Your Guide to the Holidays in Hershey: 2021
Happy holidays! There is so much to do in The Sweetest Place On Earth this holiday season. Keep scrolling and check out our guide to all things Christmas in Hershey, PA.
Hersheypark Christmas Candylane
If you're visiting Hershey this holiday season, you won't want to miss the merriest event of the year at Hersheypark! Hersheypark Christmas Candylane opens to the public on select dates from Nov. 12, 2021, through Jan. 2, 2022, with daily operations starting Friday, Dec. 3 (closed Christmas Day). Hours vary by day.
Christmas Candylane features more than 5 million twinkling lights, including the dazzling NOEL light show with more than 250,000 dancing lights synchronized to Christmas music; a unique blend of thrilling coasters like Candymonium and family-friendly rides, weather permitting; an experience with Santa; TREEVILLE, a walk-through experience in The Boardwalk with more than a dozen decorated trees sharing the stories of The Sweetest Place On Earth beginning Dec. 3; holiday shopping in Hershey’s Chocolatetown; signature hot chocolate and other limited-edition sweet treats; and more.
Plus, 2021 marks 25 years of Santa’s reindeer making a special stop at Hersheypark during Christmas Candylane. Did you know Hersheypark is the only place in the Northeast where guests can get an up-close look at all nine live reindeer, including Rudolph? The reindeer will be at Hersheypark during all hours of operation from Nov. 19, 2021, through Jan. 2, 2022.
Hershey Sweet Lights
Hop in the car, turn on some holiday music and get ready for Hershey Sweet Lights presented by T-Mobile, a drive-through attraction featuring two miles of fields and wooded trails decorated with nearly 600 illuminated, animated displays created from about 2 million LED lights. Many of the displays follow unique themes like The 12 Days of Christmas, Fairy Tales, a Victorian Village and Hersheypark rides.
Hershey Sweet Lights kicks off Nov. 12-15 and then is open nightly from Nov. 19 through Jan. 2, 2022; hours vary. Admission for a single car (seats up to 8 people) starts at $22.15 when purchased in advance online by 5 p.m. on the day of visit.
Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Get in the holiday spirit with festive shows and holiday concerts at GIANT Center and Hershey Theatre this season! There is something for everyone from holiday classics to rock traditions. Check out what's coming to The Sweetest Place On Earth below.
GIANT Center
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra on Nov. 20 at 3 and 8 p.m.
- Pentatonix on Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.
Hershey Theatre
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical on Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.
- Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis on Dec. 2 at 8 p.m.
- Straight No Chaser on Dec. 4 at 3 and 8 p.m.
- Cirque Dreams Holidaze on Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.
- George Balanchine's The Nutcracker presented by Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet on Dec. 18-19 at 2 p.m.
- Darren Criss: A Very Darren Crissmas Tour on Dec. 22 at 8 p.m.
View the full guide for holiday entertainment in Hershey.
Wild Winter Adventures at ZooAmerica
Say hello to your favorite North American animals at ZooAmerica! The holiday season is a great time to visit this 11-acre zoo as many of the animals are more active in their outdoor habitats as the temperature drops. Plus, if you visit Dec. 18-19 or 27-30, families can participate in Wild Winter Adventure, a 3-hour program where kids in grades K through 5 can learn about how animals survive the cold winter months, get up close and personal with live animal encounters, participate in an enrichment activity, make a craft, enjoy a snack and take a walk to Hersheypark to visit the reindeer (weather permitting). All children must be pre-registered and prepaid to participate. Space is limited. Register and learn more.
ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is included with admission to Hersheypark Christmas Candylane only by accessing the zoo through the Hersheypark bridge during posted park hours; hours vary. Separate paid admission is also available at the ZooAmerica off-street entrance.
For tickets and more information, visit ZooAmerica.com.
SEASONAL RELAXATION AT MELTSPA BY HERSHEY AND THE SPA AT THE HOTEL HERSHEY
Our spas in Hershey - MeltSpa by Hershey day spa and The Spa At The Hotel Hershey resort spa - offer relaxing treatments and packages to give a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the season.
