The Ultimate Guide to Celebrating Christmas in Hershey with Kids

It is that time of year again! The time I look forward to most every year. It is when Hershey, PA transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with lights, music and magic. Families can experience holiday fun all over town. From Christmas Candylane at Hersheypark to special holiday events at Hershey Story Museum to Christmas Tree displays at the Hershey Gardens, there is something for all ages to enjoy but what I love the most are all the exciting hands-on experiences for kids (and kids at heart).

Each year we kick off our holiday season at Hershey, PA. We have stayed at the Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey, both offering incredible holiday experiences. Families can also stay in a 2-bedroom deluxe cabin at Hersheypark Camping Resort. There are some traditions we enjoy every year like making chocolate ornaments but we also like trying something new each trip like Breakfast with Santa or ice skating. To make planning your holiday trip easier, I have put together a list of amazing holiday activities that will keep your little ones busy having fun while also learning!

Activities at Hersheypark

Breakfast with Santa

Kick off your Hershey holiday experience with Breakfast with Santa. There are multiple locations to enjoy a meal with the man of the hour, and each offers a unique interactive experience the entire family will LOVE! Last year, we enjoyed Breakfast with Santa at Hersheypark Place. The kids loved singing along with the elves, watching performances, coloring and taking pictures with their favorite characters. It was definitely a highlight of our trip. Breakfast with Santa is also available at Hershey’s Chocolate World, the Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey.

Cookie Decorating Kits

New this year at Hersheypark are adorable cookie decorating kits! Available for purchase at Simply Chocolate, each kit will come with a cookie, sprinkles and icing in a cute holiday box. Kids can decorate their cookies at the park, back at the resort or at home. The choice is yours! What a fun way to inspire a love of baking and enhance creativity.

Rudolph’s Skating Pond

Did you know that you can go ice skating at Hersheypark? It is a unique skating experience the entire family will LOVE! For a nominal fee, guests can rent skates and enjoy some time on the “ice.” (Personal skates are not allowed.) My boys absolutely loved skating around the rink with their dad and cannot wait to skate again this year.

Wild Winter at ZooAmerica

Did you know that admission to ZooAmerica is included with your Hersheypark ticket? This holiday season make sure to save some time to explore this wonderful zoo and experience their winter activities. On select days in December, guests can partake in Wild Winter Treats where they can watch animals enjoy a yummy treat. Wild Winter Adventure, another wonderful family experience, teaches guests how animals survive the cold winter months. Participants will experience live animal encounters, enjoy a snack and explore the zoo. This event takes place on select dates December 8-30 and is recommended for children in Kindergarten through 5thgrade. Preregistration is required.

Meet Santa’s Reindeer

A MUST DO experience every holiday at Hersheypark is getting up close and personal with all 9 of Santa’s reindeer! Not only can families admire their beauty, but guests can also ask questions about the reindeer and learn all about these incredible animals. You may even have the opportunity to touch real antlers. It is an experience you will not soon forget!

Catch a Show

New this year at Music Box Theater is “Up on the Rooftop,” a holiday production the entire family will enjoy! Audience members will have a blast singing along to their favorite holiday songs while being entertained by wacky elves, reindeer and, of course, Santa! The theater is heated so taking in a show can be a great way to escape the cold while still enjoying some holiday fun!

N.O.E.L

Every night at Hersheypark beginning at 5pm and taking place every 30 minutes, families will enjoy a breathtaking and magnificent holiday light show like they have never seen before. Visitors will be in awe of the over 200,000 lights beautifully choreographed to your favorite holiday songs. Although you can just sit or stand and watch the show, kids will also love dancing and singing along. It is a show you will want to experience over and over again!

To read the full article, click here: https://mommyuniversitynj.com/2018/11/10/the-ultimate-guide-to-celebrating-christmas-in-hershey-with-kids/