitation, guests can take a spin on Laff Trakk, the first indoor, spinning, glow-coaster in the United States; become an agent and protect the factory on Reese's Cupfusion; bump family and friends out of the way on Fender Bender; and take a ride back in time on the Carrousel or Kissing Tower.

Tip: Parkgoers can stay up to date on ride availability and wait times with the Hersheypark app! The team will reopen rides as soon as safe to do so.

See A Show (starting May 29)

Sweet Land of Liberty: A Celebration of the American Songbook debuts May 29 inside Chevrolet Music Box Theatre.

Every great story has a soundtrack. Join us for an unforgettable live music show as we journey through the Rock, Pop, Country, and Soul anthems that shaped our history. These aren't just songs; they're the heartbeat of a nation. Rediscover some of the music you love and sing-along with the performers! Plus, stay for the encore; you never know which songs you will hear next!

Tip: Guests should check the Hersheypark app on the day of their visit for exact showtimes and further details. Character appearances are subject to change based on availability.

Play Arcade Games

Guests can play their way through an unexpected shower in the two arcades at Hersheypark. Play Dome Arcade, which is located in the Pioneer Frontier region, features video games, crane machines and redemption games. Across the Park is Overlook Arcade, the largest arcade located in the Kissing Tower Hill region. This arcade offers Skeeball in addition to the games found at Play Dome Arcade.

Tip: Guests will need to purchase a separate Games Card or Time Play pass, which they can load via cashless payment at an in-Park Gaming Card kiosk. All Season Pass Holders can get a bonus with purchase of certain denominations in a Game Card - activate your Game Card at Overlook Arcade or Play Dome Arcade to get your 15 percent off games all year.

Grab a Bite to Eat

What better time to rest and refuel at an amusement park than during a brief summer storm? Hersheypark offers a variety of covered and indoor eateries for guests to grab a snack and remain dry at the same time. We recommend stopping by The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio and Milton's Ice Cream Parlor, located at the front of the Park in Hershey's Chocolatetown. Guests can wait out the rain with some ice cream in hand. A win-win!

A fan favorite, Chick-fil-A serves up handcrafted lunch and dinner items Monday through Saturday in the Pioneer Frontier region. Guests in the Kissing Tower Hill region can swing on over to Overlook Food Court, which offers different concession locations featuring grilled burgers, made-to-order wraps, handcrafted salads, pizza and much more. Vegan vegetarian, and gluten-free options are also available.  View a full list of the more than 60 drink and dining locations throughout Hersheypark.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

There are more than 20 shops inside Hersheypark, many of which provide cover from the rain. Guests can visit Hersheypark Supply Co. to browse the largest collection of apparel, gifts, toys and more exclusive to Hersheypark. Another option is to head to HP Collections in Chocolatetown for premier brand apparel and collectibles, with the all-new HP Toys & Collectables right next door. New for 2026 is Coaster Collections for the ultimate thrill souvenir. 

Tip: All major credit cards, Hersheypark gift cards, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay are accepted. Guests who arrive at the Park with cash only can convert cash to prepaid debit cards at six Cash-To-Card kiosks throughout the Park at no fee. Prepaid cards can be used anywhere Visa is accepted.

Visit the Zoo

Entrance to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, an 11-acre walk-through zoo, is included in the one-price admission to Hersheypark when accessing the Zoo through the bridge inside Hersheypark during public operating hours. The best part? Some of the animals are located inside, providing an option for visitors to stay dry. In the Desert and Southwest Swamps buildings, visitors can see spoonbills, various species of rattlesnakes, an ocelot and more.

Tip: The Zoovenirs gift shop is another convenient location to avoid the rain at ZooAmerica.

Great ticket offers are available on Hersheypark.com, with three experiences in one ticket! 

Hersheypark

1. Visit Hersheypark

Open Weekends with Daily Operations Starting May 21; Hours Vary
 

Hersheypark amusement park is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays this month for Spring Weekends. Daily summer operations begin May 21 with hours varying by day. 

Spring Weekends feature more than 50 rides, including the most coasters in the Northeast, weather and maintenance permitting. Guests can also attend a meet and greet with Hersh and Reese at Hersh’s Hangout in Chocolatetown and enjoy Our Friends From The Sea shows inside the Aquatheatre. Don’t forget to indulge in some of the signature eats found throughout the Park, including the King Size Shake, which celebrates its 10th birthday this year.

Looking ahead to the summer season, Hersheypark will celebrate America’s 250th with events and activations starting Memorial Day Weekend. Visitors can enjoy fireworks presented by HERSHEY’S on May 23, an all-new star-spangled show in the Chevrolet Music Box Theatre starting May 29, limited-time food and drink, select Americana-themed rides and Hershey Characters dressed in their festive best.

Plus, the Hersheypark Summer Fun Card is back for just $99! Now with more flexibility than ever, you can visit whenever you want, as much as you want, all summer long through Labor Day! 

2. Make A Splash At The Boardwalk

Open Daily Starting May 23; Hours Vary

The Boardwalk at Hersheypark water park opens daily for the summer season later this month, with the debut of two new water play areas boasting 45 aquatic elements in the existing Bayside Pier area. 

• A new shade-filled play zone, The Inlet at Bayside Pier, will feature water-spouting dolphins and fish, and whimsical water spray features.
• The Island at Bayside Pier will debut towering 10-foot-tall palm trees that tip buckets of refreshing water.

Both new areas will feature rubberized decking for additional guest comfort, allowing guests to sit and splash under shaded canopies. The new open design will also allow families to seamlessly flow between other water attractions and cool off faster with access to the abundant water features. 

The 11-acre water park with 17 unique attractions is included with the one-price Hersheypark admission through Labor Day. 

Live Events

3. See A Show at Hershey Theatre

Dates and Times Vary

It’s another busy month at the recently renovated Hershey Theatre. From a symphony and an awards ceremony to concerts of various genres, there is something for everyone at the historic venue in downtown Hershey. 

• May 2: Hershey Symphony Presents: Czech, Please!
• May 8: Melissa Etheridge
• May 9: America
• May 17: 2026 Hershey Theatre Apollo Awards
• May 27: Jason Mraz

4. Live Events at GIANT Center

Dates and Times Vary

Spring programming at GIANT Center kicks off in May with four can’t-miss events:

• May 2: Stifel Stars On Ice
• May 16: Nate Bargatze
• May 23: Khalid
• May 31: 5 Seconds Of Summer

Around Town

5. Hershey Bears Vs Scranton Penguins at GIANT Center

Tuesday, May 5; 7 p.m.

The chase for the Calder Cup is on! The Hershey Bears have qualified for the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs, with the first games of the series against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins this month. The Bears will take on the Penguins for game 3 of the Atlantic Division Semifinals at GIANT Center in a best-of-five series. This is Hershey's ninth all-time playoff series against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, making the Penguins Hershey's most frequent postseason opponent among active AHL franchises.

6. NEW! The Hershey Story Book Club

Tuesday, May 5; 2 – 3:30 p.m. or 7 – 8:30 p.m.

The Hershey Story Museum invites the public to its inaugural book club discussion. Participants will discuss “The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America” by Eric Larson. Due to mature themes, participants must be 18 years of age or older. The book club is free, but seating is limited, so registration is required.

7. Free Admission for Moms at Hershey Gardens

Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Moms receive free admission to Hershey Gardens on Mother’s Day Weekend! On Sunday, May 10, view a variety of rhododendrons and azaleas in the Education Center. For an additional fee, enjoy Sarah’s Creamery on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Noel’s Café on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

8. Visit ZooAmerica 

Open Daily; Hours Vary

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is open daily in May, allowing guests to enjoy the sun and fresh air while seeing North American animals, such as river otters, Canada lynx and a black bear.

Hersheypark tickets include entry to ZooAmerica only by accessing the Zoo through the bridge inside Hersheypark during posted Park hours. Those interested in visiting ZooAmerica in the morning before Hersheypark opens must purchase separate Zoo admission tickets online or at the Zoo Admissions Building.

9. Try New Spring Dishes at The Chocolatier

Open Daily; Reservations Encouraged

The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio offers a new menu this spring, with updates to many big-plate dishes, decadent desserts and all-new handhelds like Lobster Tacos and a Chicken & Waffle Sandwich. There are two Ferris Wheel Sampler variations, one featuring refreshed appetizer offerings, including the return of the fan-favorite Hershey’s Chocolate BBQ Wings, and one featuring fresh desserts - a first in the history of The Chocolatier, which celebrates five years of fun-to-table meals this month.

10. Visit The Blossom Bar At The Chocolatier

Open Weekends; Hours Vary

Make a stop at the all-new Blossom Bar at The Chocolatier Patio, available during all Hersheypark Spring Weekends operating hours. This decorated space features a selection of exclusive cocktails that you can only enjoy from the comfort of our outdoor patio. Seating at the Blossom Bar is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

11. Treat Yourself To A Spa Day

Appointments Highly Recommended

Get your skin ready for summer with a relaxing spa treatment! Indulge in a full spa day experience at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey with spring treatments like the Milk & Honey Wrap, Herbal Meadow Sea Salt Scrub and Mojito Massage.

If you're looking for a quick pick-me-up in your week, head to MeltSpa by Hershey day spa for a treatment from the Spring Rejuvenation Collection, available through May 31.

To make an appointment at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey, please call 844-330-1797. For appointments at MeltSpa by Hershey, call 855-500-2366 or visit their website. 

12. Chocolate Lab Classes at The Hershey Story Museum

Daily; Times Vary

The Chocolate Lab at The Hershey Story Museum offers 45-minute classes where visitors can learn about chocolate’s origin while creating their own chocolate masterpiece. May Chocolate Lab classes include Art of Chocolate, Planet Chocolate and S’mores Galore. Yankee Doodle Bar classes being held on Memorial Day weekend. Children are required to be 5 years of age or older to enter the lab. Chocolate Lab tickets are purchased at admissions on a first come, first served basis on the day of the class. 

13. Make A Getaway to an Official Resort of Hersheypark 

Enjoy a getaway to one of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark this month! On select dates in May, guests of The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and the all-new Hershey Inn & Suites can save with summer resort packages such as the popular Kids, Stay, Play & Eat Free. Or, visit Hersheypark Camping Resort and book the Hersheypark Summer Camping Package, which includes accommodations and Hersheypark tickets. Don’t forget, all resort guests also receive FREE Resort Benefits, including the best price on Hersheypark tickets, free front gate shuttle service to and from the Park, extra hours at the Park and more.

Plus, get ready to make a splash when the resorts’ outdoor pools reopen for the season Memorial Day weekend!

Visit Hersheypark

Open Friday, May 8, through Sunday, May 10, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

If your mom is a thrill seeker and a foodie, look no further than Hersheypark amusement park! The largest amusement park in Pennsylvania is open for Spring Weekends and offers the largest coaster collection in the Northeast, over-the-top King Size Shakes (celebrating their 10th birthday in 2026!), sweet greets with Hershey Characters and more. 

Guests can save on tickets when purchased online with our current ticket offers.

Stroll Through ZooAmerica

Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

If mom is an animal lover, she'll enjoy a walk through ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, featuring animals native to the continent of North America. ZooAmerica is included with a Hersheypark ticket when entering the Zoo from the bridge inside Hersheypark during posted Park hours.

See Melissa Etheridge at Hershey Theatre

Friday, May 8, at 8 p.m.

American singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge will bring “The Rise Tour” to Hershey Theatre in May 2026. Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Etheridge has remained one of America's favorite female singers for more than two decades. The singer hit commercial and artistic stride with her fourth album, “Yes I Am,” in 1993. The collection featured her massive hits, "I'm the Only One" and "Come to My Window." She has won two Grammy Awards from 15 nominations, an Academy Award for "I Need to Wake Up" and a Juno Award. 

See America at Hershey Theatre

Saturday, May 9, at 7 p.m.

Following a sold-out run of shows for their 55th anniversary, classic rock group America will embark on “The Happy Trails Tour 2026”. Known for their timeless magic and powerful performances, the Grammy Award-winning group will draw on their deep catalog of hits, including their signature song, “Horse With No Name,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972.

Enjoy Delicious Dining

Open daily; hours vary

Treat mom to an indulgent meal at one of our 15 dining properties throughout Hershey, Pa. Highlights include the all-new Hershey Social, located at the intersection of Cocoa and Chocolate Avenue, which serves bold flavors and signature cocktails to sip, savor and socialize. 

1933 Restaurant & Tavern at The Hotel Hershey is open all weekend long and offers brunch every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring Brisket Benedict, Lobster Omelet and more. Other restaurants across Hershey, such as The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio, Devon Seafood + Steak, will also be open on Mother’s Day. 

Enjoy A Day At The Chocolate Spa

Open Daily

Nothing says “I love you, Mom” quite like a day of pure, chocolate-infused bliss. This Mother’s Day, treat her to some well-deserved pampering at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey, where she can dive into decadent treatments like a cocoa massage, a whipped cocoa bath, or a chocolate fondue body wrap.

In between services, she can retreat to one of four relaxation lounges or soak up the view from the Quiet Room balcony overlooking The Hotel Hershey's formal gardens. The spa still has some openings on the Friday and Monday of Mother’s Day weekend, give the reservations team a call at 844-330-1797 to make an appointment. 

Plan a Weekend Staycation

Booking a weekend stay at one of The Official Resorts at Hersheypark ensures that you and mom will have plenty of time to enjoy all of the excitement that the town built on chocolate has to offer. Resort activities are available at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hersheypark Camping Resort for the whole family to enjoy, including kids' check-in, s'mores roasts, chocolate bingo and arts & crafts.

All guests of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark, including guests of the all-new Hershey Inn & Suites select service hotel, also receive FREE Resort Benefits, such as discounted Hersheypark tickets, extra hours at Hersheypark with the Preview Plan and more!

Visit Hershey Gardens 

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hershey Gardens offers moms free admission to the 23-acre walk-through botanical garden on Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10. Guests who visit on Mother's Day weekend can see bounties of spring flowers on display and hundreds of butterflies from around the world in the Butterfly Atrium. Also in the Butterfly Atrium is the Zoology Zone, where visitors can get up close and personal with creatures from Asia, Australia and South America, as well as cool bugs from our own backyard.

Hershey Gardens is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For ticketing information, please visit HersheyGardens.org.

Visit The Hershey Story Museum

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Moms can also enjoy free admission to The Hershey Story's Museum Experience on Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10. Visitors to the museum will learn about the life and history of chocolate pioneer Milton S. Hershey, his wife, Catherine and the town of Hershey, Pa., through exhibits, artifacts and interactive experiences. To make a visit extra sweet, consider purchasing tickets to decorate chocolate in the Chocolate Lab and sip on chocolates from around the world during Chocolate Tastings.

The Hershey Story is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Tickets can be purchased at the museum admissions desk for entry.

Experience Hershey’s Chocolate World

Open daily; hours vary

Give Mom the sweet opportunity to become a chocolatier for the day at Hershey’s Chocolate World! She can create her own candy bar, learn how chocolate is made on a free chocolate tour ride, or learn more about what makes our town's history so sweet with a trolley tour throughout Hershey, Pa.

Mom can also be a kid in a candy store and explore aisles of unique gifts, chocolate-themed apparel, sweet souvenirs and, of course, candy at the World's Largest HERSHEY'S Store.

Chocolate World is open all Mother's Day weekend long; hours vary by day:

• Friday, May 8, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, May 9, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Sunday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Tickets for attractions may be purchased online in advance.

We hope you have a Happy Mother's Day in The Sweetest Place On Earth!

ZooAmerica will be open on April 18 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with Party for the Planet activities running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a unique opportunity for guests of all ages to visit an AZA-accredited zoo, experience animal encounters, celebrate Earth's biodiversity and learn how to help protect the planet we share with our animal friends.

Party for the Planet Activities

Throughout the event, visitors can enjoy free activities focused on three action areas: conserving, creating and connecting to nature.

• Rock painting activity
• Nature play area
• Conservation-themed education program
• Scavenger hunt on SAFE species
• Terracycle drop off located at Reduce, Reuse, Recycle booth
• Animal encounters at various locations throughout the day
• Wolf enrichment at 11 a.m.
• Bobcat enrichment at 1 p.m.

Party for the Planet Vendors

Various vendors and ZooAmerica booths will be set up throughout the Zoo during Party for the Planet. Guests can also grab a bite to eat at a food truck.

The following vendors are confirmed:

• PA Bat Rescue
• Wildlife in Need
• Just Juice
• Milton Hershey School (MHS) FFA student posters
• Bees/pollinators
• Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

The ZooAmerica team will also staff booths focused on the following: 

• Conservation Station
• AZA Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) Species
• Native Plants
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Party for the Planet is included with a ZooAmerica admission ticket. Guests enjoying Hersheypark amusement park for Spring Weekends on April 18 can visit the Zoo with their Hersheypark ticket by entering through the bridge inside the Park during posted Park hours.