Fall collections, available through Nov. 30, 2021
MeltSpa by Hershey offers an exclusive Pumpkin Spice Collection. Treatments include a NEW Pumpkin Whip Perfecting Facial, plus a body scrub, body wrap, immersion, massage, manicure and pedicure. A Pumpkin Spice Package is also available for complete fall pampering.
The Spa At The Hotel Hershey features a Pumpkin Collection. Treatments include a facial, body scrub, body wrap, immersion, massage, manicure and pedicure. A Fall Pumpkin Package is also available.
Winter collections, available beginning Dec. 1, 2021
MeltSpa by Hershey will offer its Chocolate Candycane Collection. Treatments include a NEW Chocolate Candycane Massage and Facial, plus the seasonal body scrub, body wrap, immersion, manicure and pedicure.
The Spa At The Hotel Hershey will feature special treatments to relax through the season. Treatments include the Peppermint Hot Chocolate Immersion, Holiday Spice Massage, Peppermint Mocha Manicure and Peppermint Mocha Pedicure. Additional winter-inspired packages are also highlighted.
A visit to Hershey, PA isn't complete until you visit Chocolate World, Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story Museum:
HERSHEY'S CHOCOLATE WORLD ATTRACTION
The official visitors center of The Hershey Company, Hershey's Chocolate World offers a FREE Hershey's Chocolate Tour and various paid experiences such as Create Your Own Candy Bar, 4D Chocolate Movie and Hershey's Unwrapped. This holiday season, guests can create memories with Santa at HERSHEY'S Holiday Chocolate House, experience a festive trolley ride, and try a hands-on decorating workshop. Plus, check off your Christmas list with unique gifts and treat yourself to limited-time treats.
Learn more about Chocolate World's holiday events. We recommend booking online early!
HERSHEY GARDENS
Hershey Gardens is a 23-acre walk-through botanical display garden that offers 11 themed gardens and a Children’s Garden with chocolate-scented, named and colored flora. During your holiday visit, be sure to check out the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory, where you'll find The Christmas Tree Showcase, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Saturday, Nov. 20 through Sunday, Jan. 2. This festive display of Christmas trees decorated by local florists features a variety of tree decorating styles and themes while a stunning 14-foot poinsettia tree takes center stage. The conservatory also includes a year-round indoor tropical Butterfly Atrium, the perfect place to keep warm during the cooler months as you view 600 butterflies from around the world.
THE HERSHEY STORY MUSEUM
At The Hershey Story, The Museum on Chocolate Avenue, you can learn all about the life and legacy of our founder Milton S. Hershey, the town he created, and the lives he touched. Additional holiday-themed experiences are also available this time of year, including the Little Elves Workshop, where guests can make an ornament with chocolate clay, icing and ribbon; Snowball Saturdays, friendly indoor snowball fights; and Holiday-Themed Chocolate Labs, where you can learn about chocolate and make your own holiday-themed chocolate treat.
View a complete calendar listing of events.
Stay overnight at the Official Resorts of Hersheypark
With so much to do in Hershey over the holidays, you may want to extend your stay to more than one day. The Official Resorts of Hersheypark make for the perfect place to rest your head while experiencing everything our sweet destination has to offer. Availability is limited, especially on weekends, this holiday season. However, guests staying midweek Sunday-Thursday can save big on a 2-night stay with our Book One Night, Get One 50% Off offer. Learn more about our holiday packages and offers. Hurry, availability is limited.
Whether you stay in a cozy cabin or RV at Hersheypark Camping Resort or in deluxe accommodations at The Hotel Hershey or Hershey Lodge, the holiday season is a beautiful time of year for a visit to our resorts. Take in the beauty of their stunning holiday decor while sipping hot cocoa in front of the fireplace at Hershey Lodge or lounging in the poinsettia-filled Fountain Lobby at The Hotel Hershey.
Don't forget, all guests of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark also receive FREE Resort Benefits, including extra hours at Hersheypark with Preview Plan, free front-gate shuttle service to and from the Park, the best price on Park tickets and more!
Happy holidays. We hope to see you soon!