Things to Do for Presidents Day Weekend in Hershey 2024
Events, Offerings and More Over the Long Weekend of February 16-19
Presidents Day Weekend is just around the corner on Feb. 16-19, 2024. There is plenty to do in Hershey, Pa., over the long weekend, making The Sweetest Place On Earth a great option for both out-of-towners interested in a last-minute getaway and locals seeking a staycation. Check out an overview of the events, offerings and specials around town.
Spend the Full Weekend at a Hershey Resort
Friday, Feb. 16, through Monday, Feb. 19
The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge have availability over Presidents Day Weekend, so it's not too late to book overnight accommodations and experience the chocolate details around every corner.
Resort guests start their stay with a full-size chocolate bar at check-in. Other chocolate offerings include chocolate-infused dining at restaurants on the properties, signature Hershey's Chocolate Martinis to warm up by the fireplace, photo availability with the Hershey Characters, chocolate bingo and more. Check out the winter guides to The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge for more details.
Plus, guests should make sure to pack a swimsuit for pool time! Hershey's Water Works indoor pool complex at Hershey Lodge features Twizzlers Twists water slides, a Reese's Water Walk, a sand castle spray zone and more - perfect for splashing good times with the family. The Hotel Hershey also offers an indoor pool complex with a splash pad and whirlpool.
Bonus: Overnight guests receive FREE Resort Benefits, including complimentary admission to area attractions, including Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story's Museum Experience.
Fantastic Fridays at ZooAmerica
Friday, Feb. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is open daily over the long weekend from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Zoo is running a Fantastic Fridays promotion for 50% off regular and junior/senior admission on Fridays this month, including Friday, Feb. 16. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Admissions Building to redeem the savings.
On Saturday, Feb. 17., guests can watch Zoo naturalists give chocolate-themed treats to a North American animal at 1 p.m.
Bonus: ZooAmerica Pass Holders and 2024 Hersheypark Season Pass Holders receive unlimited, year-round visits to the Zoo, even when Hersheypark is closed during the off-season.
Special Valentine's Day Features at The Chocolatier
Friday, Feb. 16, and Saturday, Feb. 17, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 18, and Monday, Feb. 19, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cheers to the long weekend at The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio, which is open daily for lunch and dinner, with unique Valentine's Day features available through Monday, Feb. 19. Features include a Mascarpone & Prosciutto Flatbread, Seared Scallops, Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake, Crème Brulee Tart and cocktails. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
Shopping in Hershey's Chocolatetown
Friday, Feb. 16, through Monday, Feb. 19; various times
Hersheypark amusement park is closed for the off-season, but shopping experiences in Hershey’s Chocolatetown are open over the long weekend for the ultimate shopping spree.
- Hersheypark Supply Co. is open on Feb. 16-19 from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The premier, 10,000-square-foot flagship store offers the most extensive collection of apparel, gifts, toys, and more exclusive items to Hersheypark.
- The Sweeterie Confectionery Kitchen is open on Feb. 16-19 from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (hours subject to change). Guests can choose from a curated collection of mouth-watering confections, including chocolate-dipped treats, decadent desserts and signature fudge.
- Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor is open on Feb. 17-18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (hours subject to change). Guests can indulge in custom house-made ice cream creations crafted by expert Ice Creamologists, complete with Hershey’s candy toppings, decadent sauces, and more. Savory options are also available as part of a shareable menu - the perfect lunch option!
Hershey Area Art Association Exhibition & Sale at Hershey Gardens
Friday, Feb. 16, through Monday, Feb. 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Overlooking the town of Hershey, Hershey Gardens features 23 acres of botanical beauty with a breathtaking assortment of flowers and shrubs, a stately collection of rare and signature trees, themed gardens, a Butterfly Atrium, The Children's Garden and BugZone.
While strolling through Hershey Gardens, visitors can stop by the “For the Love of Art” Hershey Area Art Association Exhibition & Sale in the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory over the long weekend. Included with admission, this year’s show will feature works of art from its members, including watercolors, oils, porcelain and woodworking.
Hershey Gardens is open on Feb. 16-19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can enjoy reduced winter pricing over Presidents Day Weekend (and through Mar. 22) with $13 regular admission (ages 13-61), $12 senior admission (ages 62+) and $11 junior admission (ages 3-12). Members, guests of Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey, and children two and under are free.
Keiki, "Baby" Orchid Mounting Workshop at Hershey Gardens
Saturday, Feb. 17, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Hershey Gardens is hosting a two-hour class in the Garden Cottage to learn how to mount an orchid to a wood slab. Attendees will leave the workshop with a mounted Keiki “Baby” orchid to hang in their homes. The class also includes a tour of the Butterfly Atrium, one of only 25 indoor tropical butterfly atriums in the country. Attendees will get to see dozens of rare butterflies from South and Central America, Africa and Asia flying among various orchid species.
The class is $35 for Hershey Gardens Members and $5 for non-members. Admission to Hershey Gardens is included in the class fee. Pre-registration is required.
Tastings: Chocolates from Around the World at The Hershey Story
Friday, Feb. 16, and Monday, Feb. 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 17, and Sunday, Feb. 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Chocolate lovers can sample flights of warm drinking chocolates from around the world at Tastings at The Hershey Story over Presidents Day Weekend. From fruity African chocolate flavors to Indonesian chocolate with caramel overtones, Tastings at The Hershey Story is a treat for the taste buds and the perfect way to dive into the sweet world that inspired Milton Hershey. Timed tickets can be purchased at the Admissions desk on the day of the visit.
- Full flights (six different drinking chocolates): $13.00
- Half flights (choice of three drinking chocolates): $8.00
- Tastings for Kids to make hot chocolate: $8.00
- Seasonal Drinks (limited times): $9.00
- Single origin cups: $9.00
After sampling chocolate, visitors can learn about the sweet history of the town built on chocolate at The Hershey Story Museum. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Chocolate Lab Classes at The Hershey Story
Friday, Feb. 16, at 11:45 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 17, through Monday, Feb. 19, at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
Inspired by Milton Hershey’s own candy-making apprenticeship, the Chocolate Lab explores the distinctive qualities of chocolate through fun, hands-on experiences and interactive educational demonstrations. Various 45-minute classes are available over the long weekend for guests to try their hand at chocolate pouring, decorating and tasting as they create a delicious take-home chocolate masterpiece! Attendees will also learn about the origins of chocolate, how chocolate is grown, and the refinement process.
View the daily Chocolate Lab class schedule.
REESE'S University Pep Rally at Hershey's Chocolate World
Saturday, Feb. 17, and Sunday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m.
Hershey's Chocolate World Attraction is full of sweet, fun ways to explore, taste, create and enjoy everything chocolate. Guests can learn and see how chocolate is made on a free tour ride, share and savor delicious Hershey's-inspired drinks and treats, shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts, and more. Chocolate World is open over the long weekend on February 16 and 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and February 17-18 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Alongside everyday fun, Chocolate World is hosting REESE'S University Pep Rally on February 17-18 at 3 p.m. During the Pep Rally, guests can sing and dance with REESE'S University mascot, Cuppy, as the Marching Cuppies Alumni Band plays all the favorites. Visitors will even get a chance to meet Cuppy!
We hope to see you in The Sweetest Place On Earth! Share your sweet moments with us by following @HersheyPA on Twitter and @TheSweetestPlaceOnEarth on Instagram, and using #HersheyPA in your posts.