The Seasons of Hershey
A guide to visiting Hershey all year long
Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall in Love with The Sweetest Place On Earth All Year Long!
Hershey, Pennsylvania has quickly become a family favorite since we had our little boys five years ago - before then actually! I grew up in Northern Virginia and I remember trips to The Sweetest Place On Earth when I was a little girl with my parents and brother {and even with my Girl Scout Troop!} Ever since our first visit with the kids not so many years ago, I knew I wanted my boys to have those same sweet memories too.
Living in Philadelphia, we have been lucky enough to visit Hershey fairly frequently over the years. It’s a quick + colorful {especially in the Fall!} - under 90-minute drive from the city and each and every trip has been so different and special to experience through all the amazing seasons we get here on the East coast. Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall in Hershey, PA are all so special and unique and of course, Hershey does an amazing job celebrating each and every change of the leaves.
Since we’ve done our fair share of research enjoying all the seasons in Hershey, I thought it would be fun to put together a roundup of all our favorite things that you can experience in Hershey, PA and at Hersheypark no matter what month you plan to visit. There is always something special going on and a never-ending supply of sweet things to do!
Winter
The holiday season in Hershey, PA is upon us and I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t be more excited. Nothing is more magical than anything chocolate and some holiday cheer all mixed together in The Sweetest Place On Earth. Hersheypark, Hershey’s Chocolate World along with all the Official Resorts of Hersheypark - every nook and cranny is decked out for the season and beautifully done in true Hershey form.
A must-see in the winter months is most definitely Hershey Sweet Lights! It’s a holiday drive through unlike any other. Over 2 miles of holiday delight and 600+ animated scenes - your kiddos will not soon forget this winter magic!
And I always think it's worth noting that select days during the holiday season each winter, Hersheypark is totally open! Christmas Candylane is always such a treat to enjoy each November - January. My boys LOVE seeing Hersheypark all lit up with decorations - and let's be honest, being able to go on the rides after dark is a blast for the younger kiddos!
My favorite is seeing Santa and ALL OF HIS 9 REINDEER in the stables! This is seriously the best and such a cool surprise for first-timers visiting the park.
If you are looking for special and unique gifts for your kids or loved ones, a ticket to Hersheypark is something fun, unique and will totally fit in anyone's stocking - definitely a gift to consider!
Spring
Springtime in Hershey comes at the most perfect time each season. When you are totally over those cold winter months and looking for something fun to do to get out of the house and soak up some sunshine - a visit to Hershey is the perfect thing to do! Always check the calendar for official Hersheypark and ZooAmerica hours, but Springtime In The Park happens during 3 fun-filled weekends and you don’t want to miss it - more than 50 rides are open!
It’s also worth noting that during the springtime it's an amazing time to book a visit to The Spa At The Hotel Hershey. Mother’s Day treat anyone? Oh yes, this is the perfect way to treat any mama to a special, chocolate-covered day!
And whether Hersheypark is open or not during the spring season - Hershey Gardens always is! This is a great time to visit in any month really because there are amazing indoor and outdoor viewing options. I would always recommend combining a trip to the Spa + the Gardens because it makes for such a lovely day {and the perfect Mother’s Day weekend, I might add!}
Summer
Summer in Hershey is really something special. With the sunshine and warmer weather, a whole new world of water + outdoor activities opens up the possibilities for fun at Hersheypark and at the Official Resorts of Hersheypark. The Boardwalk at Hersheypark is one of our favorite ways to beat the heat - splash pads, a lazy river, wave pool, water slides galore - definitely ways for kids, teens {and adults!} of any age to cool off.
If you are planning a visit to Hershey during the summer months, I’d highly recommend booking an overnight stay at one of the Official Resorts of Hersheypark. With any Hersheypark ticket, staying on an official property overnight, you can take advantage of the Sweet Start program - which is extra time in the Park - which you definitely can use with all the extra water fun.
Not to mention, the pool facilities at The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge are SO MUCH FUN. You will definitely want to make sure you set aside some time to relax poolside.
Fall
I’d argue that every season at Hershey is my family's favorite - because there is something different we love so much during each of the varying times of year. BUT Hershey in the fall always stands out as some of our favorite memories and Hersheypark In The Dark is a topic of conversation for my boys all year long! Getting dressed up and hitting up Hershey's Chocolate World and trick or treating in Hersheypark is hands down one of our most favorite things - and we usually get beautiful weather during October, which is also always a bonus!
Hersheypark does an amazing job with the experience of trick or treating inside the Park and within Chocolate World. It’s always so fun to be inside the Park in the dark and riding all the rides at night - another one of my boys' favorite things about the fall! It’s the perfect time to come up to Hershey for a day trip or a fun weekend getaway to enjoy the autumn season.
Hershey In ANY Season
No matter when you choose to visit Hershey, there are so many things you can always enjoy no matter the season or the weather. Taking advantage of the indoor pool options at The Hotel Hershey, or - our favorite, Hershey's Water Works at Hershey Lodge - both are things we love to take advantage of whether its sunshine or snowing out. It’s always so nice to have these indoor water options.
Another easy way to enjoy a whole day in Hershey even if it's pouring rain outside - Chocolate World! There is SO MUCH to do at Chocolate World - the Hershey's Chocolate Tour Ride, Create Your Own Candy Bar, a 4-D movie, Chocolate Tasting and more. There are always new things to do here and we always have a blast taking our time enjoying this wonderful space right outside the entrance to Hersheypark. It’s usually where you can find us either right before spending a day in the park or right after! We never visit Hersheypark without stopping at Chocolate World.
And two more spots that I can’t forget about - ZooAmerica + Giant Center. ZooAmerica access is included with your Hersheypark tickets and always a wonderful place to check out, especially for any animal-loving kiddos! It’s a tremendous spot that focuses on wildlife found in North America, including rescuing + rehabilitating animals. Giant Center is also a one-of-a-kind Hershey favorite - home to the Hershey Bears, which I would definitely recommend checking out a game - but also a great place to see other musicians, shows and events right outside Hersheypark. Both are wonderful ways to complete any Hershey, PA visit!
As you can see, Hershey, Pennsylvania has a very special place in my heart and the hearts of my family. We love and cherish the time we get to spend there throughout the year and look forward to each visit. Already planning our next trip back and I can’t wait!
Now I’d love to know - what is your favorite season to visit Hershey?
Please share!