Thanks to HE&R's initiatives, the company successfully conserved the following resources in 2025:

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY WITH US IN HERSHEY, PA

PARTY FOR THE PLANET AT ZOOAMERICA

In honor of Earth Day, ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park will host a Party for the Planet on April 18, 2026!

ZooAmerica will be open on April 18, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with Party for the Planet activities running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a unique opportunity for guests of all ages to visit an AZA-accredited zoo, experience animal encounters, celebrate the Earth's biodiversity and learn how to help protect planet Earth!

Milton Hershey School Earth Day Celebration

Join us at the Milton Hershey School Earth Day Celebration! Located at the Horticultural Center (260 Ivanhoe Lane, Hershey Pa.) We will have various activities to celebrate our planet including: 

• Games
• Crafts
• Shopping at Project Market
• And More!

Homeschool Day at ZooAmerica

Thursday, April 2; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is open daily in April (including Easter Sunday) from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On April 2, the Zoo will host a dedicated Homeschool Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., designed to provide an interactive educational experience for homeschooling students and their families. The theme for the day is "Animal Families," offering a curriculum-supplementing adventure focused on the different classes of the animal kingdom. 

The event will feature a variety of hands-on educational activities, engaging crafts and special animal enrichment to complement the lessons homeschooling students are currently learning. Numerous tables will be set up around the 11-acre zoo, each corresponding to reptiles, invertebrates, amphibians, mammals and birds. To help attendees navigate and make the most of the learning stations, complimentary educational booklets will be available for pickup at the Admissions Building. These booklets are designed for students to utilize at each station, providing additional information to support their learning journey.

The Fab Four at Hershey Theatre

Thursday, April 2; 7:30 p.m.

Hershey Theatre recently reopened to the public following its year-long historic renovation. A night at the theatre is a great way to celebrate the holiday weekend. The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute brings their all-new show to the Hershey Theatre stage on April 2, celebrating The Beatles’ second film, ‘HELP!,’ with performances from the movie soundtrack and the Beatles’ greatest hits of every era.

The Emmy Award-winning Fab Four is elevated far above every other Beatles Tribute due to their precise attention to detail. With uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles’ classics such as “Help!,” “Yesterday,” “A Day In The Life,” “Twist And Shout,” “Here Comes The Sun” and “Hey Jude,” the Fab Four will make you think you are watching the real thing.

Reester Bunny at Hershey’s Chocolate World

Thursday, April 2, through Sunday, April 5; Times vary

The Reester Bunny, a charming character inspired by the beloved Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, is still in town at Hershey's Chocolate World throughout the holiday weekend! Chocolate and peanut butter fans of all ages are encouraged to bring their cameras and their sweetest smiles to pose for a special photo-op with the Reester Bunny at the following times: 

• Thursday, April 2: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday, April 3: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, April 4: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Sunday, April 5: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Other activities include riding the free Hershey’s Chocolate Tour, creating your own candy bar, shopping for exclusive treats and finding the perfect Easter basket fillers.

Chocolate Lab Classes at The Hershey Story

Thursday, April 2, through Sunday, April 5; Times vary

Celebrate spring in the Chocolate Lab by making a sweet chocolate treat over Easter weekend! Located inside The Hershey Story Museum, the Chocolate Lab offers a hands-on experience where guests learn about the chocolate-making process and then make their own chocolate creation. Spring-themed classes include Butterfly Bark, Egg-citing Chocolate Bark, Marshmallow Bunny Tails and Spring Bar. Classes are 45 minutes long; children must be at least five years old to enter the lab. 

Hersheypark Spring Weekends

Friday, April 3, through Sunday, April 5; Times vary

Easter weekend marks the return to coaster riding at Hersheypark. The largest amusement park in Pennsylvania kicks off its 120th operating year on Friday, April 3, for the seven fun-filled Spring Weekends event. Guests can enjoy coaster rides and family attractions, new sweet treats, photos with the Hershey Characters, visits to ZooAmerica and endless Hersheypark Happy. 

Hersheypark Easter Weekend Hours:

• Friday, April 3: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, April 4: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Sunday, April 5: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Those looking to visit the amusement park over Easter weekend should purchase tickets before March 31 to save more than 45 percent with the Best Price Of Summer ticket offer. Tickets purchased online during this sale are valid on any 2026 public operating day through Jan. 3, 2027.

Collective Soul at Hershey Theatre

Friday, April 3; 8 p.m.

American rock group Collective Soul will visit Hershey Theatre on Friday, April 3, at 8 p.m. Hailing from Atlanta, Ga., Collective Soul celebrated their 30th anniversary last year with the release of their highly anticipated and critically acclaimed 12th studio album “Here To Eternity.” With eight No. 1 hits under their belt, Collective Soul continues to both record and play together at an uncompromised level of high quality. The five fiery rockers are only just getting started with the next phase of their thriving career, which has sold millions of records and wowed fans across the globe. 

Before seeing the show, enjoy dinner and drinks at the all-new Hershey Social Restaurant + Bar. Located right across the street from the Theatre, the full-service restaurant and bar serves chef-crafted entrees, iconic smash burgers, wings with signature Hershey’s sauces, over-the-top desserts and more.

Easter Brunch at Hershey Lodge

Sunday, April 5; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Locals and travelers alike can make their Easter celebration stress-free by letting the talented culinary team at Hershey Lodge handle the cooking! 

The family-friendly resort hosts an Easter Buffet on Sunday, April 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Chocolate Ballroom. Guests can expect a sprawling selection of holiday favorites, including carving stations, soups and salads, a seafood bar, a mezza bar, breakfast, delectable desserts and more. It's the perfect setting for a memorable family meal, with none of the kitchen prep or cleanup.

The Easter Buffet costs $78 for adults (13+), $38 for children (9-12), and $28 for children (3-8). Children two and under are free. For reservations, please contact lodgebanquetholidays@hersheypa.com or 717-534-8604. 

Book an Easter Getaway

Easter weekend in Hershey presents the perfect opportunity for a chocolate-filled getaway at one of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark! Whether you prefer the historic elegance of The Hotel Hershey, the family-friendly amenities of Hershey Lodge or the rustic charm at Hersheypark Camping Resort, each resort currently has room availability to welcome guests. To sweeten an overnight stay, the resorts offer Easter-themed activities for the whole family, including egg hunts, Easter bunny sightings, crafts and more.

Through the end of March, guests can save up to 40 percent on a resort stay with the Best Price Of Summer! Guests of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark also receive FREE Resort Benefits, such as a free shuttle to Hersheypark and extra preview hours for more coaster riding time.

Christine Johns, Administration

The Hotel Hershey 

Christine's nominator said “Since joining the team, Christine has set the standard for dedication. Whether she’s streamlining our ordering or tracking down answers to the toughest questions, she never misses a beat. Her expertise is matched only by her kindness, bringing a smile and a solution to every interaction.”

Cain Aldinger, Maintenance

Hershey Lodge

Cain’s nominator said, “Devoted, selfless, and team-focused—three things to describe Cain. He always goes above and beyond for our convention guests, blowing them and his fellow team members away. Group contacts are consistently impressed by his diligence and selfless spirit of service. Cain’s ability to tackle time-consuming tasks with a respectful attitude makes him a standout member of our team. Congratulations, Cain!”

Kelly Stoner, Guest Experience

Hersheypark Entertainment Complex

Kelly’s nominator said, “Kelly embodies the spirit of HE&R, advocating for both guests and teammates with unmatched accountability. She actively works to connect to her team both professionally and personally, showing genuine care for their well-being and their families. The full-time team relies on her ability to lead and manage events and are grateful for her trusted leadership and flexibility."

Dwayne Yeakley, Maintenance

Hershey Country Club

Dwayne's nominator said, “Dwayne led the project of demolishing and rebuilding the staircases on Hole 3 green and Hole 15 tee on the West Course. These staircases were 12 years old and in constant need of repair each year. This job is not a regular task for our team, but Dwayne decided to take on the project, providing a safer and sturdier pathway for our players on the course.  Dwayne is a consistently strong contributor within the Turf Management team."

For information on available employment opportunities, visit HersheyJobs.com. 

Teddy Bear Activities Included with Zoo Admission

ZooAmerica will be open on March 14 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., providing ample time for guests to enjoy the day's events and the entire 11-acre North American Wildlife Park.

The highlight of the event is the Teddy Bear Repair Clinic, which will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside the Woodlands Classroom. Here, children can bring their beloved teddy bear or any other stuffed animal friend for a comprehensive wellness check-up. The "medical team" consists of a real veterinarian and knowledgeable Zoo naturalists who will carefully examine each patient.

If a stuffed companion is diagnosed with a loose eye, a slight tear or any other "boo boo," a dedicated teddy bear surgeon will be on hand with stitches and Band-Aids to perform necessary repairs and send the stuffed friend home feeling good as new. This interactive experience offers a unique, fun-filled way for children to learn about caregiving and veterinary science.

In addition to the clinic, the day features several other activities designed to entertain and educate, including a story time, a scavenger hunt and a bear artifact station. 

Plus, Coco the Bear, The Official Mascot of the Hershey Bears, will make a special appearance from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. for photos with attendees!

Meet ZooAmerica's Resident Black Bear

After participating in the indoor activities, guests can explore the Zoo at their own pace. A must-see on the trail is the Eastern Woodlands region, home to Chief, the resident American black bear.

Chief was born in January 2014. He was found begging for food in Oregon as a yearling. He was likely a pet that was returned to the wild. Malnourished and small, he was taken to a wildlife rehabilitator and then sent to ZooAmerica in June 2015, where he has thrived ever since. 

While Chief may be taking a winter nap in his large tube den, which mimics a natural den site, guests are encouraged to observe his spacious habitat. The black bear is a remarkable species, and Chief serves as an excellent ambassador in animal behavior and adaptation during the colder months.

Plan Your Visit: Additional Event Information to Bear In Mind

• Weather Policy: Teddy Bear and Friends Day is a rain-or-shine event, ensuring the fun happens regardless of the weather.
• Included Activities: All special activities for Teddy Bear and Friends Day are included with regular Zoo admission.
• Ticket Prices: ZooAmerica admission is $16.50 plus taxes and fees for guests ages 9 to 61 and $14.50 plus taxes and fees for guests ages 3 to 8 and ages 62 and older. Children 2 and younger (and stuffed animals) are free!
• Pass Holder Benefits: Admission is also complimentary for both ZooAmerica Annual Pass Holders and 2026 Hersheypark Season Pass Holders.

We look forward to seeing you soon for a truly beary-fun celebration!

Make it a Bear-Filled Weekend with the Hershey Bears

For sports fans, the celebration doesn't have to end at the Zoo! The legendary 13-time Calder Cup Champion Hershey Bears hockey team is scheduled for an action-packed three-game streak during the same weekend. The schedule kicks off with an away game at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Friday, March 13, followed by two home games on Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15, against Belleville. 

Both home games are promotional nights, making them perfect family activities or group outings for fans of all ages. The home game on Saturday at 7 p.m. is Penn State Health Drawstring Bag Night for all fans. The home game on Sunday at 5 p.m. is Washington Capitals Night, where all fans receive a rally towel.

1. See A Live Show

Dates and Times Vary

The historic Hershey Theatre officially reopens to the public following its year-long renovation on March 5 and we’re celebrating with shows you’ll love all month long. March also brings concerts and kids shows to GIANT Center. Check out the full lineup of events down below!

Shows at Hershey Theatre:

• March 5: Neil deGrasse Tyson

• March 13: Jim Jefferies

• March 21: Hershey Symphony Presents: Rogers & Hammerstein’s Carousel, In Concert

• March 24-29: TINA - The Tina Turner Musical

Shows at GIANT Center

• March 1: Three Days Grace

• March 13: Brit Floyd

• March 26-29: Disney On Ice Presents: Frozen & Encanto

2. Cheer On The Hershey Bears

Dates and Times Vary

As the Hershey Bears hockey club pushes towards the playoffs, fans can catch the action during five exciting home games at the GIANT Center in March. 

The promotional schedule is packed all month, but the absolute highlight is Hersheypark Night on Sunday, March 22 at 5 p.m. versus the Bridgeport Islanders. Combining hockey and rollercoasters, this special evening features appearances from your favorite Hersheypark characters. Best of all, every fan in attendance will receive a 2026 Hersheypark ticket valid for one-day admission through June 30, 2026!

AROUND TOWN

3. Toddler Tuesday at ZooAmerica 

March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is hosting Toddler Tuesdays every Tuesday in March, where guests can enjoy quality time with their little ones at the 11-acre zoo in Hershey, Pa. The program features self-guided activities and a sweet souvenir to take home. Standard admission rates apply, but entry is free for ZooAmerica Pass Holders and 2026 Hersheypark Season Pass Holders. Moms, dads, siblings, grandparents and friends are all encouraged to attend!

4. Early Spring Nature Walk at Hershey Gardens

March 8 & 15; 2 p.m.

Enjoy an extended two-hour guided walking tour at Hershey Gardens featuring the Gardens history and landscape as it transitions from winter into spring with emerging flowers.This tour includes additional areas such as the Arboretum and other special highlights throughout the garden, including the unique contorted pine tree and a restoration American chestnut tree. The tour also includes the history behind the Four Seasons Statues. This event is included in general admission. 

5. Teddy Bear & Friends Day

March 14; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A Zoo fan favorite, kids 12 and under are invited to bring a stuffed animal to ZooAmerica for Teddy Bear & Friends Day on March 14! Guests can stop by the Teddy Bear Repair Clinic with their stuffed animal friend for a check-up and repair by a real veterinarian or Zoo naturalist. Kids can also participate in story time, a scavenger hunt and a bear artifact station. All activities are included in standard admission.

6. ZooAmerica Eggstravaganza

March 28 and 29; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

ZooAmerica is open daily in March from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but during visits on March 28 and 29, guests can participate in an egg hunt and receive fun prizes. Other egg-themed activities and crafts will also be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both days.

7. Relax With Spring-Inspired Spa Treatments

Available Daily; Appointments Highly Encouraged

Get ready for warmer weather with spring spa treatments from The Spa At The Hotel Hershey and MeltSpa by Hershey! The Spa At The Hotel Hershey offers a Coconut Lime Rasmapolitan Mani/Pedi this month, and MeltSpa’s Spring Rejuvenation seasonal collection is back for a limited time. Spring Rejuvenation treatments include massage, manicures, pedicures, facials, and more. Relax in the lounges before, in-between, and after treatments with hot cocoa, double chocolate muffins, and Hershey's candies.

To book an appointment at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey, call 844-330-1797. For MeltSpa appointments, call 855-500-2366 or go online. 

8. Visit The Hershey Story Museum

Open Daily

Explore the fascinating history of Milton S. Hershey in an educational and immersive environment well-suited for both adults and children at The Hershey Story Museum in downtown Hershey. Animated kiosks tell the stories of how Mr. Hershey went from “rags to riches” and, through perseverance, created a recipe for milk chocolate, a thriving town and a school for underprivileged children. A self-guided tour, the Museum Experience also features touch screens, live working machines, replica props, movies and more.

Additional experiences are available at The Hershey Story Museum including the Chocolate Lab, where guests can learn about chocolate and make their own chocolate treat, or enjoy a Chocolate Tasting and sample warm drinking chocolates from around the world.

DINING

9. Dine With Coco at The Chocolatier

March 5, 12, 19, 26; 5-7 p.m.

Dinner with Coco continues at The Chocolatier this month! Guests can say hello to Coco, the official mascot of the Hershey Bears, and enjoy a special-themed menu, which is also served on Bears game days.

Reservations are available online and are strongly encouraged for guests dining in for lunch and dinner. Reservations are not required to sit at the Carrousel Bar. 

10. Ferris Wheel Fridays at The Chocolatier

March 6, 13, 20, 27 

Each Friday at The Chocolatier this month, guests can enjoy the iconic Ferris Wheel Sampler for just $25 with the purchase of an entree. A taste of fun for everyone, this appetizer wheel includes hand-rolled Cuban Egg Rolls, Root Beer Glazed Bacon Bites and more. This deal is limited to one Ferris Wheel Sampler per table, no further discounts apply. 

11. Opening of Hershey Social 

Open Daily Starting March 11; Reservations Encouraged

Looking for a new place to dine? Hershey Social Restaurant + Bar, opening March 11, is more than a seat at a table - it’s the heartbeat of downtown, located near the iconic intersection of Cocoa and Chocolate Avenue. Occupying the former Houlihan’s Hershey space, the newly reimagined full-service restaurant and bar will serve chef-crafted entrees, iconic smash burgers, wings with signature Hershey’s sauces, over-the-top desserts and more. Hershey Social will be open daily for lunch and dinner and is now accepting reservations.

