Things To Do in Hershey, PA: December 2023
The December Guide of Things to Do In The Sweetest Place on Earth
It's the most wonderful time of the year here in Hershey, PA! With the holiday season in full swing, keep reading to see some of the sweetest things to do this month.
Hersheypark Christmas Candylane Open Daily Starting Dec. 14
The holiday season kicks into high gear in Hershey with Hersheypark Christmas Candylane open the first two weekends of December and will open daily from Dec. 14, 2023, through Jan. 1, 2024 (closed Christmas day). The holiday attraction features 5 million lights (the most in Pennsylvania), select rides weather permitting, Santa and all nine of his reindeer, signature hot chocolate and festive eats, and TREEville trail starting Dec. 1, among other only-in-Hershey experiences.
Guests can buy tickets online and save when purchasing them on Hersheypark.com. A free preview is included with every ticket, so guests can enter 1.5 hours before close on any day before their visit by presenting their tickets at the main entrance in the preview lane to enjoy a fun-filled evening. Resorts preview is 2.5 hours before closing. Preview must be used first before the full day.
Hershey Sweet Lights Open Nightly Through Jan. 1, 2024
People who prefer to see the Christmas lights from the comfort and warmth of their car can drive through Hershey Sweet Lights. The holiday lights attraction, with nearly 600 illuminated, animated displays created from about 2 million LED lights, is open nightly at 5 p.m. through Jan. 1, 2024.
Pricing is per vehicle and varies per day. Guests are encouraged to buy online to save before their visit, as same-day ticket sales end each night at 5 p.m.
Holiday Spirit's Rooftop Bar at The Chocolatier
Enjoy a holiday wonderland complete with beautiful views of Hershey's Chocolatetown at the all-new Holiday Spirit's Rooftop Bar! Cozy up to the bar and sip on seasonal cocktails or decadent hot chocolates (with or without spirits) in iconic Hershey's flavors like Almond Joy, Peppermint, and S'mores. Or, grab a tabletop s'mores kit to roast marshmallows to perfection. Holiday movies will also play on the rooftop every Saturday at dusk.
Holiday Spirit's Rooftop Bar is open Friday through Sunday through Dec. 30 on a first-come, first-served basis. Hersheypark tickets are NOT required to attend. Guests can enter through The Chocolatier or the patio entrance located inside the Park.
See A Holiday Show
‘Tis the season for all things holiday entertainment at GIANT Center and Hershey Theatre! Warm up your vocal cords and ring in the season with these upcoming concerts and shows.
Dec. 6: Pentatonix - The Most Wonderful Tour of the Year at GIANT Center
Dec. 6: Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson - Search for Live in the Universe at Hershey Theatre
Dec. 8: Girl Named Tom - One More Christmas Tour at Hershey Theatre
Dec. 10: Straight No Chaser - Sleighin' It Tour at Hershey Theatre
Dec. 15: Trans Siberian Orchestra - Ghosts of Christmas Eve at GIANT Center
Dec. 16-17: Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet Presents ‘The Nutcracker’ at Hershey Theatre
Dec. 21: Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Hershey Theatre
Dec. 26-31: Come From Away at Hershey Theatre
Cheer On The Hershey Bears
Ring in the holiday season by attending a Hershey Bears game at GIANT Center! Don’t miss all the excitement and family-friendly fun with one of the club’s seven home games in December. A Bears game is a perfect holiday outing.
Games in December feature great promotions like Hometown Heroes Night (Dec. 9 vs. Cleveland), Hersheypark Pass Night/Ugly Christmas Sweater Jersey Auction (Dec. 10 vs. Charlotte), Berks Dollar Dog Night (Dec. 13 vs. Providence), Pepsi Bobblehead Night (Dec. 16 vs. Laval), Dreamer's Hollow Children's Night (Dec. 17 vs. Springfield), Berks Holiday Ham Shoot Night (Dec. 23 vs. Providence), and Mascot Mania (Dec. 27 vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton).
The Bears have opened the American Hockey League season as one of the circuit’s best teams as they look to defend their Calder Cup title, so be sure to bring the whole family to cheer on the Chocolate and White to victory.
For ticket information, upcoming promotions, and more information on the AHL's most historic team, visit HersheyBears.com.
Wild Winter Adventure Program Offered at ZooAmerica
ZooAmerica is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. this month (closed Christmas Day). It’s a great time to visit, as many North American animals in outdoor habitats become more active when the temperature drops.
This month marks the return of Wild Winter Adventure, a 3-hour program for children in grades K-5 to learn about the survival skills that North American animals use in the cold winter months. This program is available on select dates starting Dec. 16.
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 see Santa’s reindeer inside Hersheypark. All children must be pre-registered and prepaid to participate.
