Guide to World Chocolate Day in Hershey, Pennsylvania

Date: July 7, 2026

On World Chocolate Day, there is truly no destination more sweet than The Sweetest Place On Earth! This iconic chocolate-centric town offers everything necessary for the ultimate celebration, from world-class thrills on chocolate-themed rides to decadent chocolate confections to satisfy any sweet tooth. Discover seven ways to immerse yourself in chocolate this July 7 (and throughout the year) in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

1. Ride chocolate-themed attractions all day long

On World Chocolate Day, Hersheypark stands out as the premier spot for both thrill-seekers and chocolate enthusiasts. Spanning 121 acres, Pennsylvania's largest amusement park boasts more than 70 attractions, featuring chocolate-inspired rides such as the Candymonium hypercoaster, Reese’s Cupfusion indoor gaming ride, Cocoa Cruiser kiddie coaster and the Hershey Triple Tower drop towers.

Guests who prefer to skip the roller coaster thrills can check out Hershey’s Chocolatetown, which is all decked out in red, white and blue to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. The aptly-named chocolate region features the 107-year-old Carrousel with a special America's 250th horse, a 10,000-foot flagship store, an ice cream parlor (with chocolate ice cream, of course), a confectionery kitchen and a full-service restaurant, among other experiences. 

2. Meet a Life-Size Hershey Character

Hersheypark is the only amusement park in the world where guests can snap a selfie with a life-size chocolate bar! Throughout the day, guests can enjoy meet and greet opportunities with a rotating cast of Hershey Characters at various locations throughout the amusement park, as listed in the Hersheypark app. This summer, Hershey Bar, Reese, and Miss Kiss are sporting patriotic attire to add a festive touch to visits during the nation's semiquincentennial. 

3. Grab a Chocolate Treat at Hersheypark

You'll find plenty of treats throughout Hersheypark where chocolate is the star! Guests should plan to visit Simply Chocolate dessert shop in the Founder's Way region to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the King Sized Shake. This 28 oz. milkshake topped with baked goods comes in chocolate and peanut butter varieties this summer. Guests can also stop by Founder's Way Funnel Cake by Shorty's for chocolatey funnel cake creations, including a Reese's Peanut Butter Funnel Cake and S'mores Funnel Cake. 

4. Enjoy Chocolate-Infused Dining Around Town

The best way to celebrate something sweet like chocolate is by savoring it. And there is no shortage of great eats at The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio and Hershey Social Restaurant + Bar. At these places, you’ll find sweet dishes that capture the true essence of Hershey’s chocolate roots.

The Chocolatier menu features family favorites with a chocolate twist. Guests can enjoy Cocoa-Dusted Beef Short Ribs, the Chocolatetown Burger, Mac & Cheese with Hershey’s Chocolate Barbecue Sauce and Cacao Nib Gremolata, and more. And be sure to save room for our signature desserts like The Chocolatier Cake, Hershey's Chocolate Cheesecake, and an Over-The-Top Hershey's Chocolate Milkshake.

For a new way to experience the chocolate taste of town, Hershey Social Restaurant + Bar pairs local cuisine with handmade cocktails in a modern, welcoming setting. 

Chocolate-forward items include Hershey Social Wings tossed in Spiced Cocoa Dry Rub and Hershey's Chocolate Barbecue Sauce, Reese's Take5 Smash Burger, and the Social Braised Short Ribs. Pair your meal with a signature chocolate cocktail like a Chocolate S'mores Bourbon, Hershey's Cookies 'n' Creme White Russian, or Hershey's Kisses Signature Chocolate Martini. And no meal is complete without dessert. Try from our selection of warm chocolate goodness, like Warm Chocolate Cobbler, Brookie Sundae, or the Whoppers Chocolate-Malted Affogato.

5. Relax With a Chocolate Spa Treatment

If you need a break from riding coasters all day long, you can always unwind at two luxury spas - The Spa At The Hotel Hershey and MeltSpa by Hershey.

The Spa At The Hotel Hershey is famous for its signature chocolate treatments and services that pay homage to Cuba, where Milton S. Hershey owned sugar mills from 1916 to 1946. Everything Chocolate Treatments include Whipped Cocoa Bath, Chocolate Fondue Wrap, Cocoa Massage and more. View our summer spa guide here.

MeltSpa by Hershey is a luxurious day spa in downtown Hershey where guests can melt into sweet relaxation with exclusive Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Treatments like the Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Sugar Scrub. This treatment includes a full-body exfoliation with a rich blend of organic cocoa butter, vitamin E oil and organic Sucanat sugar, followed by a relaxing application of cocoa-infused body lotion to reveal soft, silky smooth, deeply hydrated skin.

6. Sip on a Signature Chocolate Martini

For guests 21 and older, Hershey is known for its signature chocolate martinis served at various dining locations around town, including The Chocolatier, Hershey Social Restaurant + Bar and Devon Seafood + Steak in downtown Hershey, as well as restaurants at The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge. Options include the Hershey’s Kisses Signature Chocolate Martini, Hershey’s Chocolate Caramel Martini and the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Martini. 

7. Indulge in Chocolate Around Every Corner at a Resort

There’s no need to visit Hershey for just one day. Guests should consider extending their stay at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark.

At The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and the all-new Hershey Inn & Suites, guests start their visit with a full-size chocolate bar at check-in. How sweet is that? Chocolate is also infused throughout the stay, with chocolate bath amenities in the guest rooms. The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge also offer chocolate-inspired dining options at on-property restaurants and chocolate-themed resort activities, such as chocolate bingo.

In addition to the above reasons to visit Hershey, there are other chocolatey adventures around town. History buffs can learn about the history of Hershey’s chocolate (and the man who created it) and even taste chocolate from around the world at The Hershey Story Museum. Or, visitors can take a free chocolate tour ride at Hershey's Chocolate World to see how chocolate is made. 

As you can see, Hershey has something for every chocolate lover. We hope you have a sweet visit!