12. The Chocolatier Hosts Beef and Bourbon Week

March 23-29

In celebration of National Whiskey Day on March 27, The Chocolatier will debut a limited-time Beef and Bourbon menu for one week only from March 23-29, 2026. This menu features exclusive dishes with cuts of beef supplied locally by Bow Creek Farm along with an assortment of bourbon and whiskey-based cocktails for guests ages 21 and over.

Overnight Getaways

13. Save on Your Summer Getaway 

Through the end of March, you can save up to 40% on your stay at an Official Resort of Hersheypark with the Best Price Of Summer! FREE resort benefits are included in every stay,  including the best price on Hersheypark tickets, extra park hours, and free front gate shuttle service to a convenient resort drop-off steps away from the Hersheypark front gate. At the resorts, you can enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, delicious dining, and free or discounted admission to local attractions like The Hershey Story Museum, Hershey Gardens, and ZooAmerica.

Summer packages include:

• NEW! Morning Jumpstart Package at The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge
• Hersheypark 1-Night Package at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hershey Inn & Suites
• 2-Day Stay and Play Package at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hershey Inn & Suites
• 3-Day Sweet Stay Package at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hershey Inn & Suites

Hersheypark Summer Camping Package at Hersheypark Camping Resort

Looking Ahead

Hersheypark Opens April 3

The countdown to Hersheypark Happy is on! The largest amusement park in Pennsylvania opens for its 120th operating season on April 3. 

Now is the best time to save on spring and summer thrills with the Best Price Of Summer ticket offer. Guests can save more than 45 percent on 1-Day and 2-Day Any Day Tickets to Hersheypark when purchased online through March 31. Tickets purchased during this sale are valid on any 2026 public operating day through Jan. 3, 2027. 

Join The Hersheypark Team!

Get hired on the spot for part-time positions on the 2026 Hersheypark team! We’re hosting an exciting hiring event on Sat., March 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hersheypark Service Center located at 100 W. Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, Pa. (Search “Hersheypark Employee Parking Lot” into any map app; access to the event is via the Hersheypark Employee & Delivery entrance off Hersheypark Drive.). Available jobs include Lifeguard, Morning Clean-Up Crew, Guest Recovery Agent, Foods Team Member, Accessibility Services Agent and more! Don’t miss this chance to showcase your skills and discover your next great opportunity. Apply and RSVP today to secure your spot in-person and schedule an interview. We’ll see you there!

The Zoo offers 29 weeklong camp sessions - the most ever - from June 8 through Aug. 17, 2026, for preschoolers through high school students. Given the continued popularity of ZooCamp, ZooAmerica added another Middle School ZooCamp session and another session for first through third grade this year.

The ZooCamp curriculum is carefully crafted to be age-appropriate, with a blend of hands-on activities, close-up animal encounters and exploration designed to foster a lifelong love for wildlife and conservation:

• Preschool ZooCamp (Ages 4-5): This session is a perfect introduction to the animal kingdom! Preschool campers will participate in an animal-themed story time, create a craft to take home, enjoy a provided snack, get an up-close look at one of the ambassador animals with a dedicated Zoo educator, and take a short, guided walk through a portion of the Zoo.
• School-Age ZooCamp (Grades 1-6): Designed for elementary students, this session dives deeper into the world of wildlife. Activities include animal encounters, opportunities to create cool crafts, guided zoo walks with focused discussions on different regions and species, and more.
• Middle School ZooCamp (Grades 7-8): This session offers a more hands-on, career-focused experience. Middle schoolers will have the unique opportunity to shadow naturalists during their morning opening routine, allowing them a behind-the-scenes look at daily animal care. They will also actively participate in making enrichment activities for select animals and will work on meaningful conservation projects to benefit wildlife.
• ZooCrew I and II (Grades 9-12): This extensive session is ideal for high school students passionate about zoology, veterinary medicine or conservation careers. The curriculum covers advanced topics such as animal anatomy and classification, safe animal handling techniques, principles of exhibit design and conservation efforts. Campers will participate in an enrichment lesson and project, a specialized falconry presentation, in-depth discussions on zoo careers, conservation projects, nature-inspired crafts, an educational field trip and other activities.

A highlight of ZooCamp is the special excursion across the pedestrian bridge to the Aquatheatre located inside Hersheypark amusement park. This exciting addition allows campers to have a memorable visit with the seals and sea lions cared for by the experts at Ocean Connections.

ZooCamp sessions range in price from $240 to $490 per participant, depending on the age group and session selected. ZooAmerica Pass Holders and 2026 Hersheypark Season Pass Holders are eligible to receive a discount on their ZooCamp registration. 

Parents and guardians eager to secure a spot for their child should register online now, as these popular sessions fill up quickly. If a camp session is full, interested families can email ZooAmerica@HersheyPA.com with their preferred session and contact information to be added to our official waitlist.

We look forward to another wild summer filled with exploration, hands-on learning, and unforgettable adventure at ZooAmerica!

ZooAmerica is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. throughout the winter season for a fun and educational outing to beat cabin fever. Before stepping into the zoo, explore these nine facts about the winter habits of North American animals, which may surprise even the most seasoned wildlife enthusiast.

1. Porcupines may use the same den for their entire life.

The North American porcupine is largely an asocial creature, typically spending its life in solitary pursuit of food and shelter. However, porcupines will congregate in communal dens when the cold weather becomes particularly severe or prolonged, a behavior known as "denning." These dens are often natural formations, such as rock crevices, caves, hollow logs or abandoned burrows, that provide solid insulation and protection from predators and the elements. Some dens are so well-made that many different porcupines will occupy them, not just for a single season, but across many decades. 

Viewing Tip: The two porcupines at ZooAmerica, Carmine and Juniper, spend lots of time in their dens during the winter months. Visitors should still be able to spot some quills, as they have about 30,000 of them! 

2. Wild black bears can sleep for 100 days without needing to wake up.

Black bears are not considered "true hibernators" in the same way as some other species. Instead, they engage in a survival strategy known as "denning" like porcupines, driven largely by the severe shortage of food resources. During denning, the bear’s physiological functions slow down dramatically. For example, the heart rate can plummet to an astonishingly low rate—sometimes registering as low as eight beats per minute. 

Viewing Tip: Chief, the black bear at ZooAmerica, does not need to undergo the rigors of denning because he is provided with a consistent and reliable diet year-round. Nevertheless, he does tend to spend significantly more time sleeping and moving in what the ZooAmerica naturalists often describe as a "slow-motion" manner. Visitors should keep an eye out for Chief in the big tube in his habitat or the rock cave next to it, where he often dens this time of year.

 3. A healthy alligator snapping turtle can survive under the ice for over 100 days.

The phenomenon of alligator snapping turtles residing under the ice during the winter is an example of nature's ingenuity. As water temperatures drop below a certain threshold, a healthy adult turtle enters a state of near-total physical shutdown, known as brumation. During this period, almost all bodily functions cease or slow to a crawl, except for the light sensors in their eyes. These specialized photoreceptors can register an increase in light combined with the rise in temperature above the ice, which indicates that springtime has arrived. This is the signal for the turtle to "turn their body on again” and come to the surface to breathe.

Viewing Tip: Louise, the alligator snapping turtle at ZooAmerica, lives in an indoor habitat in the Southern Swamps building. She spends a lot of time in the water, either submerged or with her head just above the surface - even though there is no ice!

4. Snowy owls have feathers down to their toes.

The snowy owl possesses an adaptation that distinguishes it from most other owl species: dense feathering that extends all the way down to its talons. While the feet of many owl species are bare or sparsely feathered, the snowy owl's legs and feet are covered in thick feathers. This plumage not only provides exceptional insulation against sub-zero temperatures and snow but also helps the owl maintain a stable body temperature during prolonged periods of hunting on frozen ground or icy perches. 

Viewing Tip: Since snowy owls are birds of the treeless tundra, the two owls at ZooAmerica spend a lot of time on the ground.

5. Not all elk need to migrate. 

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) is known for its dramatic winter migrations, where tens of thousands of majestic elk descend from high-altitude summer ranges to lower elevations. This movement is a critical survival strategy, allowing the elk to escape the deep snow and find areas with a more accessible food supply. However, Pennsylvania does not typically receive the same volume of persistent snow as the GYE, which means the state's elk herds can generally find sufficient food resources throughout the entire year without the need for long-distance migration. To prepare for the cold, the elk rely on the growth of an exceptionally thick coat of fur to keep them warm even on the chilliest days.

Viewing Tip: While the elk at ZooAmerica have a barn for a comfortable retreat from the elements, they often choose to embrace the snow. John Henry and Phoebe can frequently be observed laying contently outside, even during a snowfall.

6. Gray wolves will use their tail to cover their nose.

Gray wolves exhibit an effective behavioral adaptation to survive bitter winter cold: they will curl up tightly into a ball, strategically using their dense, bushy tail to cover their nose and sometimes their feet like an insulated scarf. This seemingly simple position is a mechanism for conserving critical body heat. 

Gray wolves also rely heavily on the strength of their social structure to endure winter. When temperatures plummet, they will huddle and lay close together with other members of their pack. 

Viewing Tip: There are three gray wolves in the pack at ZooAmerica. They are often more active during the winter months, often seen running around their habitat, especially at the top of the fence line.

7. Pronghorn herds in Wyoming have the longest land migration in the continental U.S.

The pronghorn holds the distinct honor of undertaking the longest land migration in the continental United States. These animals, often mistakenly called antelope, navigate a challenging journey twice a year in the American West. The migration involves multiple distinct herds, each comprising approximately 400 individuals, totaling thousands of animals. Their 150-mile, one-way journey connects the wintering grounds of the Green River Basin in southwestern Wyoming with the high-elevation summer pastures inside Grand Teton National Park. The pronghorn have traversed this federally protected route, known formally as "The Path of the Pronghorn," for thousands of years.

Viewing Tip: ZooAmerica has one pronghorn, Callum. He is extremely tame and almost always visible to guests in his habitat. He will even run to greet the naturalists when he sees them approaching. 

8. River otters have two layers of fur to help keep them warm. 

North American river otters have a two-layered coat of specialized fur - an adaptation for thriving in cold, aquatic environments. The inner layer, known as the underfur, is incredibly short and dense. Its primary function is to act as a waterproof barrier, trapping a layer of air against the otter's skin for solid insulation. River otters also have a layer of subcutaneous fat beneath their skin, which helps them to maintain a stable internal temperature even when spending prolonged periods swimming and hunting in icy rivers and lakes. 

Viewing Tip: If they aren’t playing in the water, the two river otters at ZooAmerica, Link and Iris, sometimes curl up under a log or among the rocks in their habitat.

9. Thick-billed parrots do not live in the tropics. 

Unlike the vast majority of parrots, which thrive in the warm, humid climate of the tropics, thick-billed parrots have adapted to a far more challenging and unexpected environment: the high-elevation pine and mixed-conifer forests of the Sierra Madre Occidental in Mexico. Here, temperatures can plummet, and the landscape is often blanketed in snow during the winter months. It is this adaptation to cold, snowy conditions that has earned the thick-billed parrot its evocative and fitting nickname of the “Snow Parrot.”

Viewing Tip: Visitors to ZooAmerica should look up to see the thick-billed parrots in the Great Southwest region of the zoo. Look up! These vibrant green birds prefer to be as high as possible in their habitat. They are often perched on the nest boxes or eating at one of their food stations.

Plan a Zoo Visit

ZooAmerica tickets are available for purchase online or at the Zoo Admissions Building. Regular admission for guests ages 9-61 is $16.50 plus taxes and fees. Admission for juniors (ages 3-8) and seniors (ages 62 and above) is $14.50 plus taxes and fees. Children 2 and under are free. 

Every Friday in February, regular and junior/senior admission is 50 percent off - a sweet savings!

Current ZooAmerica Pass Holders can enjoy unlimited year-round visits to the Zoo, and 2026 Hersheypark Season Pass Holders get into the Zoo for free, too. 

Whether you're seeking a romantic retreat for two, a fun-filled family staycation or a Galentine’s Day getaway for your closest friends, the charming town built on chocolate offers the perfect backdrop and a delightful mix of activities to create sweet memories.

Here are our top picks of things to do from Feb. 13-16, 2026, ensuring your long weekend is filled with love, laughter and, of course, plenty of chocolate.

Fantastic Fridays at ZooAmerica

Friday, Feb. 13; 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Although ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is a wonderful destination any day of the week, visitors will find that Fridays in February offer a particularly sweet incentive to stop by.

The Zoo has rolled out its special Fantastic Fridays ticket promotion, making the end of the Valentine’s Day work week the perfect time for a unique winter visit. This limited-time offer provides guests a 50 percent discount on both regular adult and junior/senior admission tickets. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or in person at the Admissions Building.

Live Insect Feedings at Hershey Gardens

Friday, Feb. 13; 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Hershey Gardens is open daily in February from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Now through March 31, visitors can enjoy reduced winter pricing. As a bonus, guests who purchase a gift membership in person through Feb. 14 will receive a themed Valentine’s Day gift box and two Gardens tickets. 

On Feb. 13 at noon, guests can stop by the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory to watch insectivores (insect-eating animals) enjoy a special, nutritious snack. During the Live Feedings at the Zoology Zone Interactive Cart, guests will learn about each of the predatory insects, frogs, arachnids and the feeder insects. This special activity is included in general admission. 

BYOB Truffles for Couples at The Hershey Story

Friday, Feb. 13; 5:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.

Chocolate lovers, rejoice! The Hershey Story Museum is hosting a new BYOB Truffles for Couples, with availability still remaining for Feb. 13. The special evening full of decadence and fun begins by tasting single-origin warm drinking chocolate from around the world. Participants will then partake in a one-hour Chocolate Lab class where they can hand-roll traditional dark chocolate ganache, coat it in milk or white chocolate, and finish with a sweet array of toppings. Each guest will package their truffles in a charming box and receive a personalized milk chocolate bar and a long-stemmed red rose to take home as a sweet souvenir. Participants will also learn about the courtship and marriage of Milton and Catherine Hershey, as well as how chocolate is grown and processed.

The cost is $65 per couple. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Please note that space is limited to 24 participants per session.

ZooAmerica Animal Attraction Adult Camp

Saturday, Feb. 14; 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Adult animal lovers can further spice up their Valentine’s Day with the Animal Attraction Adult Camp on Feb. .14 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Participants will learn all about how animals “woo” each other through an up-close look at ambassador animals, enrichment activities and more! The cost for a single session is $75 per person, with registration available online.

Winter Bird Watch at Hershey Gardens

Saturday, Feb. 14; 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Bird lovers can bring the whole family—and their binoculars—to identify the various birds that call Hershey Gardens home during the winter. On Valentine’s Day, the Winter Bird Watch is called Love is on the Wing: Bird ID and Mate Selection. Participants will walk through Project Feederwatch, go on a unique guided bird walk and learn about identification and feeding. For the youngest birders, additional bird family crafts and activities will be offered in the classroom. 

The experience, offered every Saturday in February in partnership with Quittapahilla Audubon Society, is included with general admission. Registration is required by calling 717-508-5968.

Zoolentine’s Days at ZooAmerica

Saturday, Feb. 14; 1 p.m.

In celebration of the season of love, guests can watch Zoo naturalists give Valentine-themed treats to select animals each Saturday in February, including Valentine's Day, starting at 1 p.m. This sweet Zoolentine’s Days activity is included with ZooAmerica admission.

Public Skating at GIANT Center and Hersheypark Arena

Saturday, Feb. 14, and Sunday, Feb. 15; 2-4 p.m.

Nothing says love like skating into the arms of your significant other at two Hershey Entertainment venues over President’s Day Weekend. Public skating is offered on Valentine’s Day from 2-4 p.m. at GIANT Center, home of the Hershey Bears AHL hockey team, making for a unique outing for active individuals. The fun continues the following day, Feb. 15, at the historic Hersheypark Arena, where the public can lace up their skates for another afternoon session, running from 2-4 p.m.

Pricing starts at $6 per person and varies based on age and group size. Children three and under are free. Please note that skate rental fees are typically separate from admission and are available on-site.

Snoopy Meet & Greet at Hershey’s Chocolate World

Saturday, Feb. 14, and Sunday, Feb. 15; Times vary

Snoopy came to Hershey’s Chocolate World just in time for Valentine's Day to visit with all of his chocolate-loving friends! Guests can meet Snoopy free of charge and snap a photo with him at various times over President’s Day Weekend. 

