Things to Do in Winter 2024 in Hershey, Pa.

While winter is considered the off-season at Hersheypark amusement park, the Central Pennsylvania town built on chocolate is still buzzing with family-friendly activities and winter events from January through March. As we mark the first day of winter, take a look at our top picks of things to do during the wintertime in Hershey, Pa.

Discovery Weekends at ZooAmerica

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. this winter.  Families can bundle up and walk around the 11-acre Zoo while learning about dozens of animals native to our continent, like gray wolves, black bears and Canada lynx. Despite the colder temperatures, winter is often the best time of year to visit ZooAmerica, as the crowds are lighter and the animals are more active. 

Discovery Weekends will feature how animals use their five senses. Plus, all throughout January, kids ages 8 and under get into ZooAmerica for FREE with the purchase of a regular ticket both online or in person. A full schedule can be found on the ZooAmerica Facebook Page at the beginning of January.

Current ZooAmerica Pass Holders can enjoy unlimited year-round visits to the Zoo, and 2024 Hersheypark Season Pass Holders get into the Zoo for free, too. 

Can't-Miss Winter Shows and Concerts in Hershey

Although the days of singing under the stars at a Hersheypark Stadium summer concert are behind us (for now), there are plenty of opportunities to catch some live entertainment this winter. The following acts are coming to the historic Hershey Theatre and 10,500-seat GIANT Center arena through March.

Hershey Theatre

• Beyond the Footlights on Jan. 20 at 7:45 p.m.
• Leanne Morgan on Jan. 25 & 26 at 7 p.m. *
• KC and The Sunshine Band on Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
• Fortune Feimster on Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. *
• Diana Krall on March 2 at 7:30 p.m.
• Brit Floyd on March 12 at 7:30 p.m.
• Jesus Christ Superstar on March 23 & 24 at various times
• Central Pennsylvania Music Awards on March 28 at 7 p.m.

GIANT Center

• Cirque du Soleil: CRYSTAL on Jan. 11-14 at various times
• Elevation Worship on Feb. 20 at 7 p.m.
• Blake Shelton on Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. *
• Harlem Globetrotters on Feb. 25 at 3 p.m.
• Lauren Daigle on March 14 at 7 p.m.
• Disney On Ice: Into the Magic on March 28-31 at various times

*limited seats remain

Hershey Bears Hockey Games at GIANT Center

Cheer for the hometown AHL hockey team, the Hershey Bears, as they look to defend their Calder Cup title. The Bears will take the ice at GIANT Center for 15 games between now and the end of March. Hockey fans should mark their calendars for upcoming key promotional nights, including the GIANT Teddy Bear Toss Night on Jan. 7 and Hersheypark Pass Night on March 17.

Enjoy The Chocolatier

Going to lunch or dinner at a restaurant is a great way to beat cabin fever over the winter months. If you are looking for a unique dining option in Hershey to do just that, consider The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio, located just outside of Hersheypark in Hershey's Chocolatetown. The Fun To Table restaurant is open daily starting at 11 a.m., with reservations strongly encouraged. Guests can enjoy classic family fare with a fun spin and hints of chocolate served from an open kitchen. Stay tuned for happy hour details!

Seasonal Spa Treatments

What better way to beat the winter blues than with a chocolate spa day? MeltSpa by Hershey day spa and The Spa At The Hotel Hershey resort spa offer signature chocolate treatments and seasonal collections to warm up and unwind on a cold winter day. Guests can choose from a selection of services, including massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps, manicures and pedicures, hair services and much more.

This winter, guests can experience Peppermint Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Mocha treatments through Feb. 29 at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey, or, head to MeltSpa by Hershey and indulge in seasonal treatments from their Peppermint Hot Chocolate Collection through Jan. 31. 

Winter Getaway

With so much to do in Hershey this winter, you may want to stay overnight to truly experience it all. From a cozy cabin or RV at Hersheypark Camping Resort to deluxe accommodations at Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey, our resorts make for a sweet winter getaway. For a limited time, guests can save on their winter getaway with sweet rates and special winter offers available on select dates through early 2024:

• Book One Night, Get One 50% Off 
• Book Two Nights, Get One Free 
• Kids Stay, Play, Splash & Eat Free Package (only available at Hershey Lodge)

All resort guests also receive FREE Resort Benefits, including free or discounted admission to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story Museum, preferred pricing to ZooAmerica, on-site recreation and activities and more.

Public Ice Skating at Hersheypark Arena

Ice skating is a staple on a winter bucket list for many people. Hersheypark Arena is open for public ice skating on select dates in January 2024. Children 3 and under are free, with ticket prices ranging from $5-8 for ages 4+.

We hope to see you in The Sweetest Place On Earth this winter!