Holiday Packages at the Official Resorts of Hersheypark
With so much to do in Hershey, you'll want to stay overnight to experience it all! Whether in deluxe accommodations at The Hotel Hershey or Hershey Lodge or in a cozy cabin or RV at Hersheypark Camping Resort, a stay at a Hershey resort is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit this month. Visitors can take in the beauty of the resorts’ stunning holiday decor while sipping hot cocoa in front of the fireplace at Hershey Lodge or relaxing in the poinsettia-filled Fountain Lobby at The Hotel Hershey. Gorgeous towering trees, often decorated with chocolate-inspired ornaments, make for beautiful backdrops for holiday photos - a tradition for many guests. Guests can also enjoy holiday-themed resort activities and seasonal dining on property.
On select dates through Jan. 1, The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge are offering holiday packages featuring deluxe accommodations, daily Hersheypark Christmas Candylane tickets and breakfast. Guests at Hersheypark Camping Resort can enjoy the Hersheypark Christmas Candylane Camping Package with accommodations and Park tickets.
Check out our holiday guides to The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hersheypark Camping Resort to help you prepare for a sweet stay.
Winter Treatments Available at the Spas in Hershey
Beginning, Dec. 1, winter-themed treatments will be offered at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey and MeltSpa by Hershey for a limited time! Guests can experience Peppermint Hot Chocolate treatments and Peppermint Mocha treatments at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey as well as the Holiday Season Sampler package, a package consisting of three spa treatments filled with the sweet aromas of the season. Or, visit MeltSpa by Hershey to indulge in seasonal treatments from their Peppermint Hot Chocolate Collection through Jan. 31.
Holiday Shopping in Hershey
From Hersheypark Season Passes to Behind-The-Scenes Tours at ZooAmerica to concert tickets, Broadway shows, Hershey Bears tickets, dining gift cards, spa treatments and more, there's truly something for everyone on your Christmas list this season in Hershey, PA! Guests can purchase gift cards in person at any of the Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (HE&R) properties or conveniently purchase an e-gift card online and send it to your recipient now or schedule the perfect date for it to hit their inbox.
Plus, be sure to take advantage of sweet spa and dining gift card deals available through Dec. 24.
- Houlihan’s Restaurant + Bar: Spend $50 in gift cards and receive a $10 dining certificate that can be redeemed from Jan. 2 - March 31, 2024, excluding Saturdays and Valentine’s Day. Plus, purchase $50 or more in gift cards Friday, Dec. 15 - Sunday, Dec. 17, and receive TWO $10 dining certificates.
- Devon Seafood + Steak: Spend $100 in gift cards and receive a $20 dining certificate that can be redeemed from Jan. 2 - March 31, 2024, excluding Saturdays and Valentine’s Day weekend. Plus, purchase $100 in gift cards on Friday, Dec. 15 - Sunday, Dec. 17, and Friday, Dec. 22 - Sunday, Dec. 24 and receive TWO $20 dining certificates.
- The Spa At The Hotel Hershey: Purchase $250 or more in gift cards from The Spa At The Hotel Hershey and receive a $25 voucher to use toward spa services. Gift cards can be purchased in the spa or online. Spa vouchers are valid Monday- Thursday, Jan. 1- March 28, 2024.
- MeltSpa by Hershey: Purchase $150 or more in gift cards from MeltSpa by Hershey and receive a $15 voucher for spa services. Gift cards are available for purchase in the spa or online. Spa vouchers are valid Monday- Thursday, Jan. 1- March 28, 2024.
Hershey Jobs
All we want for Christmas is you! As the year comes to a close, why not consider a new career path with Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (HE&R)? Interested in a role at one of our Resorts, restaurants, Hersheypark or Hershey Country Club? We have you covered! Visit HersheyJobs.com for a current list of available positions, including full, part-time and seasonal roles.
- Summer 2024 Seasonal and Internship Opportunities
- HE&R is hiring interns for Summer 2024. From the award-winning Hersheypark Leadership Development Internship, Hospitality Internship Program, and culinary and professional internships, we offer an ideal opportunity for all majors of study.
- Ready for the fun & sun of summer? Keep an eye on HersheyJobs.com for opportunities to join our seasonal team at Hersheypark, including ride operator, lifeguard, food & beverage, security, and utility teams.
- Spa Open House Hiring Event
- You are invited to join us at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey and MeltSpa by Hershey Open House Hiring Event on Dec. 13 and 14.
- Meet the spa teams, tour the spa properties, learn more about open positions and team member perks, and apply and schedule an interview on-the-spot.
- Dec. 13: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Dec. 14: 4 p.m. - 6 p.m
Be sure to share your sweet memories with us using #HersheyPA on social media! We hope you have a great holiday season!