Other experiences include a free chocolate tour ride to see how cocoa beans become world-famous Hershey’s Chocolate and shopping for endless amounts of chocolate, including limited-edition treats. Tickets can be purchased for optional chocolate-enhanced experiences, including Create Your Own Candy Bar and Reese’s Stuff Your Cup.

Candies & Curiosities Scavenger Hunt at The Hershey Story

Saturday, Feb. 14, through Monday, Feb. 16; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Those visiting The Hershey Story on Feb. 14-16 can participate in a Candies & Curiosities Scavenger Hunt. The sweet activity is included in general admission between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Museum visitors can elevate their experience with Tastings at The Hershey Story, offered daily from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. From fruity African chocolate flavors to Indonesian chocolate with caramel overtones, participants will taste a flight of warm drinking chocolates from around the world that inspired Milton Hershey. 

Decadent Dining Offerings Around Town

Daily; Hours vary

Guests can taste the many flavors of Hershey at more than a dozen unique and award-winning restaurants located at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark and around town, many of which feature chocolate-infused dishes, decadent desserts and, of course, the signature Hershey’s chocolate martinis - perfect for toasting to Valentine’s Day. 

The destination’s largest restaurant, The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio, is celebrating Valentine’s Day all month long with limited-time fare like Meat & Potatoes featuring Hershey’s Cocoa Rubbed Bow Creek Farm Coulotte Steak, the Be Mine Milkshake for dessert and handcrafted cocktails (for guests 21 and up) like the Heart Throb Manhattan.

Chocolate Spa Relaxation

Daily; Times vary

Guests can indulge in total luxury at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey over Valentine’s Day weekend with a Chocolate Covered Strawberry Package, a Sweet Chocolate Relaxation Package, a Hershey Kiss Package and more. 

For some more chocolate bliss, MeltSpa by Hershey day spa located in downtown Hershey also offers Signature Hershey’s Chocolate Treatments, which include a relaxing massage, rejuvenating facial, body scrub, body wrap, and hands and feet treatments. For a deeply satisfying spa experience, guests can book the Exclusive Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Treatments.

To schedule an appointment at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey, call 844-330-1797. For appointments at MeltSpa, call 855-500-2366 or go online.

Chocolate Lab Classes at The Hershey Story

Daily; Hours vary

Inspired by Milton Hershey’s own candy-making apprenticeship, the Chocolate Lab at The Hershey Story explores the distinctive qualities of chocolate through fun, hands-on experiences and interactive demonstrations. Educational 45-minute classes are offered daily over the long weekend for those interested in rolling up their sleeves and trying their hand at chocolate pouring, decorating and tasting. The February class themes include The Heart of Chocolate, Lovely Bar and Try It with Truffles. 

Chocolate Lab tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and may be purchased at The Hershey Story admissions desk on the day of the visit. Children must be at least 5 years old to enter the Lab. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Valentine’s Day Resort Getaway

With so much to do over Valentine’s Day/President’s Day weekend, a chocolate-filled staycation or quick getaway is calling your name! The Hotel Hershey, the new luxury Villas at The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge offer overnight accommodations with sweet hospitality and iconic chocolate details around every corner, starting with the full-size chocolate bar at check-in. Resort guests will also find chocolate bath amenities in their guest room and can enjoy chocolate-infused dining options at the restaurants on property, chocolate-themed resort activities and more. 

For a limited time, guests can save with resort winter offers, available on select dates throughout the season, including Book One Night, Get One 50% Off and Book Two Nights, Get One Free. The year-round Romance in Hershey Package features rose petal turndown, champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries and daily breakfast.

BONUS: Valentine’s Day Gift Idea

Not sure what to get your Valentine? A Hershey gift card is the sweetest gift, as it allows them to choose from a variety of activities across the destination. When purchasing a gift card, you can even select a fun Valentine's Day design. 

Keep scrolling for our complete guide to all the chocolatey adventures in The Sweetest Place On Earth this winter and beyond.

Chocolate Spa Relaxation

What better place to indulge in a chocolate spa treatment than the birthplace of Hershey’s chocolate?

MeltSpa by Hershey day spa in downtown Hershey offers Signature Hershey’s Chocolate Treatments, which include a relaxing massage, rejuvenating facial, body scrub, body wrap, and hands and feet treatments. For a deeply satisfying spa experience, you can indulge in the exclusive Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Treatments – available only at MeltSpa.

The Spa At The Hotel Hershey is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and offers sweet packages like a Chocolate Covered Strawberry Package, Sweet Chocolate Relaxation Package, a Hershey Kiss Package and more. Individual chocolate treatments, such as the Cocoa Massage, are also available for a touch of winter bliss. 

Gift idea: Looking for a sweet Valentine’s Day gift? Treat your gal pals or loved ones to some time to relax with a gift card to MeltSpa by Hershey or The Spa At The Hotel Hershey! Choose from several different e-gift card options and buy now at our convenient online shop.

Chocolate-Filled Fun at Hershey Resorts

Need overnight accommodations while you’re enjoying your chocolate-filled visit in Hershey? There’s no sweeter place to stay than The Hotel Hershey or Hershey Lodge. You’ll start your stay with a full-size chocolate bar at check-in and enjoy more throughout your visit, including chocolate bath amenities in your guest room, chocolate-infused dining options at the restaurants on property, chocolate-themed resort activities on weekends like chocolate bingo and more. 

Guests can save on their winter stay to Hershey, Pa., with sweet rates and special offers for a limited time. All stays at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hersheypark Camping Resort include FREE Resort Benefits, such as complimentary or discounted admission to area attractions like Hershey Gardens, The Hershey Story Museum and ZooAmerica.

The below winter offers are available on select dates through March:

• Book One Night, Get One 50% Off
• Book Two Nights, Get One Free (only available at The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge)

Chocolate-Infused Eats at The Chocolatier

As a town built on chocolate, it's only fitting that Hershey offers chocolate-infused menu items at restaurants around town. The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio serves up family fare with hints of chocolate, making it the perfect dinner spot for guests with a sweet tooth. The menu features dishes such as the Cocoa-Dusted Beef Short Ribs, Reese’s Take5 Chicken Sandwich, Chocolatetown Burger and Over The Top Hershey's Chocolate Milkshakes. For those 21+, indulge in fan-favorite chocolate cocktails like the Reese's Cupfusion Old Fashioned or The Chocolatier Martini. 

Visit The Chocolatier all February long to enjoy a limited-time special menu available this month only. Chocolate-infused highlights of the special menu include the Meat & Potatoes entree featuring a Hershey's Cocoa Rubbed Coulotte Steak, a Chocolate Covered Strawberry Kiss for dessert and the Heart Throb Manhattan cocktail (available for guests 21 and older) with Chocolate Bitters. 

Decadent Desserts at The Sweeterie

The Sweeterie Confectionery Kitchen is a must-visit for all chocolate lovers. From unique housemade fudge flavors to gourmet cookies, signature desserts and chocolate-dipped treats, be sure to stop by The Sweeterie, located in the Hershey's Chocolatetown region, daily from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Zoolentine's Day at ZooAmerica

 If you're a chocolate and animal lover, it's an extra sweet month to visit ZooAmerica, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy $8 admission on Fridays and watch chocolate-themed enrichment activities on Saturday afternoons in February. 

Chocolate Tastings at The Hershey Story

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a flight of warm drinking chocolates from around the world! At The Hershey Story, guests can hone their skills as a cocoa connoisseur - from fruity African chocolate flavors to Indonesian chocolate with caramel overtones. Chocolate Tastings are the perfect way to immerse yourself in the sweet world that inspired Milton Hershey. 

Chocolate Tastings take place each day, though hours will vary based on the time of year. Timed tickets can be purchased at The Hershey Story Admissions desk on the day of your visit. Please note that all tastings are non-alcoholic.

Chocolate Lab Classes at The Hershey Story

Get crafty with the perfect chocolate-infused immersive event! Treat your loved one to a special “Truffles for Couples” Chocolate Lab class at The Hershey Story on Feb. 13 and 14,  with evening classes being offered from 5:45 to 7 p.m. and 7:45 to 9:15 p.m. Begin the experience tasting single-origin warm drinking chocolates from around the world, followed by a special one-hour Chocolate Lab class where you'll have the chance to hand-roll and decorate traditional dark chocolate ganache truffles. 

Each guest will package their delicious truffles into a charming box and receive a personalized milk chocolate bar and long-stemmed rose to take home. Participants will enjoy learning about the courtship and marriage of Milton and Catherine Hershey, as well as the process of growing and processing chocolate during their interactive chocolate-making session. Space for the event is limited, and tickets must be purchased in advance. Please note that tickets are non-refundable. This class is most suitable for adults. Up to two couples will be assigned to the same table. 

Standard Chocolate Lab classes are offered daily at The Hershey Story. For more information on hours and ticket purchasing, please visit The Hershey Story website. 

Chocolate Experiences at Hershey's Chocolate World

Unwrap your chocolate adventure with fun for the whole family at Hershey's Chocolate World! Take a free chocolate tour ride to see how cocoa beans became world-famous Hershey's Chocolate, or take home a sweet souvenir by shopping the endless amounts of chocolate and limited-edition treats. Additional paid attraction experiences, including a chocolate bar-making factory, chocolate tasting theatrical experience and trolley show on wheels, are also offered. Find a variety of sweet treats available while you're there, including limited-time specials for Valentine's Day.

Signature Chocolate Martinis

Before you leave The Sweetest Place On Earth, be sure to indulge in a signature Hershey’s chocolate martini served at various dining locations around town like Fire & Grain, Iberian Lounge or Revelry. Options include the Hershey’s Kisses Signature Chocolate Martini, Hershey’s Chocolate Caramel Martini and the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Martini. 

Tip: Some dining locations, like Fire & Grain, host Happy Hour, where you can enjoy discounts on their signature martinis.

The 11-acre Zoo in Hershey launched a Fantastic Fridays ticket offer for 50 percent off regular and junior/senior admission every Friday in February. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or in person on Fridays at the Admissions Building to redeem the savings.

Valentine's Day Weekend Activities

As another sweet offering, guests can watch Zoo naturalists give a “chocolate-covered strawberry” enrichment to select animals at 1 p.m. on Saturdays in February. This activity is included with admission.

Plus, adult animal lovers can further spice up their Valentine’s Day with the Animal Attraction Adult Camp on Feb. 8 and 14 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Participants will learn all about how animals “woo” each other through an up-close look at ambassador animals, enrichment activities, a rock painting craft and more! The cost for a single session is $75 per person.

In general, many of the North American animals that reside outdoors are more active this time of year. Guests often see the gray wolves running around their habitat, hear the river otters "talking" to each other and so much more. 

Don't forget: ZooAmerica Pass Holders and 2026 Hersheypark Season Pass Holders receive unlimited, year-round visits to the Zoo, even when Hersheypark amusement park is closed during the off-season.

Live Events at GIANT CENTER

1. Dancing With The Stars: LIVE! at GIANT Center 

Thursday, Feb. 5; 7:30 p.m.

After a sold-out tour earlier this year, “Dancing with the Stars: Live!” is hitting the road with a stop at GIANT Center. The 2026 stage spectacular will feature fan-favorite professional dancers from the No. 1 hit television series, including Brandon Armstrong, Alan Bersten, Jenna Johnson, Daniella Karagach, and more. Fans can expect to see a mix of standout routines from the show’s record-breaking season 34, along with fresh performances created just for the tour. Danielle Fishel of “Boy Meets World” fame will join the event in Hershey, Pa., as a special co-host.

2. Harlem Globetrotters at GIANT Center

Sunday, Feb. 22; 3 p.m.

The Harlem Globetrotters are celebrating 100 years of legacy with their 2026 tour. This centennial season is a once-in-a-century celebration of 100 years of jaw-dropping moves and basketball thrills. From gravity-defying dunks to game-changing tricks, fans will feel the history, joy and fun that only the Globetrotters can deliver. 

3. Elevation Worship & Steven Furtick at GIANT Center

Tuesday, Feb. 24; 7 p.m.

Elevation Worship and Steven Furtick will embark on the “Elevation Nights” tour in 2026, performing hits RIAA Platinum-certified songs “The Blessing” and “Do It Again.” Additionally, the show will feature Steven Furtick preaching a message and Elevation Worship leading several of their powerful worship anthems. Elevation Rhythm will kick off the night with some of their hits like “GOODBYE YESTERDAY” and “WASHED.”

4. Journey at GIANT Center

Saturday, Feb. 28; 7:30 p.m.

After more than five decades of electrifying performances, chart-topping hits and timeless anthems, the iconic rock band Journey is saying goodbye the only way they know how—with a thunderous, full-throttle “Final Frontier Tour” spanning 60 cities across North America. All dates will be A Special Evening With. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers will play their catalog of global chart-topping hits, including "Don't Stop Believin,” "Any Way You Want It,” "Faithfully," "Lights" and more in a celebration of legacy, love and the fans who made it all possible. 

5. Hershey Bears Home Games at GIANT Center

Dates and Times Vary

Hockey fans can cheer on the Hershey Bears, during one of the club’s four home games in February. Promotional games this month include:

• PA Lottery Night on Feb. 20, vs. the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, featuring a coupon offer for the first 6,000 fans in attendance 18-and-over, courtesy of the PA Lottery.
• GIANT Foldable Grocery Tote Night & Berks Dollar Dog Night on Feb. 25 vs. the Utica Comets, where the first 6,000 fans in attendance will receive a Bears foldable grocery tote, courtesy of The GIANT Company, and all fans can take advantage of $1 Berks hot dogs at select concourse locations.

Around Town

6. Lunar New Year Winter Wednesdays at Hershey Gardens

Feb. 4, 11, 18 & 25; 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Guests of Hershey Gardens can interact with Asian species, including mossy frogs, jungle nymphs, Asian walking sticks and more at the Zoology Zone Interactive Cart. In addition, families can engage in and learn about various Lunar New Year traditions. 

7. Fantastic Fridays at ZooAmerica

Feb. 6, 13, 20 & 27; 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is bringing guests special Fantastic Friday ticket offers of 50% off regular and junior/senior admission every Friday this month. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Admissions Building to redeem the savings.

8. NEW! Preschool Explorers at The Hershey Story Museum

Feb. 17 & 24; 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Preschoolers will have the opportunity to explore themes through play, stories and museum discoveries at The Hershey Story Museum. The all-new program features read-alouds, object explorations, themed play and art activities that encourage experimentation, creativity and learning. Preschool Explorers is free and does not require the purchase of the Museum Experience.

9. Dinner With Coco At The Chocolatier

Every Thursday; 5 to 7 p.m.

Visit The Chocolatier every Thursday night to say hi to Coco, the official mascot of the Hershey Bears, and enjoy a special-themed menu, which is also served on each Bears home game day.

Valentine's Day

10. Animal Attraction Adult Camp at ZooAmerica

February 8 & 14; 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Plan a day out to the Adult Camp at ZooAmerica, where you'll get to learn all about how animals "woo" each other. The day will include the inside scoop on different mating rituals, a rock painting craft, an up-close look at ambassador animals and enrichment activities. 

Plus, watch featured animals enjoy chocolate-themed treats every Saturday at ZooAmerica this month for Zoolentine's Day.

11. Truffles For Couples at The Hershey Story Museum

Feb 13. & 14; Times Vary

Bring your Valentine for an evening of decadence and fun at The Hershey Story Museum! Begin by tasting warm drinking chocolates from around the world. Then, head to a one-hour Chocolate Lab class where you can hand-roll traditional dark chocolate ganache, coat it in milk or white chocolate, and finish with a sweet array of toppings. Each guest will package their truffles in a charming box, receive a personalized milk chocolate bar, and take home a long-stemmed red rose. This is a BYOB event exclusively for individuals age 21 and up. The cost is $65 per couple; registration is required.

12. February Specials at The Chocolatier

Open Daily; Reservations Encouraged

The Chocolatier is celebrating Valentine’s Day all month long with a special menu of entrees, appetizers, cocktails and mocktails. Diners will enjoy limited-time fare like Meat & Potatoes featuring Hershey’s Cocoa Rubbed Bow Creek Farm Coulotte Steak, the Be Mine Milkshake for dessert and handcrafted cocktails (for guests 21 and up) like the Heart Throb Manhattan. For more information and a full list of specials, check out our guide to February Specials at The Chocolatier.

13. Hershey’s Candy & Curiosities Scavenger Hunt at The Hershey Story Museum

Feb. 14 – 16; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Kids will learn the history of Hershey’s Kisses through interactive activities, such as hand wrapping and packing Kisses like workers did in the original factory. Families can also participate in a fun scavenger hunt and learn about Hershey’s chocolate, Hershey the town and Mr. Hershey himself. The scavenger hunt is included with the purchase of the Museum Experience.  

