26
December
2022
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16:40 PM
America/New_York

Things to Do in Hershey This Week Between Christmas and New Year's

The holiday season may be winding down, but there is still plenty to do in Hershey, Pa., during the week between Christmas and New Year's Day. From visiting Hersheypark for the last time this year to cheering on the Hershey Bears, check out the top things to do this week and weekend, December 26, 2022, to January 2, 2023, in The Sweetest Place On Earth.

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane

Daily Through Jan. 1, 2023

The clock is ticking! The week between Christmas and New Year's marks the final week for Christmas Candylane and the last time to get in some rides before Hersheypark closes for the off-season. The holiday attraction features the most Christmas lights in Pennsylvania, with 5 million, as well as more than 45 rides and six coasters, weather and maintenance permitting. Plus, all nine of Santa's reindeer have returned to Hersheypark after a very busy Christmas Eve for guests to see them up close during all hours of operation through Jan. 1, 2023. View the Hersheypark Christmas Candylane 2022 Bucket List for other only-in-Hershey experiences to put guests in the holiday spirit.

Hershey Sweet Lights

Nightly Through Jan. 1, 2023

If you prefer to see the Christmas lights from the comfort and warmth of your car, there is one week left to visit to Hershey Sweet Lights, presented by Members 1st Federal Credit Union. Located just minutes from Hersheypark, the separate ticketed experience features two miles of fields and wooded trails decorated with nearly 600 illuminated, animated displays created from about 2 million LED lights. Guests can enjoy the lights while listening to holiday music, with a custom music station provided through the iHeartRadio app. Pricing is per vehicle and varies per day. Guests are encouraged to buy online in advance of their visit, as same-day ticket sales end each night at 5 p.m. Check out our Hershey Sweet Lights Guide for what to know before you go. 

Wild Winter Adventure at ZooAmerica

Morning and Afternoon Sessions Daily Through Dec. 30, 2022

Parents looking to keep their kids learning during the holiday break can sign them up for the Wild Winter Adventure Program at ZooAmerica. The 3-hour program is geared toward children in grades K-5 to teach them about the survival skills that North American animals use in the cold winter months. Participants will explore ZooAmerica, get up close to certain animals with live encounters, help with animal enrichment activities, make a craft, enjoy a snack and go to see Santa’s reindeer inside Hersheypark. Pre-registration is required. 

The 11-acre North American Wildlife Park in Hershey is also open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. this week. Admission to ZooAmerica is included with a Hersheypark ticket only by accessing the Zoo through the Hersheypark bridge during posted Park hours; hours vary. Separate paid admission is also available online or at the ZooAmerica admissions building. ZooAmerica Annual Pass Holders and current 2022 Hersheypark Season Pass Holders are free.

Happy Hour at The Chocolatier

Dec. 26-29 from 4-6 p.m.

The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio, located just outside of Hersheypark in Hershey's Chocolatetown, is a sweet option for Happy Hour. You can join your friends or coworkers for discounted featured cocktails, draft beer, appetizers and more.

Hershey Bears Home Games

Dec. 28 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 31 at 5 p.m.

The Hershey Bears hockey team will take the ice at GIANT Center for two home games this week against the Providence Bruins. Tickets are still available to cheer on the Chocolate and White!

Dine With Coco The Bear at The Chocolatier

Dec. 29 from 5-7 p.m.

Children can enjoy a free kid’s dessert with the purchase of a kid’s entrée at The Chocolatier on Thursdays during the Hershey Bears hockey season. Plus, diners can hang out with Coco, The Official Mascot of the Hershey Bears!

WWE Live Holiday Tour

Dec. 29, 2022, at 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate the holiday season with WWE at GIANT Center featuring the following lineup (subject to change).

  • Seth "Freakin" Rollins vs. Austin Theory - United States Championship Steel Cage Match
  • Bianca Belair vs. Becky Lynch vs. Bayley - RAW Women's Championship Triple Threat Match
  • More Superstars from both RAW & SmackDown, including Matt Riddle, Kevin Owens, Bobby Lashley, The O.C.'s AJ Styles, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson, The Judgment Day, Johnny Gargano, The Miz and many more!

Breakfast With The Hershey Characters at The Chocolatier

Dec. 30, 2022, through Jan. 1, 2023, from  8-10:30 a.m.

Families can enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet with hints of chocolate and a special appearance by the Hershey Characters. Reservations are required, with plenty of availability remaining at this time. Pricing for adults (ages 12+) is $32.95. Kids (ages 3-11) are $22.95, and children 2 and under are free. Prices do not include tax and gratuity. 

New Year's Eve Celebrations

Dec. 31, 2022, from 8 a.m. to midnight

Hershey The Sweetest Place On Earth will ring in the New Year with holiday attractions, family-friendly activities, delicious eats and an immersive downtown displayCheck out our Guide to New Year's Eve 2022 in Hershey, Pa., complete with a suggested itinerary of happenings around town for visitors and residents alike.