Hersheypark Christmas Candylane 2024 Guide of Top 12 Holiday Experiences

Date: December 12, 2024

The holiday season is in full swing in Hershey, Pa.! Hersheypark Christmas Candylane is open daily from Dec. 13 through Jan. 1, 2025 (closed Christmas Day). 

For more than 40 years, the merriest event of the year at Hersheypark has delighted guests with a unique blend of only-in-Hershey holiday experiences, including the most lights in Pennsylvania, the only place in the Northeast to see all nine of Santa’s reindeer, unique seasonal rides and coasters, festive eats and signature hot chocolate.

You won't want to miss this USA TODAY 10Best Top 10 Theme Park Holiday Event for 2024! Plan your visit with this guide of the top 12 things to do at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane in celebration of the 12 days of Christmas.

1. Most Holiday Lights in Pennsylvania

More than five million sparkling lights deck the halls of Hersheypark this year, including the guest-favorite NOEL light show, which features dancing lights choreographed to Christmas music along Spring Creek. NOEL starts nightly at 5 p.m. and runs every 30 minutes in The Hollow region. 

Tip: Given the ongoing construction of Twizzlers Twisted Gravity, the show has a modified footprint more to the left of the bridge. Check out the new Twizzlers Twisted Gravity light display across the bridge!

2. Family Attractions and Kiddie Rides

A unique blend of family-friendly and kiddie rides are open for Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, weather and maintenance permitting. Dry Gulch Railroad is a must-ride, as the steam-powered train takes riders through areas of Hersheypark completely blanketed with lights. The railroad features a Christmas overlay with various displays that are only viewable from the ride, including the 12 Days of Christmas.  

There are also a few signature rides worth adding to the must-do list that provide dazzling views of the lights from above versus walking all 121 acres:

• Kissing Tower takes guests 250 feet up in the air to the highest point in Hershey for an aerial 360° view of Hersheypark and the town built on chocolate while learning about its history. 
• The Ferris Wheel, with its festive light package, is more than just an iconic photo spot during the holidays. The family attraction is also a popular option for guests of every height category to enjoy the beautiful views from nearly 100 feet.
• The Monorail is an elevated, open-air, round-trip audio tour over Hersheypark, ZooAmerica and parts of historic downtown Hershey.
• Hershey Triple Tower is ideal for thrill seekers looking to get a unique, bird's-eye view of the holiday lights. The attraction feature a light package to add to the holiday spirit in the Kissing Tower Hill region. 

Tip: We recommend downloading the Hersheypark app for a real-time listing of ride availability and wait times. 

3. Holiday Thrills on Select Coasters

Oh, what fun it is to ride on seven roller coasters during Hersheypark Christmas Candylane! Weather and maintenance permitting, thrill seekers can experience holiday thrills on the following coasters:

• Wildcat’s Revenge featuring a holiday light package
• Candymonium featuring a holiday light package
• sooperdooperLooper featuring a holiday light package
• Jolly Rancher Remix with a holiday overlay and new cinnamon scent
• Laff Trakk indoor coaster decorated for the holidays with a large Christmas tree in the center
• Wild Mouse 
• Cocoa Cruiser

To add to the Park's merry ambiance, some coasters that are closed for Hersheypark Christmas Candylane boast holiday decorations. Visitors can see a brand-new holiday light package on Skryush and a Santa sleigh light display on the lift hill of Comet. 

Tip: Temperature thresholds for the coasters are listed in the website FAQs. Generally, temperatures must be at least 38 degrees and rising to begin the day and stay above 38 degrees at night for select rides to operate.

4. Photos With Santa in the Mary N. Bright Airfield

Don't forget to make your list and check it twice because Santa Claus has come to town! New this year, guests can see Santa and all nine of his reindeer in the all-new Mary N. Bright Airfield located in Fahrenheit Catering inside Hersheypark. Santa’s favorite candy-stocking stop before his holiday ride is home to the Yule Lounge, where guests can get a photo with Santa and tell him their list, dance with his elves and mingle with Mrs. Claus through Dec. 24.

Tip: The Mary N. Bright Airfield may experience a high volume of travelers, so guests are encouraged to head there first.

5. All Nine of Santa's Reindeer

Rudolph and his are taking a break before their famous flight inside an old airplane hangar turned stables at Hersheypark! Guests can see the reindeer up close from behind a gated area in Hangar 96. Hersheypark is the only place in the Northeast with this magical experience featuring all nine of Santa’s reindeer during all hours of operation through Jan. 1, 2025.

Tip: Reindeer specialists from ZooAmerica are on-site to answer guest questions. 

6. Holly Jolly Hershey Character Sweet Greets

It's not a visit to Hersheypark without snapping a selfie with a Hershey Character! Parkgoers can stop by the heated Music Box Theatre to warm up and meet their favorite Hershey Characters, who are donning their coziest winter apparel.

Tip: Check the Hersheypark app for appearance times. 

7. TREEville Trail

Guests can enjoy a stroll through TREEville trail in The Boardwalk At Hersheypark region, with 25 uniquely decorated trees sharing stories of The Sweetest Place On Earth. New this year, guests can also see the 50-foot Kissmas Tree in this location - a sweet photo opportunity!