14. Chocolate-Covered Relaxation at the Spas in Hershey 

Celebrate the month of love with a chocolate-filled spa day! The Spa At The Hotel Hershey resort spa offers a sweet day with your special someone with couples treatments such as a Couples Massage, Sweet Feet For Two or the Couples Retreat Day Package. MeltSpa by Hershey day spa offers chocolate-inspired services perfect for a day of melt-worthy relaxation and is the exclusive home to Hershey’s Signature Dark Chocolate Treatments.

To schedule an appointment at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey, call 844-330-1797. For appointments at MeltSpa, call 855-500-2366 or go online. 

15. Valentine's Day Resort Getaway

Whether it's a romantic weekend with your Valentine or a weekend trip with your galentines, there's no sweeter place for a getaway than The Hotel Hershey. Guests of this historic resort can enjoy a chocolate-filled weekend starting with a full-size chocolate bar at check-in, plus chocolate spa treatments, chocolate bath amenities in guest rooms and other iconic chocolate details around every corner. 

Don't wait to book! Limited availability remains for Valentine's Day weekend (Feb. 13-15).

If you're planning the perfect adult weekend getaway, here is your guide to the best attractions, food and drink options and entertainment during your stay in The Sweetest Place On Earth.

Book a Weekend Getaway

Book a stay at one of the Official Resorts of Hersheypark to ensure ample time to experience all the sweet things Hershey has to offer. Guests can save on accommodations with year-round resort packages at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hersheypark Camping Resort catered to the offerings throughout the destination each season. Plus, a stay at any of the  Official Resorts of Hersheypark includes FREE Resort Benefits such as free admission to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story's Museum Experience, access to two award-winning golf courses at Hershey Country Club and much more. 

See a Live Concert or Show

Hershey is never short of entertainment, and that extends into all categories! Experience the best in concerts, family entertainment, sporting events and touring Broadway shows at GIANT Center and soon Hershey Theatre, slated to reopen in March after a historic renovation. 

Taste The Many Flavors of Hershey

Hershey boasts 14 unique and award-winning dining options, catering to everything from casual meals with friends to private dinners for two. You're sure to find the perfect ambiance, menu, and flavors to suit your taste.

At The Hotel Hershey, explore options including The Circular, the hotel's flagship restaurant, Trevi 5 Italian Restaurant and 1933 Restaurant & Tavern, which features an approachable steakhouse menu and elevated pub fare. Cap off your evening at the Iberian Lounge, offering craft cocktails, live music on Saturday nights and a selection of whiskeys from around the world.

Over at Hershey Lodge, start your day with a hearty breakfast at STACKS, a brunch eatery open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. For sweet happy hour deals, head to Fire & Grain, or visit Revelry Chophouse, Bar + Patio for contemporary chophouse fare and an extensive wine list. Sports fans should visit The Bears' Den to catch the latest game while enjoying classic American fare.

The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio is located in Hershey's Chocolatetown and offers fun-to-table dishes with chocolate-infused entrees, seasonal cocktails and signature desserts. We highly recommend trying one of their Over The Top Hershey's Milkshakes; it's the perfect sweet ending to any meal. 

Get ready to sip, savor, and socialize at Hershey Social, a new restaurant coming to downtown Hershey this spring serving bold flavors, signature cocktails and over-the-top desserts!

Sip On Signature Chocolate-Inspired Cocktails

The most iconic cocktails at The Sweetest Place On Earth are the Hershey's Signature Martinis. Choose from options like the Hershey’s Kisses Signature Chocolate Martini, Hershey’s Chocolate Caramel Martini and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Martini at any of our full-service dining locations.

Relax With A Spa Day

If you're looking to unwind during your getaway, visit one of Hershey's two spas: The Spa At The Hotel Hershey and MeltSpa by Hershey. Spa treatments are a popular choice for those seeking a break from their busy schedules.

The Spa At The Hotel Hershey, also known as the Chocolate Spa, features signature chocolate treatments unique to the destination, such as a Cocoa Massage, Whipped Cocoa Bath, Cocoa Facial and Chocolate Fondue Wrap. During the spa day guests also have access steam rooms, four relaxation spaces, an Indoor Pool Complex, saunas and more.

For a quick pick-me-up, visit MeltSpa by Hershey day spa, the exclusive home to Hershey’s Dark Chocolate treatments, as well as rotating seasonal collections. MeltSpa also has a full-service hair and nail salon and a relaxation lounge where guests can unwind before and after treatments.

We hope you visit The Sweetest Place On Earth soon! Share your photos with us on social using #HersheyPA.

Hersheypark

Hersheypark is a 121-acre amusement park centrally located within driving distance of five of the largest metropolitan areas in the Northeast. The 121-acre Hersheypark is currently closed for the off-season but kicks off its 120th season on April 3, 2026.

New for summer 2026, Hersheypark will debut an enhancement to its water park and special summer events highlighting America’s 250th anniversary. Those interested in visiting can enjoy savings with the Best Price Of Summer ticket and resort offers. Guests can save more than 45 percent on 1-Day Any Day Tickets to Hersheypark valid all year when purchased online through March 31. 

Given the weather, The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio, Hersheypark Supply Co., Ticketing and The Sweeterie will be closed through Jan. 28. 

Hersheypark Stadium

Built in 1939, Hersheypark Stadium is the most prominent outdoor stadium between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, hosting summer concerts and a variety of sporting events. 

After yet another record-breaking season at Hersheypark Stadium in 2025, the venue will welcome guests for a star-studded lineup in summer 2026, including Tyler Childers, Forrest Frank, Chris Stapleton, Guns N' Roses, Iron Maiden and Pitbull.

ZooAmerica

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is an 11-acre, walk-through zoo in Hershey, Pa., that cares for animals representing over 60 species from five regions of North America. 

Given the extremely cold temperatures, ZooAmerica will be closed through Feb. 1, 2026. The Zoo will reopen on Feb. 2 for daily winter operations from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

The Hotel Hershey

The Hotel Hershey is one of America's landmark hotels since 1933. The Forbes Recommended, AAA Four-Diamond Hotel is a Virtuoso-exclusive property and a member of Historic Hotels of America. 

In late summer 2025, The Hotel Hershey completed a historic expansion of luxury accommodations at The Villas At The Hotel Hershey as 19 Villas now offer guests 98 new luxury rooms. Representing the second-largest investment in the historic Hotel Hershey’s 90-year history, The Villas At The Hotel Hershey offers even more luxury as part of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark and the most premium Hersheypark experiences. 

Guests interested in extending their stay in the town built on chocolate can save on summer stays through Sept. 7, 2026, with the Best Price Of Summer. The Hotel Hershey offers nightly rates from $299 when booked by March 31, 2026. Guests can also enjoy savings with popular summer packages, including the Hersheypark 1-Night Package, 2-Day Stay & Play Package and the 3-Day Sweet Stay Package at The Hotel Hershey.

Hersheypark Camping Resort

Hersheypark Camping Resort is a year-round camping facility (HPCR) that has welcomed guests since 1963 with its 55 acres of emerald hills. The Official Resort of Hersheypark offers more than 300 open and shaded sites accommodating guests in cabins, RVs, tents and Tiny Homes.

Guests can save with the Best Price Of Summer on nightly rates from $59 at Hersheypark Camping Resort when booked by March 31, 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).

Discovery Weekends offer visitors the opportunity to delve deeper into the adaptations of the Zoo's diverse animal residents. Each weekend will feature unique themes designed to educate and engage guests of all ages, along with enrichment activities, zookeeper chats and fun crafts that aren't available during a standard visit. 

Here's the remaining schedule:

• Jan. 10-11: Daring Diggers
• Jan. 17-18: Curious Climbers
• Jan. 24-25: Super Swimmers

Free Admission for Kids on January Discovery Weekends

On Saturdays and Sundays this January, children ages eight and under will receive free admission to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park with the purchase of a regularly priced adult or senior admission ticket. 

Please note: This special admission offer is only available for tickets purchased in person at the Zoo Admissions Building upon arrival. The discount cannot be applied to tickets purchased online.

Current ZooAmerica Pass Holders can enjoy unlimited year-round visits to the 11-acre Zoo. 2026 Hersheypark Season Pass Holders also receive free Zoo admission, even during the Hersheypark off-season.

Plan a Winter Zoo Visit 

Beyond Discovery Weekends, ZooAmerica welcomes visitors daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. throughout the winter season. 

Those who are willing to bundle up in the crisp Central Pennsylvania winter air are in for a treat, as many of the animals in the outdoor habitats are often more active when the temperature drops. Guests might witness otters playfully swimming, elk grazing or mountain lions moving with a more noticeable alertness. 

Furthermore, the Zoo’s two indoor regions provide warm havens and equally engaging wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors should be sure to stop by the Southern Swamps building to welcome Ori, the Cuvier's dwarf caiman, to the ZooAmerica family. Ori made her debut at the Zoo in September 2025 and has quickly become a guest favorite.  

ZooAmerica is just one of the many attractions open in Hershey, Pa., this month. The destination also offers a unique blend of sports, entertainment, relaxation and delicious dining this New Year. For a comprehensive guide to all the fun, check out our top 13 things to do across the destination this January 2026. 

1. Visit Hersheypark Christmas Candylane

Open Daily Through Jan. 4; Hours Vary

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane continues through Jan. 4 with over 40 family rides (weather, temperature and maintenance permitting), signature eats and treats and reindeer visits. Although Hersheypark will be closed for the off season following the end of Christmas Candylane, 2026 Season Pass Holders will be able to start enjoying a full year of perks by visiting ZooAmerica, dining at The Chocolatier and enjoying various discounts across the town of Hershey. 

2. Discovery Weekends at ZooAmerica

Jan. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25; 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Visit ZooAmerica during Discovery Weekends this month! Children ages 8 and under enter for FREE with the purchase of a regular or senior admission ticket at the door. Each Discovery Weekend spotlights a specific animal and features a variety of enrichment activities to learn more about your favorite animals.

Weekend Themes:

• January 3-4: Flying Friends
• January 10-11: Daring Diggers
• January 17-18: Curious Climbers
• January 24-25: Super Swimmers

Current ZooAmerica Pass Holders can enjoy unlimited year-round visits to the Zoo, and 2026 Hersheypark Season Pass Holders get into the Zoo for free, too. 

3. Hershey Bears GIANT Teddy Bear Toss at GIANT Center

Sunday, Jan. 4; 3 p.m.

The Hershey Bears are excited to host their annual GIANT Teddy Bear Toss. Fans are encouraged to bring new or gently used teddy bears and plush toys to the game to be thrown on the ice at GIANT Center when the Bears score their first goal. There is no limit on how many teddy bears fans can bring.

Since first hosting this beloved minor-league hockey tradition in 2001, the Bears have collected 566,450 stuffed animals – including a record 102,343 last season – and have donated them to children in need throughout Central Pennsylvania. A limited number of tickets for the Teddy Bear Toss Game are currently available, and the event is expected to sell out quickly. For tickets and additional information about the Hershey Bears, please visit HersheyBears.com.

4. NEW! Winter Wednesdays Family Series at Hershey Gardens

Jan. 14, 21, 28; 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Visitors to Hershey Gardens can meet new “friends” each week at the Zoology Zone Interactive Cart to engage in family activities and explore how animals and plants survive winter. Guests will learn about the similarities and differences between native species and the species in our Zoology Zone, discuss winter survival strategies, and explore when seeds are dormant during the winter. Activities are located in the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory and the Education Center and are included in general admission.

5. Sips & Sweets: An Evening in the Chocolate Lab at The Hershey Story Museum

Thursday, Jan. 15; 7 to 8 p.m. 

Get ready for an evening of chocolatey fun! The Chocolate Lab at The Hershey Story Museum is serving up three delicious, handcrafted desserts and a specialty mocktail. Participants will learn a few fundamentals of dessert-making in this fun, one-hour class. This BYOB event is perfect for guests 21+ who want to savor sweets and sip with friends! Cost is $35 per person; $30 for members. Registration required, limited seating available.

6. Live Entertainment at Iberian Lounge

Every Saturday;  8 to 11 p.m.

The Iberian Lounge at The Hotel Hershey will feature live entertainment every Saturday throughout January. Find a seat, grab a cocktail or mocktail, and enjoy the sounds of new musical guests each week. Entertainment is free and open to the public. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Entertainment Schedule:

• Jan. 3: John Kelly

• Jan. 10: Jeff Seyfried

• Jan. 17: Jimmy D

• Jan. 24: Mockingbird Duo

• Jan. 31: Noel Gevers

7. Public Ice Skating at GIANT Center and Hersheypark Arena

Dates Vary; 2 to 4 p.m.

Whether a figure skater or a first timer, enjoy an afternoon of ice skating at both GIANT Center and the historic Hersheypark Arena.

8. Winter Treatments Available at the Spas in Hershey

Appointments Available Throughout January; Times Vary

What better way to relax after the holidays than with a chocolate-filled spa day? MeltSpa by Hershey day spa and The Spa At The Hotel Hershey resort spa offer signature chocolate treatments and seasonal collections to warm up and unwind all month long. Experience Peppermint Hot Chocolate treatments and Peppermint Mocha treatments at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey, or visit MeltSpa by Hershey to indulge in seasonal treatments from the Cranberry Spice Collection through Feb. 28. 

Plus, on January 16, The Spa At The Hotel Hershey celebrates its 25th anniversary! Stay tuned for announcements on how the spa is planning to celebrate. 

9. Hershey Bears Home Ice Hockey Games

Dates and Times Vary

Can’t make the GIANT Teddy Bear Toss? There are still seven other promotion-packed Bears games to choose from in January including:

• Jan. 3 vs. Rockford – PSECU Knit Hat Night (first 5,000 fans in attendance)
• Jan. 10 vs. Cleveland – Country Night/Pepsi Cowboy Hat Night (first 6,000 fans in attendance)
• Jan. 11 vs. Cleveland – Autograph Night/Team Photo Night (first 6,000 fans in attendance)
• Jan. 14 vs. Hartford – Berks Dollar Dog Night
• Jan. 20 vs. Hartford – Hersheypark Pass Night (all fans in attendance) / Taco Tuesday
• Jan. 23 vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton – Halfway to Summer Night
• Jan. 25 vs. Charlotte – Hometown Heroes: First Responders Night

10. New Eats at The Chocolatier

Open Daily; Reservations Recommended

The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio features a new winter menu with updates to many big plates and shareables. Warm up with seasonal variations on classic dishes like the Heath Bar Crusted Salmon, Leek & Pancetta Risotto and Grilled NY Strip Steak. Guests 21 and older can also enjoy specialty cocktails including the Peppermint Bark Old Fashioned and the festive Pomegranate Gin Fizz.

Also new this month is the 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.

Don’t miss out on an all-new special menu celebrating the Hershey Bears. This special menu is served every Bears home game day and during Dine With Coco every Thursday night from 5-7 p.m. Items include a specialty milkshake, themed cocktails, and entrees which include the return of the fan-favorite Chocolate BBQ Wings. 

11. Winter Bird Watching at Hershey Gardens

Saturday, Jan. 17; 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Birding enthusiasts can learn to identify the various birds that call Hershey Gardens home during the winter. Staff will guide participants through Project Feederwatch, then take them on a unique guided bird walk, providing additional information about identification and feeding techniques.

For the youngest birders, additional family crafts and activities will be offered in the Hershey Gardens classroom. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. This event is in partnership with the Quittapahilla Audubon Society and is included in general admission. Registration is required by calling 717-508-5968.

12. Explore Founders Hall Visitors Center at Milton Hershey School

Open Monday - Saturday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Milton Hershey School (MHS) 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).

13. Plan A Winter Getaway

From a cozy cabin or RV at Hersheypark Camping Resort to deluxe accommodations at Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey, our resorts make for a sweet getaway.  For a limited time, guests can save with the below winter offers, available select dates throughout the season:

• Book One Night, Get One 50% Off at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hersheypark Camping Resort
• Book Two Nights, Get One Free at The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge

All resort guests also 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.

Be sure to share your sweet memories with us by using #HersheyPA on social media! We hope to see you soon in The Sweetest Place On Earth.

As we gear up for a sweet 2026, let's pause to look back at our top 10 moments in The Sweetest Place On Earth this year.

January 2025: The Hershey Bears Hosted Record-Breaking Teddy Bear Toss

We kicked off the year with sweet, cuddly mayhem in Hershey, Pa. The Hershey Bears, the oldest and most decorated team in the AHL, established a new hockey world record during its annual GIANT Teddy Bear Toss on Jan. 5, 2025. The Bears collected 102,343 teddy bears and stuffed animals, surpassing the club's previous hockey world record of 74,599, which was set in 2024.

April 2025: 1933 Restaurant & Tavern Opened at The Hotel Hershey

On Apr. 17, 2025, The Hotel Hershey, one of the finest Historic Hotels in America, opened its newest dining experience, 1933 Restaurant & Tavern. The full-service restaurant and tavern combines culinary classics with modern comfort and pays tribute to the unique history of The Hotel Hershey. 

Expanding the former Harvest Restaurant, the menu features an approachable steakhouse menu, elevated pub fare, signature cocktails, and curated draught beer and wine selections. The first new restaurant at The Hotel in 15 years is open daily for lunch and dinner, as well as Sunday brunch.

May 2025: Twizzlers Twisted Gravity Opened at Hersheypark

Twizzlers Twisted Gravity, the world's tallest Screamin' Swing, officially opened to the public at Hersheypark on May 24, 2025. The high-thrill pendulum attraction manufactured by S&S Worldwide features the newest candy to join the skyline at the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania. 

Riders ascend 137 adrenaline-pumping feet, defy gravity at speeds reaching 68 miles per hour and experience multiple mind-bending zero G moments as they swing high above Spring Creek in The Hollow region of Hersheypark. 

Following its summer debut, Twizzlers Twisted Gravity was open for Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights, and Hersheypark Christmas Candylane for its first holiday season. The record-breaking attraction continues to receive rave reviews. 

Summer 2025: Hersheypark Stadium Hosted Record-Breaking Summer Concert Series

From classic rockers to country hitmakers, boy bands to the halftime performer at the Big Game, summer 2025 marked another unforgettable season of live music under the stars in Hershey, Pa. Hersheypark Stadium hosted 16 concerts, its most ever in a series, with something for all musical tastes. 

The 2025 Hersheypark Stadium Summer Concert Series kicked off on May 28 with a return visit from superstar Post Malone, followed by an impressive lineup that featured Avril Lavigne, Kendrick Lamar and SZA, Luke Bryan, Phil Wickham and Brandon Lake, and more! The lineup ended on a high note with a performance from Twenty One Pilots on Sept. 27. It was the first time the band returned to Hershey in almost a decade. 

August 2025: The Hotel Hershey Opened 19 New Villas

The Villas at The Hotel Hershey expansion was officially completed in August 2025! Driven by consumer demand, The Villas doubled in size this year to 19 Villas, introducing nine new Villas and 50 additional sleeping rooms. This expansion follows the 2024 reimagining of the original 10 cottages with 48 rooms as The Villas. 

Representing the second-largest investment in the historic Hotel Hershey’s 90-year history, The Villas At The Hotel Hershey offers even more luxury as part of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark and the most premium Hersheypark experiences. The sweet perks include Hersheypark admission for each day of stay, One-Day Fast Track pass per person allowing guests to skip the line once on each participating attraction, and a dedicated shuttle stop for front gate transportation - a tremendous value! Guests of The Villas also enjoy personalized service and luxury through the Villas Concierge Lounge, which includes daily continental breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres, desserts, beer and wine, and more.

August 2025: Hershey Bears Named a New Head Coach

The Hershey Bears announced that Derek King was named the 29th head coach in franchise history on Aug. 4, 2025. King brings a wealth of coaching experience in both the American Hockey League (AHL) and the National Hockey League (NHL) to Hershey. The native of Hamilton, Ontario, joined the Hershey Bears after spending the last four seasons with the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks.

September 2025: Hersheypark Opened New Haunted House and Scare Zone at Dark Nights

Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights Presented by Reese’s and Kit Kat® returned to Hersheypark for eight weekends from Sept. 12 through Nov. 2, 2025. The popular Halloween event featured five haunted houses, including the all-new Kill ‘N Fill Garage, and four scare zones (more than ever before) with the new Path of Shadows: Coven’s Curse. Guests brave enough to explore these offerings experienced haunting special effects and unique set designs that brought the only-in-Hershey storyline to life.

Tickets also included 50 attractions and dark coaster rides, Hershey’s Trick-or-Treat Trail, a Monster Ball with the Hershey Characters and other entertainment in the Avenue Of The Afterlife. 

September 2025: Shaq-A-Licious Laff Trakk Debuted for Hersheypark Halloween

In Sept. 2025, fans of Laff Trakk indoor coaster experienced the ride like never before as it evolved into Shaq-A-Licious Laff Trakk for the Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights Presented by Reese’s and Kit Kat® season. This unique partnership between Hersheypark and The Hershey Company's Shaq-A-Licious brand featured glowing visuals, amped-up audio and immersive graphic displays that capture the candy’s playful spirit. 

The fun continued into Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. A special holiday overlay combined the Shaq-A-Licious Laff Trakk visuals with signature holiday Laff Trakk elements, like the iconic Christmas Tree in the center. 

In celebration of the first-of-its-kind ride overlay for Hersheypark, Shaquille O’Neal made a sweet stop in Hershey on Oct. 6, 2025. The basketball legend brought his larger-than-life energy—and his Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies—to Hershey for a day filled with inspiration and fun, surprising students at Milton Hershey School (MHS) and recording his podcast at his gummy-inspired ride inside Hersheypark. 

October 2025: ZooAmerica Celebrated 45th Anniversary of Creatures of the Night 

The popular Creatures Of The Night event returned to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park for its 45th anniversary starting on Oct. 3, 2025. The Halloween-themed, after-hours experience ran on more dates than ever through Nov. 1, 2025.

In celebration of the event's anniversary, ZooAmerica offered a special nighttime flashlight tour and new themed activities, including a history-themed scavenger hunt and a creature kitchen where visitors could learn about animal diets. Decorating a luminary, a creepy crawler display, animal enrichments and other guest-favorite activities were also offered during the event.

November 2025: Hersheypark Debuted New Holiday Stage Show for Christmas Candylane

For the first time since 2019, guests of Hersheypark Christmas Candylane enjoyed a holiday stage show inside the heated Chevrolet Music Box Theatre on select dates in November and December. Twinkling Thru Time made its debut as a bright and heartwarming celebration of laughter, love and the magic of Christmas. The show featured iconic holiday hits to add to the sweet storyline.

Also new during the seasonal event was the location of the iconic Kissmas Tree within the Hershey’s Chocolatetown region of the Park. Guests could view the Kissmas Tree as soon as they passed through the main Park gates, or from aboard the Candymonium roller coaster.

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane has been a holiday tradition for more than 40 years. 

BONUS: Looking Ahead to 2026

There is no doubt that Hershey, Pennsylvania, will be a must-visit destination in 2026. The Sweetest Place On Earth is centrally located within easy driving distance of five of the largest metropolitan areas in the Northeast, making it an accessible and attractive getaway for travelers of all ages.

The centerpiece of any visit is, of course, Hersheypark, which offers a unique blend of thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions and the sweet atmosphere that only Hershey can provide. The largest amusement park in Pennsylvania will kick off its 120th season on April 3, 2026.

New lodging and dining options will also debut across the destination in spring 2026. 

Hershey Inn & Suites

Hershey Inn & Suites, the first select service property as part of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark, is slated to open in spring 2026. Located at 1300 West End Avenue in Hummelstown, just minutes from Hersheypark, Hershey Inn & Suites will feature 130 rooms with seven suites, each space combining comfort and convenience with signature Hershey hospitality. Reservations are now open with rates starting at $149.

Hershey Social Restaurant + Bar

Hershey Social Restaurant + Bar will also open in spring 2026, located near the iconic corner of Cocoa and Chocolate Avenue in downtown Hershey. Hershey Social will bring bold flavors, signature cocktails and over-the-top desserts inspired by Hershey’s chocolate roots to the vibrant downtown area. The reimagined space will feature a casual setting and an expanded bar, perfect for families and friends to sip, savor and socialize. Hershey Social Restaurant + Bar will join Hershey Entertainment & Resorts’ 14 other restaurants throughout Hershey.

Stay tuned for more details on what’s new across our sweet destination! 

Check out our guide to New Year's Eve 2025 in Hershey, Pa., to plan your sweet start to the new year.

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane

Open 12 to 4 p.m.

Hersheypark is open for Christmas Candylane on Dec. 31 from 12 to 4 p.m. The holiday attraction features five million twinkling lights, holiday thrills on select rides and coasters (weather and maintenance permitting), an up-close look at all nine of Santa’s reindeer, TREEville trail with 25 trees that share the stories of The Sweetest Place On Earth, signature hot chocolate, seasonal treats and more. Guests can also look forward to meeting their favorite Hershey Characters donned in their coziest winter apparel at a new location near Reese's Cupfusion. 

Please note that Santa is only available for photos through Dec. 24, but his reindeer will be at the Mary N. Bright Airfield in Hersheypark through Jan. 4.

Tickets also include entry to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park only when accessing the Zoo from the bridge inside Hersheypark during posted Park hours. ZooAmerica is open on Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those interested in only visiting the Zoo can purchase separate tickets online or in person at the ZooAmerica admissions building. 

Hershey Sweet Lights

Open 5 to 9 p.m.

Just outside of Hersheypark, Hershey Sweet Lights presented by PPL Electric Utilities drive-through attraction is open on Dec. 31 from 5 to 9 p.m. Families can hop in the car and marvel at more than 500 illuminated, animated holiday light displays spanning two miles of fields and wooded trails. Many displays follow unique themes, such as "The 12 Days of Christmas," an Enchanted Forest, Hersheypark rides and Hershey Bears hockey, as well as a region inspired by the Northern Lights. Guests can download the Hersheypark app to enjoy holiday music, powered by iHeart, while viewing the lights.

Guests are encouraged to buy early and online to save. Admission for a single car (seats up to 8 people) on Dec. 31 is $29.99 plus taxes and fees when purchased in advance online. On-site pricing without a pre-purchased ticket is also available at the full gate price of $54.15.

Sold Out: New Year's Eve Celebration at The Hotel Hershey

Seatings begin at 6 p.m.

Overnight guests of The Hotel Hershey can ring in the New Year with a sweet evening celebration complete with a grand dinner and dessert buffet prepared by the Hotel's expert culinary team. Seatings begin at 6 p.m. After dinner, guests can take part in a variety of family entertainment leading up to midnight, including karaoke, games, a magic show and, of course, the countdown to 2026 with a DJ-hosted dance party.

The cost is $165 per adult (ages 12 & up) and $105 per child (ages 3 - 11). There is no cost for children under the age of 3. This event is exclusively for overnight guests of The Hotel Hershey and reservations are required. Please note that this event is currently sold out. Guests can call 717-534-8800 to be added to the waitlist.

Holiday-Themed Chocolate Lab Classes

Various Times Throughout the Day beginning at 10 a.m.

Guests can enjoy a 45-minute holiday-themed chocolate lab class at The Hershey Story Museum where they learn about chocolate and make their own chocolate treats. Chocolate Lab tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and may be purchased at The Hershey Story admissions desk on the day of the visit. Children must be at least 5 years old to enter the Lab. A paying adult must accompany children under the age of 13. The full class schedule for Dec. 31 can be found online.

New Year’s Eve Celebration at Hershey’s Chocolate World

Celebration begins at 3 p.m.

Hershey’s Chocolate World is counting down to a sweet New Year and invites guests to a family-friendly party, complete with a DJ, visits from the Hershey Characters and more, on Dec. 31 from 3 to 8:30 p.m. 

Please note that Chocolate World is open on Dec. 31 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. for shopping, the free chocolate tour ride and other paid attractions.

Downtown Hershey New Year’s Eve Celebration

Activities begin at 11 a.m. and last through midnight

Downtown Hershey will ring in 2026 with a can't-miss celebration for all to enjoy, featuring kid-friendly entertainment, main stage music and a unique laser and pyrotechnics display featuring Americana elements to honor the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. 

Families can look forward to New Year's countdowns and bubble wrap stomps at The Hershey Story Museum during the day at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. For younger guests who may not make it til midnight, the event will feature a family hour from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., including local music from children’s musician Holly Serio, face painting, vendors and more. The Hershey Characters will visit the main stage at 8:30 p.m. for a final bubble wrap stomp and dance party.

Main stage music performances will begin at 9 p.m. Returning to headline this year’s event is Pennsylvania quartet and TikTok sensation Burn the Jukebox, following their crowd-pleasing show in 2024. The group’s set will include pop and rock hits spanning over five decades, along with their own original songs. Opening for Burn the Jukebox is the five-person cover band Fully Stocked, pumping out energy and fun with rock and pop songs from the 1970s to today. 

At midnight, Denny Logan and the Hershey Characters will lead a countdown to help raise the Hershey's KISS before an immersive laser and pyrotechnics display – even if it’s foggy. 

If you attend any of these New Year’s Eve events, snap some photos and tag us on X at @HersheyPA and Instagram at @TheSweetestPlaceOnEarth using #HersheyPA. 

Hershey Resorts Winter Getaway

There is so much to do in Hershey this winter, you'll want to stay overnight to truly experience it all. From a cozy cabin or RV at Hersheypark Camping Resort to deluxe accommodations at Hershey Lodge (featuring our 30,000 square foot indoor pool complex, Hershey's Water Works) and The Hotel Hershey, The Official Resorts of Hersheypark make for a sweet winter getaway. 

For a limited time, guests can save with the below winter offers, available select dates throughout the season:

• Book One Night, Get One 50% Off at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hersheypark Camping Resort
• Book Two Nights, Get One Free at The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge

All resort guests also 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

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. this winter. Families can bundle up and walk around the 11-acre Zoo while learning about dozens of animals native to our continent, like gray wolves, Canada lynx and river otters. Despite the colder temperatures, winter is often the best time of year to visit ZooAmerica, as the crowds typically are lighter and the animals are more active. 

The Zoo is also hosting Discovery Weekends in January, where kids ages 8 and under can visit for free on Saturdays and Sundays with the purchase of a regular or senior admission ticket at the door. Each Discovery Weekend spotlights a specific animal and features a variety of enrichment activities to learn more about your favorite animals. Current ZooAmerica Pass Holders can enjoy unlimited year-round visits to the Zoo, and 2026 Hersheypark Season Pass Holders get into the Zoo for free, too. 

Winter Shows and Concerts in Hershey

There are plenty of opportunities to catch some live entertainment in Hershey this winter. The following acts are coming to the soon-to-reopen historic Hershey Theatre and the 10,500-seat GIANT Center arena through March.

GIANT Center:

• Dancing with the Stars: Live! on Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m.
• The Harlem Globetrotters: 100 Year Tour on Feb. 22 at 3 p.m.
• Elevation Worship & Steven Furtick: 2026 Tour on Feb. 24 at 7 p.m.
• Journey: Final Frontier Tour on Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m.
• Three Days Grace: Alienation Tour on March 1 at 7 p.m.
• 2026 PIAA Wrestling Championships on March 5-7 at various times
• Brit Floyd: The Moon, The Wall and Beyond on March 13 at 8 p.m.
• Disney On Ice Presents: Frozen & Encanto on March 26-29 at various times

Hershey Theatre:

• Beyond the Footlights: Hershey Theatre Backstage Pass on February 26 at various times
• Neil deGrasse Tyson: Cosmic Collisions on March 5 at 7:30 p.m.
• Jim Jefferies: Son of a Carpenter on March 13 at 7 p.m.
• The Best Of Steve Martin & Martin Short on March 14 at various times
• Hershey Symphony Presents: Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel in Concert on March 21 at various times
• TINA - The Tina Turner Musical on March 24-29 at various times

Hershey Bears Hockey Games at GIANT Center

Hockey fans can cheer for the hometown Hershey Bears AHL team. The Bears will play 17 games at GIANT Center between now and the end of March.

Key promotional nights include the GIANT Teddy Bear Toss Night on Jan. 4 and Hersheypark Pass Nights on Jan. 20 and Mar. 22. All fans attending the Hersheypark Pass Nights will receive a free 2026 Hersheypark ticket, valid for one-day admission through June 30, 2026! Passes will be distributed to all fans upon entry to the game, valid for one pass per game ticket.

Tuesday Trivia Nights & Hershey Bears Watch Parties at The Bears' Den

Calling all trivia fans! Gather your friends and join us at The Bears' Den, located inside Hershey Lodge, every Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. for a game of trivia, featuring general trivia questions. Diners can enjoy delicious appetizers and drinks while playing fun trivia games for a chance to win a prize. 

Get your roar ready! We’ll be cheering on our very own Hershey Bears at The Bears’ Den during our watch parties! Enjoy a delicious meal with fellow fans in Bear Nation on Sunday, Jan. 18, at 4 p.m. and Monday, Feb. 16, at 3 p.m. No reservations required.