Tip: There are two other smaller trees for photo opportunities next to Wave Swinger and between Hersheypark Supply Co. and the Carrousel at the front of the Park. Don't forget to tag @Hersheypark and use #ChristmasCandylane in social media posts!

8. Hot Chocolate and Seasonal Eats

Tis the season to eat, drink and be Hersheypark Happy! Guests can indulge in a variety of seasonal food and beverage offerings, including:

• Get your hands on the first-ever snack collectible at Hersheypark this holiday season! The Kissmas TREEts Collectible sweets container features multiple layered compartments of handmade goodies like peppermint bark and chocolate dipped Rice Krispy Treats. It is available for $39.99 plus tax online, inside the Park at the Mary N. Bright Airfield (Fahrenheit Catering) and Milton's Ice Cream Parlor, or at the Hershey Sweet Lights presented by PPL entrance.
• Guests can warm up with four specialty hot chocolate topped with baked goods at the Simply Chocolate Hot Chocolate Bar or new boozy hot chocolate for those 21 and older at The Concourse Cocoa Bar, located inside Terminal C of the Mary N. Bright Airfield.
• For savory options, three specialty Holi-dogs hot dogs are available at Berks Hot Dog Stand. Plus, the popular baked potato bar and soup offerings return to Overlook Food Court.
• Perfect for sharing, Simply Chocolate offers three King Size Shakes: Chocolate Peppermint, Milk & Cookies and Frozen Hot Chocolate. Milton's Ice Cream Parlor and The Sweeterie Confectionery Kitchen also have seasonal desserts.

Tip: As a special holiday perk, 2024 King and Giant Size Pass Holders can transform their Season Pass Holder cup into a hot beverage mug with a special lid and FREE refills on hot chocolate and coffee during Hersheypark Christmas Candylane.

9. Holiday Spirit's Rooftop Bar at The Chocolatier

Up on the “rooftop” click, click, click. Back by popular demand is Holiday Spirit's Rooftop Bar at The Chocolatier, which is open on all Hersheypark Christmas Candylane operating evenings. The festive patio features boozy hot chocolate for guests ages 21 and older, over-the-top hot chocolate for kids, a Chocuterie board to make your own hot chocolate and a tabletop s’mores kit. Guests can enjoy these limited-time offerings while warming up by a firepit overlooking Hershey's Chocolatetown with a classic holiday movie playing in the background without sound.

Tip: Hersheypark tickets are not required to attend. Guests can enter through The Chocolatier or the patio entrance located inside the Park.

10. Our Friends From The Sea

Guests can see the seals and sea lions during the Our Friends From The Sea show in the Aquatheatre at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. when Hersheypark Christmas Candylane opens at 12 p.m.

Tip: Keep an eye out for Diego, a male California sea lion, who just returned to Hershey!

11. Zoo Visits

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed on Christmas Day). The holiday season is a great time to visit the 11-acre Zoo as many North American animals in the outdoor habitats, like the gray wolves, river otters and Canada Lynx, are more active when the temperature drops. 

ZooAmerica is included with a Hersheypark ticket only by accessing the Zoo through the Hersheypark bridge during Park hours. Separate Zoo tickets are available for purchase online or at the ZooAmerica Admissions Building. 

Tip: Please note that the Zoo naturalists care for the reindeer at Hersheypark, so a Hersheypark Christmas Candylane ticket is required to view them.

12. Holiday Shopping

Hersheypark is home to more than one dozen retail locations that feature a blend of new collections and vintage designs for holiday gift-giving. Guests can give the gift of happy or take a piece home as their own souvenir.

• Hersheypark Supply Co. is a premier, 10,000-square-foot flagship store where guests can browse the largest collection of apparel, gifts, toys and more exclusive to Hersheypark. A Hersheypark ticket is not required to visit Hersheypark Supply Co. During Christmas Candylane operating days, the store is open from 10 a.m. until the Park is closed (closed Christmas Day). 
• HP Collections is located inside the front gate and features a collection of curated premier brands and styles, including johnnie-O, Vuori, Adidas, Corkcicle and an exclusive Vineyard Vines collection.
• Prancer's Presents is new this holiday season. Located across from the Mary N. Bright Airfield, the store features exclusive Hersheypark Puppie Love merchandise.
• Candylane Emporium is a seasonal retail experience right outside of The Boardwalk for unique Christmas-themed apparel, gifts and more.
• Christmas Memories in Founder's Way next to Kettle Corn is full of Hersheypark and chocolate-themed holiday décor.

Tip: Interested in giving the gift of experience? An e-gift card or 2025 Season Pass makes a sweet gift!

Buy Online and Save

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane 1-Day Any Day Tickets are currently $49.99 plus taxes and fees online. The tickets purchased during the offer are valid through Jan. 1, 2025. 

Current 2024 Season Pass Holders can enjoy unlimited visits to Hersheypark Christmas Candylane as part of their year-long perks. 2025 Season Passes are on sale now with a Season Pass+ option that includes unlimited visits and perks to Hersheypark for the remainder of the 2024 operating year and all of 2025 - a great gift idea, too!