Live Entertainment at Iberian Lounge

The Iberian Lounge at The Hotel Hershey will feature live entertainment every Saturday from 8 to 11 p.m. throughout January. Find a seat, grab a cocktail or mocktail, and enjoy the sounds of new musical guests each week. Entertainment is free and open to the public. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Entertainment Schedule:

• Jan. 3: John Kelly
• Jan. 10: Jeff Seyfried
• Jan. 17: Jimmy D
• Jan. 24: Mockingbird Duo
• Jan. 31: Noel Gevers

Dine With Coco The Bear at The Chocolatier

Kids can enjoy a free kid's dessert with the purchase of a kid's entrée at The Chocolatier on Thursdays from 5-7 p.m. during the Hershey Bears hockey season. Plus, all diners can hang out with Coco, The Official Mascot of the Hershey Bears!

Don’t miss out on an all-new special menu celebrating the Hershey Bears. This special menu is served every Bears home game day. Items include a specialty milkshake, themed cocktails and entrees which include the return of the fan-favorite Chocolate BBQ Wings. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Winter Spa Treatments

What better way to beat the winter blues than with a chocolate spa day? MeltSpa by Hershey day spa and The Spa At The Hotel Hershey resort spa (that will be celebrating its 25th anniversary throughout 2026) offer signature chocolate treatments and seasonal collections to warm up and unwind on a cold winter day. Guests can choose from various services, including massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps, manicures and pedicures, hair services and much more.

This winter, guests can experience treatments from the Cranberry Spice Collection at Meltspa by Hershey or Peppermint Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Mocha treatments at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey through Feb. 28. 

To make an appointment at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey, call 844-330-1797. For MeltSpa by Hershey appointments, call 855-500-2366 or go online. 

Special Meet & Greets at Hershey's Chocolate World

Hershey's Chocolate World is open daily from January through March; hours vary by day. Guests can unwrap their chocolate adventure by being a kid in a candy store, sipping a milkshake, becoming a chocolatier, taking a delicious chocolate tour ride and so much more.

There are several winter events at Hershey's Chocolate World to add to the calendar, including special Meet & Greets with Snoopy and the Hershey's Characters. Check the Chocolate World website for dates and times.

Interactive Events at Hershey Gardens

Hershey Gardens is open daily this winter except Jan. 5-9 for maintenance. Visitors can take a stroll through the 23-acre walk-through botanical display garden, featuring an indoor tropical Butterfly Atrium with 600 butterflies from around the world. The atrium is one of only 25 year-round indoor tropical butterfly atriums in the U.S.

NEW! Winter Wednesdays Family Series: Winter Animal Adaptations

Every Wednesday in January from 10 a.m. to noon, meet new “friends” at the Zoology Zone Interactive Cart and engage in family activities that explore how animals and plants survive winter. You'll learn how to compare and contrast native species with Zoology Zone species, discuss winter survival, and explore when seeds are dormant over winter. Activity is located in the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory and the Education Center. 

Dried Floral Arrangement Class

On Saturday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. to noon, create your own dried floral arrangement to bring beauty to your home in the winter months. You'll use an assortment of dried specimens, such as seed pods, florals, grasses and greens, to learn about color, form and texture when creating an arrangement. Class held in the Education Center in The Children’s Garden. Registration is required.

Chocolate Lab Classes at The Hershey Story

Those looking for a fun indoor activity to beat the winter blues can head to The Hershey Story Museum to learn all about the life and legacy of Milton S. Hershey, the town he created and the lives he touched. Additional paid experiences are also available, including the Chocolate Lab, where guests can learn about the chocolate-making process from "bean to bar" and create their own chocolate treat. Chocolate Lab Classes are offered daily on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets can be purchased at The Hershey Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ admissions desk on the day of the visit.

Public Ice Skating at Hersheypark Arena

Ice skating is a staple on many people's winter bucket lists. Hersheypark Arena is open for public ice skating on select dates in December and January. Children 3 and under are admitted free, with ticket prices ranging from $6 to $9 for ages 4 and older.

We hope to see you in The Sweetest Place On Earth this winter!

For more than 40 years, the merriest event of the year at Hersheypark has delighted guests with a unique blend of only-in-Hershey holiday experiences, including the most lights in Pennsylvania, all nine of Santa’s reindeer, unique seasonal rides and coasters, festive eats and signature hot chocolate.

You won't want to miss this USA TODAY 10Best Top 10 Theme Park Holiday Event for 2025! Plan your visit with this guide of the top 12 things to do at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane.

1. Most Holiday Lights in Pennsylvania

More than five million sparkling lights deck the halls of Hersheypark this year, including the guest-favorite NOEL light show, which features dancing lights choreographed to Christmas music along Spring Creek. NOEL starts nightly at 5 p.m. and runs every 30 minutes in The Hollow region. 

2. Family Attractions and Kiddie Rides

A selection of family-friendly and kiddie rides are open for Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, temperature and maintenance permitting. Dry Gulch Railroad is a must-ride, as the steam-powered train takes riders through areas of Hersheypark completely blanketed with lights. The railroad features a Christmas overlay with various displays that are only viewable from the ride, including the 12 Days of Christmas.  

There are also a few signature rides worth adding to the must-do list that provide dazzling views of the lights from above versus walking all 121 acres:

• Kissing Tower takes guests 250 feet up in the air to the highest point in Hershey for an aerial 360° view of Hersheypark and the town built on chocolate while learning about its history.
• The Ferris Wheel, with its festive light package, is more than just an iconic photo spot during the holidays. The family attraction is also a popular option for guests of every height category to enjoy the beautiful views from nearly 100 feet.
• Twizzlers Twisted Gravity makes its holiday debut in 2025 with a holiday light package and offers stunning new views of the fan-favorite NOEL light show.
• Hershey Triple Tower is ideal for thrill seekers looking to get a unique, bird's-eye view of the holiday lights. The attraction features a light package to add to the holiday spirit in the Kissing Tower Hill region. 

Tip: We recommend downloading the Hersheypark app for a real-time listing of ride availability and wait times. 

3. Holiday Thrills on Select Coasters

Oh, what fun it is to ride on seven roller coasters during Hersheypark Christmas Candylane! Temperature and maintenance permitting, thrill seekers can experience holiday thrills on the following coasters:

• Wildcat’s Revenge featuring a holiday light package
• Candymonium featuring a holiday light package
• sooperdooperLooper featuring a holiday light package
• Jolly Rancher Remix with a holiday overlay and scent
• Shaq-A-Licious Laff Trakk indoor coaster decorated for the holidays with a large Christmas tree in the center
• Wild Mouse
• Cocoa Cruiser

To add to the Park's merry ambiance, some coasters that are closed for Hersheypark Christmas Candylane boast holiday decorations. Visitors can see holiday light packages on Skryush and a Santa sleigh light display on the lift hill of Comet. 

Tip: Temperature thresholds for the coasters are listed in the website FAQs. Generally, temperatures must be at least 38 degrees and rising to begin the day and stay above 38 degrees at night for select rides to operate. If the weather causes a majority of the seasonally available major rides to close for more than 60 minutes of your visit, head to Guest Services to claim your FREE return visit voucher valid any operating day through June 30, 2026. View our full Winter Weather Promise policy details here.

4. Photos With Santa in the Mary N. Bright Airfield

Don't forget to make your list and check it twice because Santa Claus has come to town! Guests can visit with Santa and all nine of his reindeer in the Mary N. Bright Airfield located in Fahrenheit Catering inside Hersheypark. Santa’s favorite candy-stocking stop before his holiday ride is home to the Yule Lounge, where guests can get a photo with Santa, tell him their list and mingle with his elves through Dec. 24.

Tip: The Mary N. Bright Airfield may experience a high volume of travelers, so guests are encouraged to head there first.

5. All Nine of Santa's Reindeer

Rudolph and his are taking a break before their famous flight inside an old airplane hangar turned stables at Hersheypark! Guests can see the reindeer up close from behind a gated area in Hangar 96. Hersheypark is the only place in Pennsylvania with this magical experience featuring all nine of Santa’s reindeer during all hours of operation through Jan. 4, 2026.

Tip: Reindeer specialists from ZooAmerica are on-site to answer guest questions. 

6. Holly Jolly Hershey Character Sweet Greets

It's not a visit to Hersheypark without snapping a selfie with a Hershey Character! Parkgoers can stop by the Reese's Cup House located next to the Chevrolet Music Box Theatre and meet their favorite Hershey Characters, who are donning their coziest winter apparel. 

Tip: Check the Hersheypark app for appearance times. 

7. TREEville Trail

Guests can enjoy a stroll through TREEville trail in The Boardwalk At Hersheypark region. This festive trail, which wraps around the East Coast Water Works attraction, features over 25 uniquely decorated trees sharing stories of The Sweetest Place On Earth with unique themes and decor.

Tip: Don't forget to tag @Hersheypark and use #ChristmasCandylane in social media posts!

8. Hot Chocolate and Seasonal Eats

Tis the season to eat, drink and be Hersheypark Happy! Guests can indulge in a variety of seasonal food and beverage offerings, including:

• Get your hands on the Kissmas TREEts Collectible sweets container featuring multiple layered compartments of handmade goodies. This year, there are two tasty variations featuring mixes of snacks and a cookie decorating kit. They are available for $28.99 plus tax online and for redemption at select locations within Hersheypark and Hershey Sweet Lights.
• Guests can warm up with four specialty hot chocolate topped with baked goods at the Simply Chocolate Hot Chocolate Bar or boozy hot chocolate for those 21 and older at The Concourse Cocoa Bar, located inside Terminal C of the Mary N. Bright Airfield.
• For savory options, three specialty Holi-dog hot dogs are available at Berks Hot Dog Stand. Plus, new holiday offerings including Holiday Meal Plates and cookie platters will be available at Overlook Food Court on select dates.
• Perfect for sharing, Simply Chocolate offers three King Size Shakes: Frozen Hot Chocolate, Gingerbread and Reese's Peanut Butter. Milton's Ice Cream Parlor and The Sweeterie Confectionery Kitchen also have seasonal desserts.

Tip: As a special holiday perk, 2025 King and Giant Size Pass Holders can receive FREE refills on standard hot chocolate and coffee in the form of a paper cup during Hersheypark Christmas Candylane.

9. All New Holiday Stage Show

For the first time since 2019, guests can enjoy a holiday stage show inside the heated Chevrolet Music Box Theatre during Christmas Candylane. Twinkling Thru Time is a bright and heartwarming celebration of laughter, love, and the magic of Christmas featuring your favorite holiday hits.

Tip: Showtimes vary in accordance with the Hersheypark operating schedule. Check the Hersheypark app for showtimes during your visit.

10. Our Friends From The Sea

Weather permitting, guests can see the seals and sea lions during the Our Friends From The Sea show in the Aquatheatre at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. when Hersheypark Christmas Candylane opens at 12 p.m.

11. Zoo Visits

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed on Christmas Day). The holiday season is a great time to visit the 11-acre Zoo as many North American animals in the outdoor habitats, like the gray wolves, river otters and Canada Lynx, are more active when the temperature drops. 

ZooAmerica is included with a Hersheypark ticket only by accessing the Zoo through the Hersheypark bridge during Park hours. Separate Zoo tickets are available for purchase online or at the ZooAmerica Admissions Building. 

Tip: Please note that the Zoo naturalists care for the reindeer at Hersheypark, so a Hersheypark Christmas Candylane ticket is required to view them.

12. Holiday Shopping

Hersheypark is home to more than one dozen retail locations that feature a blend of new collections and vintage designs for holiday gift-giving. Guests can give the gift of happy or take a piece home as their own souvenir.

• Hersheypark Supply Co. is a premier, 10,000-square-foot flagship store where guests can browse the largest collection of apparel, gifts, toys and more exclusive to Hersheypark. A Hersheypark ticket is not required to visit Hersheypark Supply Co. During Christmas Candylane operating days, the store is open from 10 a.m. until the Park is closed (closed Christmas Day).
• HP Collections is located inside the front gate and features a collection of curated premier brands and styles, including johnnie-O, Vuori, Adidas, Corkcicle and more.
• Prancer's Presents is new this holiday season. Located across from the Mary N. Bright Airfield, the store features exclusive Hersheypark Puppie Love merchandise.
• Candylane Emporium is a seasonal retail experience right outside of The Boardwalk for unique Christmas-themed apparel, gifts and more.
• Christmas Memories in Founder's Way next to Kettle Corn is full of Hersheypark and chocolate-themed holiday décor.

Tip: Interested in giving the gift of experience? An e-gift card or 2026 Season Pass makes a sweet gift!

Buy Online and Save

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane 1-Day Any Day Tickets are currently $50.99 plus taxes and fees online. The tickets purchased during the offer are valid through Jan. 4, 2026. 

Current 2025 Season Pass Holders can enjoy unlimited visits to Hersheypark Christmas Candylane as part of their year-long perks. 2026 Season Passes are on sale now with a Season Pass+ option that includes unlimited visits and perks to Hersheypark for the remainder of the 2025 operating year and all of 2026 - a great gift idea, too! 

During their stay in Hershey, the reindeer are cared for by the ZooAmerica team inside Hersheypark. The Zoo Reindeer Specialists compiled a list of eight fun facts about the reindeer. Beyond their famous names and sleigh-pulling skills, how much do you really know about these fascinating animals? Read on to find out!

Trivia About Santa's Reindeer at Hersheypark

1. Reindeer are native to the Arctic areas of Europe, Asia and North America. 
The largest herds of reindeer are in Alaska, Scandinavia and Russia, also known as Lapland. But, the most famous reindeer live at the North Pole.

2. Reindeer like to eat Lichens, the moss that grows on rocks and trees. 
It's a tough life for reindeer in the wild. Finding food can be difficult in the winter, with snow on the ground and very little vegetation. Reindeer mostly survive on Lichens, also called Reindeer Moss. Lichens are rich in vitamins and give them energy. But Santa's reindeer don't have the same struggles. The reindeer at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane eat a pellet diet that is great for antlered animals. They also get plenty of their favorite snack, Beet Feed (dried nutritious and sweet beets). 

On Christmas Eve, Santa feeds them special food that makes them fly called “Magic Dust.” The Reindeer Specialists at Hersheypark are not allowed to feed the herd Magic Dust, or there would be flying reindeer all over Hershey!

3. Reindeer and caribou differ according to where they live. 
People in North America call them caribou, but people in Europe and Asia call them reindeer. Their size also varies depending on their location.

4. Reindeer have distinct personalities. 
Just like people, each reindeer has its own unique personality. Trained reindeer experts are on-site during all hours of Hersheypark Christmas Candylane operations to answer guest questions and talk to guests about the sweet (and sassy) characteristics.

5. Reindeer have antlers. 
Both male and female reindeer have antlers, which makes them different from deer. In general, they lose their antlers every year. Baby reindeer can grow small spike antlers just two months after they are born.

6. Reindeer have two coats of fur. 
The bottom layer of the fur is like lamb’s wool, and it twists around the upper coat, which is long and coarse. Wind and water cannot penetrate it. Reindeer also have fur on their noses, lips and under their hooves on the pad. They are well-equipped for cold weather in Central Pennsylvania. 

7. Reindeer make a clicking noise when they walk. 
The tendons in their feet make a snapping sound that they use in the wild to keep in line. This noise is where “Up on the rooftop, click, click, click” originates.

8. Santa's one reindeer is named Donder, not Donner. 
Santa was speaking Dutch when he named his reindeer. Donder means Thunder and Blitzen means Lightning, which are also the names of our dueling coaster cars on Lightning Racer!

Other Unique Holiday Experiences at Hersheypark

In addition to the majestic reindeer, Hersheypark Christmas Candylane also features many only-in-Hershey experiences, including:  

• The most lights of any amusement park in Pennsylvania, with five million, including a dazzling NOEL light show synchronized to holiday music
• Select family-friendly rides and seven thrilling coasters, weather permitting, including the first winter for the new Twizzlers Twisted Gravity Screamin' Swing
• NEW Twinkling Thru Time holiday show inside the heated Music Box Theatre (first holiday stage show since 2019)
• Interactive experience and photo opportunity with Santa through Dec. 24
• Holly Jolly Sweet Greets with the Hershey Characters in their coziest winter apparel
• TREEville Trail, located around East Coast Waterworks in The Boardwalk water park, with more than 25 uniquely decorated trees sharing stories of The Sweetest Place On Earth
• Limited-time festive eats and seasonal sips, including new variations of fan-favorite King Size Shakes and festive Holi-dogs hot dogs, and various hot chocolate offerings
• Holiday shopping at more than one dozen retail locations 

A holiday tradition for more than 40 years, Hersheypark Christmas Candylane runs on select dates through Jan. 4, 2026, with daily operations starting Dec. 18 (closed Christmas Day). We hope to see you!

The town built on chocolate offers something for everyone from a 121- acre world-class amusement park to a luxurious chocolate-filled spa day at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey, live concerts and shows, over a dozen dining locations and much more. 

Gift cards can be conveniently purchased online and sent straight to your loved one’s inbox, or in person at any of the Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (HE&R) properties. All HE&R gift cards can be used on-site throughout the destination and do not expire.

Check out this destination gift guide for ideas to delight someone on your Christmas list this holiday season.

Visit the Largest Amusement Park in Pennsylvania

Hersheypark amusement park is a 121-acre theme open for four distinct seasonal events - Spring Weekends in April; summer lasting May through September; Hersheypark Halloween and the Dark Nights immersive haunt experience; and Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. A one-price admission includes three sweet experiences, featuring more than 70 rides with 15 thrilling coasters; The Boardwalk At Hersheypark water park (open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend); and ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, an 11-acre walk-through zoo, only by entering through the Hersheypark bridge during public operating hours.

2026 Hersheypark Summer tickets are now on sale, which are valid for admission from April 3 through Sept. 7, 2026. Guests can save more than 45 percent and start planning a 2026 trip to The Sweetest Place On Earth. 

Please note that the Hersheypark website does not currently process gift cards as a payment method. However, gift cards can be processed at the Ticketing Services building during your next visit. 

Enjoy a Year of Hersheypark Happy

Hersheypark 2026 Season Passes are on sale and allow guests to enjoy unlimited year-round visits with discounts, events and special perks based on pass type.

With a Hersheypark Season Pass this holiday season, you’re giving far more than the Northeast's largest coaster collection, thrilling water slides and an 11-acre zoo—you’re giving unlimited access to enjoy it all, anytime you want. Full, King and Giant Size Season Pass Holders can visit Hersheypark as often as they want throughout each operating season and enjoy free parking, 1-hour early access to the Park and a sweet discount on food and retail. Payment plans are available with savings on the Hersheypark website. 

Go Behind the Scenes at ZooAmerica

Do you have an animal lover in your life? Look no further than a Behind-The-Scenes Tour at ZooAmerica for a gift idea! There are various special tours to choose from that guide participants through non-public areas, get them close to the animals and leave them with a deeper understanding of the animal world. A popular option is the all-new premium feeding opportunities as part of a 30-minute feeding encounter.

Another gift idea is a ZooAmerica Pass, which includes unlimited visits to see the North American animals, exclusive events, discounted sign-up rates for Zoo programs and more. Family Passes are also available and admit a family of four living at the same address. Please note the Annual Pass is valid for 12 consecutive months from the date of purchase.

See a Live Show

From Broadway and concerts to comedians and family shows, Hershey, Pa,, is home to world-class entertainment for people of all ages to enjoy. Tickets to a show make a perfect gift idea for a day out for both your gift recipient and yourself, with over 40 different shows and counting to choose from in the coming year. For a complete lineup of shows across each venue, visit our Hershey Entertainment website. Be sure to stay tuned for even more show announcements coming soon!

Destination gift cards can be used to buy show tickets at the GIANT Center, Hersheypark Stadium and Hershey Theatre Box Offices.

Cheer on the Hershey Bears

The 2025-26 Hershey Bears ice hockey season is in full swing with home games happening at the GIANT Center through the spring. For any hockey fanatic on your list, purchase tickets online or at the GIANT Center Box Office and support the Bears as they “Defend the Den!” 

If you want to ensure the gift recipient is game day ready, consider a hockey jersey, t-shirt or other Hershey Bears merchandise. Apparel and souvenirs are available for purchase online or at the Hershey Bears team store, which offers extended hours leading up to Christmas.

Relax with a Spa Treatment

The Spa At The Hotel Hershey and MeltSpa by Hershey offer one-of-a-kind chocolate treatments that ensure nothing but sweet relaxation. Give the gift of signature chocolate treatments like a Cocoa Massage, a Chocolate Fondue Wrap or rotating treatments that change with the scents of the season. This winter, guests can even indulge in Peppermint Hot Chocolate treatments at both spas for a limited time.

For ultimate relaxation, treat someone on your list to year-round spa treatments with a Chocolate Spa Club membership at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey. Benefits include a $150 spa credit, a one-night midweek stay at The Hotel Hershey, discounts on spa services and more.

Destination gift cards can be used to purchase treatments and also be used to buy signature spa products along with other spa merchandise. 

Taste the Flavors of Hershey 

Hershey, Pa., is home to more than a dozen unique dining venues that include casual coffee shops, late-night cocktail hangouts, family-friendly dining, four-star cuisine and everything in between. Treat your favorite foodie to a signature, only-in-Hershey meal at any of our dining locations listed here.

Be sure to share your sweet Hershey memories with us by using #HersheyPA on social media! We hope you have a great holiday season! 

Read on for more details about what you can expect during these educational program at the 11-acre Zoo in the heart of Hershey, Pa. 

Wild Winter Adventure Program 

December 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 | 8:30-11:30 AM or 1-4 p.m.

Wild Winter Adventure is an educational program jam-packed with fun and engaging learning opportunities for children in grades K through 5 to beat the holiday hibernation. During the 3-hour program, participants will explore the Zoo while learning about how each North American animal survives in the cold weather. They will also get up close to animals during live encounters, participate in an enrichment activity, make a craft and even enjoy a snack to fuel up for more fun. 

Plus, participants will walk across the bridge into Hersheypark amusement park to visit the Mary N. Bright Airfield, where Rudolph and his friends are resting in Hangar 96 before their big flight. Santa has entrusted the ZooAmerica staff to take special care of all nine of his live reindeer inside Hersheypark during the Christmas Candylane seasonal event through Jan. 4, 2026.

The single-session registration for Wild Winter Adventure is $75 per person. Current ZooAmerica Annual Pass Holders or Hersheypark Season Pass Holders receive a special Pass rate of $70 per person. Each person must be pre-registered and prepaid to participate. Space is limited. Children must be dropped off at a designated area in the Admissions Building.

Wild Winter Adult Camp

December 13 and 14 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. 

On the heels of a successful adult summer and fall ZooCamp, ZooAmerica will also offer a Wild Winter Adult Camp again this year. Campers ages 18+ will participate in an animal enrichment activity, get up-close to North American wildlife during live animal encounters and visit the reindeer inside Hersheypark. 

Wild Winter Adult Camp is $75 per person. Current ZooAmerica Annual Pass Holders or Hersheypark Season Pass Holders receive a special Pass rate of $70 per person. 

Please note that the Dec. 14 program is currently sold out. 

For more than 40 years, the merriest event of the year at Hersheypark has delighted guests with a festive blend of only-in-Hershey holiday experiences, including the most lights of any amusement park in Pennsylvania, one of the only places in the Northeast to see all nine of Santa’s live reindeer, unique seasonal rides and coasters, seasonal eats and signature hot chocolate.

You won't want to miss this USA TODAY 10Best-nominated Theme Park Holiday Event for 2025! Plan your visit with this guide of the top things to do at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane to make the season merry and Hersheypark Happy.

Most Holiday Lights at a Pennsylvania Amusement Park

More than five million sparkling lights deck the halls of Hersheypark this year, including the guest-favorite NOEL light show, which features dancing lights choreographed to Christmas music along Spring Creek. NOEL starts nightly at 5 p.m. and runs every 15 minutes in The Hollow region. 

Holiday Thrills on Select Coasters

Oh, what fun it is to ride on seven roller coasters during Hersheypark Christmas Candylane! The seasonal event is also one of the few remaining places in the Northeast to see holiday lights from high thrill roller coasters. Weather, maintenance and temperature permitting, thrill seekers can experience holiday thrills on the following coasters:

• Wildcat’s Revenge featuring a holiday light package
• Candymonium featuring a holiday light package
• sooperdooperLooper featuring a holiday light package
• Jolly Rancher Remix with a holiday overlay and seasonal scent
• Shaq-A-Licious Laff Trakk is decorated for the holidays, featuring a large Christmas tree at its center and a new, curated seasonal voice-over provided by Shaquille O’Neal
• Wild Mouse
• Cocoa Cruiser

To add to the Park's merry ambiance, some coasters that are closed for Hersheypark Christmas Candylane boast holiday decorations. Visitors can see holiday light packages on Skyrush and Lightning Racer, as well as a Santa sleigh light display on the lift hill of Comet.

Tip: Temperature thresholds for the coasters and rides are listed on the website FAQs. Generally, temperatures must be at least 38 degrees and rising to begin the day and stay above 38 degrees at night for select rides to operate. If inclement weather causes the majority of major rides to close for more than 60 minutes, a FREE return visit voucher may be claimed at Guest Services.

Family Attractions and Kiddie Rides

A unique blend of family-friendly and kiddie rides is open for Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, weather, maintenance and temperature permitting. Dry Gulch Railroad is a must-ride, as the steam-powered train takes riders through areas of Hersheypark completely blanketed with lights. The railroad features a Christmas overlay with various displays that are only viewable from the ride, including the “12 Days of Christmas.”  

There are also a few signature rides worth adding to the must-do list that provide dazzling views of the lights from above, versus walking all 121 acres:

• Twizzlers Twisted Gravity: This Christmas Candylane marks the first winter for the world's tallest Screamin’ Swing, which will provide never-before-seen views of the fan-favorite NOEL light show.
• Kissing Tower: This iconic attraction, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, takes guests 250 feet up in the air to the highest point in Hershey for an aerial 360° view of Hersheypark and the town built on chocolate while learning about its history.
• Ferris Wheel: With its festive light package, this amusement park staple is more than just an iconic photo spot during the holidays. The family attraction is also a popular option for guests of every height category to enjoy the beautiful views from nearly 100 feet above.
• Hershey Triple Tower: Choose your tower and drop in for a unique, bird's-eye view of the holiday lights. The attraction features a light package to add to the holiday spirit in the Kissing Tower Hill region.

Tip: We recommend downloading the Hersheypark app for a real-time listing of ride availability and wait times. 

Photos With Santa at the Mary N. Bright Airfield

Don't forget to make your list and check it twice because Santa Claus has come to town! Guests can see Santa and all nine of his live reindeer at the Mary N. Bright Airfield, located inside Fahrenheit Catering at Hersheypark. Santa’s favorite candy-stocking stop before his holiday ride is home to the Yule Lounge, where guests can get a photo with Santa and share their list with him through Dec. 24.

Tip: The Mary N. Bright Airfield may experience a high volume of travelers, so we encourage guests to head there first.

All Nine of Santa's Reindeer

Rudolph and his friends are taking a break before their famous flight inside an old airplane hangar turned stables at Hersheypark! Guests can see the reindeer up close from behind a gated area in Hangar 96 during all hours of operation through Jan. 4, 2026. Hersheypark is one of the only places in the Northeast offering this magical experience, featuring all nine of Santa’s reindeer.

Tip: Reindeer specialists from ZooAmerica are on-site to answer guest questions. 

A Brand New Holiday Show

For the first time since 2019, Hersheypark will offer an all-new holiday stage show, Twinkling Thru Time, inside the heated Chevrolet Music Box Theatre venue. Guests can turn back the clock and step into a wondrous world where timeless holiday traditions meet iconic Christmas hits! With Granny Anne, journey through decades past and enjoy your favorite holiday hits that will have you toe tapping, singing along and even rocking around the Christmas Tree. 

Tip: Twinkling Thru Time runs through Dec. 28, 2025. On Hersheypark operating days that begin at 5 p.m., there will be three shows at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. On Park operating days that run from 12-8/9 p.m., there will be four shows at 1, 2:30, 6 and 7:30 p.m. On Christmas Eve, there will be three shows at 12:45, 2 and 3:15 p.m. 

Holly Jolly Hershey Character Sweet Greets

It's not a visit to Hersheypark without snapping a selfie with a Hershey Character! Parkgoers can visit the Reese's Cup House and meet Hersh, Reese and Twizz, who are donning their coziest winter apparel.

Tip: Check the Hersheypark app for appearance times. Characters are subject to change based on availability.

TREEville Trail (Opens Nov. 26)

Beginning Nov. 26, guests can enjoy a stroll through TREEville trail around East Coast Waterworks attraction in The Boardwalk At Hersheypark region, with more than 20 uniquely decorated trees sharing stories of The Sweetest Place On Earth - each making a great photo op.

Tip: Don't forget to tag @Hersheypark and use #ChristmasCandylane in your social media posts for a chance to be featured!

Hot Chocolate and Seasonal Eats

'Tis the season to eat, drink and be Hersheypark Happy! Guests can indulge in a variety of seasonal food and beverage offerings, including:

• Savory Eats: For savory options, three specialty Holi-dogs hot dogs are available at Berks Hot Dog Stand. Plus, on select days after Thanksgiving, Overlook Food Court will feature a new pop-up station with specialty holiday offerings, including meatballs with red pepper marinara, apple & brie egg rolls, a holiday meal plate and more.
• King Size Shakes: Perfect for sharing, Simply Chocolate offers three King Size Shakes: Gingerbread, Frozen Hot Chocolate and Reese's Peanut Butter. Milton's Ice Cream Parlor and The Sweeterie Confectionery Kitchen also have seasonal desserts.
• Hot Chocolate: Guests can warm up with four specialty hot chocolate flavors, topped with baked goods, at the Simply Chocolate Hot Chocolate Bar or boozy hot chocolate for those 21 and older at The Concourse Cocoa Bar, located inside Terminal C of the Mary N. Bright Airfield. Specialty cocktails, including Rum Raisin Cider and a Cranberry Mule, are available for purchase at Overlook Bar for guests 21 and older.
• Kissmas TREEts Collectible: Back by popular demand, get your hands on the Kissmas TREEts Collectible sweets container, featuring multiple-layered compartments filled with handmade goodies, including caramel corn, savory pretzel mix, chocolate-covered pretzels and fudge. It is available for $28.99 plus tax inside the Park at the Mary N. Bright Airfield (Fahrenheit Catering) and Milton's Ice Cream Parlor, or at the entrance to Hershey Sweet Lights presented by PPL. New this year is a Cookie Decorating Kit version, which includes sugar cookies, icing, sprinkles and fudge. The Cookie Decorating Kit variation can be found at Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor, Overlook and the Create Your Own S’mores Cart in the Founder’s Way region.

For a complete overview of all the season's eats, treats and sips, view our Christmas Candylane Foodie Guide.

Tip: As a special holiday perk, 2025 King and Giant Size Pass Holders can enjoy FREE refills on hot chocolate and coffee during Hersheypark Christmas Candylane with the Hot Beverage Program. Present your valid 2025 King or Giant Size Season Pass to receive your hot chocolate and coffee refill in a disposable cup.

Our Friends From The Sea

Guests can see the seals and sea lions during the Our Friends From The Sea Show in the Aquatheatre at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., when Hersheypark Christmas Candylane opens at 12 p.m.

For animal lovers interested in getting up close and personal with the mammals, the Touch & Feed program is offered at 3 p.m. for $125 per person. Participants have the opportunity to feed and give a back rub to one of the seals or sea lions, take a commemorative photo, tour off-exhibit areas and receive preferred seating for the show.

Zoo Visits

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). The holiday season is a great time to visit the 11-acre Zoo, as many North American animals in the outdoor habitats, such as the gray wolves, river otters and Canada Lynx, are more active when the temperature drops. 

ZooAmerica is included with a Hersheypark ticket only by accessing the Zoo through the Hersheypark bridge during Park hours. Separate Zoo tickets are available for purchase online or at the ZooAmerica Admissions Building. 

Tip: Please note that the Zoo naturalists care for the reindeer at Hersheypark, so a Hersheypark Christmas Candylane ticket is required to view them.

Holiday Shopping

Hersheypark is home to more than one dozen retail locations that feature a blend of new collections and vintage designs for holiday gift-giving. Guests can give the gift of happiness or take a piece home as their own souvenir.

• Hersheypark Supply Co. is a premier, 10,000-square-foot flagship store where guests can browse the largest collection of apparel, gifts, toys and more exclusive to Hersheypark. A Hersheypark ticket is not required to visit Hersheypark Supply Co. During Christmas Candylane operating days, the store is open from 10 a.m. until the Park is closed (closed Christmas Day).
• HP Collections is located inside the front gate and features a collection of curated premier brands and styles, including johnnie-O, Vuori, Adidas, Corkcicle and Lululemon.
• Prancer's Presents is located across from the Mary N. Bright Airfield and features exclusive Hersheypark Puppie Love merchandise.
• Candylane Emporium is a seasonal retail experience located right outside The Boardwalk, offering unique Christmas-themed apparel, gifts and more.
• Christmas Memories in Founder's Way, located next to Kettle Corn, is filled with Hersheypark and chocolate-themed holiday décor.