Hersheypark Christmas Candylane Guide 2025

Date: November 12, 2025

'Tis the season for holiday magic in Hershey, Pa.! Hersheypark Christmas Candylane opens Nov. 14, 2025, and runs select dates through Jan. 4, 2026 (closed Christmas Day). 

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

You won't want to miss this USA TODAY 10Best-nominated Theme Park Holiday Event for 2025! Plan your visit with this guide of the top things to do at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane to make the season merry and Hersheypark Happy.

Most Holiday Lights at a Pennsylvania Amusement Park

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 15 minutes in The Hollow region. 

Holiday Thrills on Select Coasters

Oh, what fun it is to ride on seven roller coasters during Hersheypark Christmas Candylane! The seasonal event is also one of the few remaining places in the Northeast to see holiday lights from high thrill roller coasters. Weather, maintenance and temperature 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 seasonal scent
• Shaq-A-Licious Laff Trakk is decorated for the holidays, featuring a large Christmas tree at its center and a new, curated seasonal voice-over provided by Shaquille O’Neal
• 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 holiday light packages on Skyrush and Lightning Racer, as well as a Santa sleigh light display on the lift hill of Comet.

Tip: Temperature thresholds for the coasters and rides are listed on 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. If inclement weather causes the majority of major rides to close for more than 60 minutes, a FREE return visit voucher may be claimed at Guest Services.

Family Attractions and Kiddie Rides

A unique blend of family-friendly and kiddie rides is open for Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, weather, maintenance and temperature 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:

• Twizzlers Twisted Gravity: This Christmas Candylane marks the first winter for the world's tallest Screamin’ Swing, which will provide never-before-seen views of the fan-favorite NOEL light show.
• Kissing Tower: This iconic attraction, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, 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.
• Ferris Wheel: With its festive light package, this amusement park staple 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 above.
• Hershey Triple Tower: Choose your tower and drop in for a unique, bird's-eye view of the holiday lights. The attraction features 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. 

Photos With Santa at the Mary N. Bright Airfield

Don't forget to make your list and check it twice because Santa Claus has come to town! Guests can see Santa and all nine of his live reindeer at the Mary N. Bright Airfield, located inside Fahrenheit Catering at 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 share their list with him through Dec. 24.

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

All Nine of Santa's Reindeer

Rudolph and his friends 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 during all hours of operation through Jan. 4, 2026. Hersheypark is one of the only places in the Northeast offering this magical experience, featuring all nine of Santa’s reindeer.

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

A Brand New Holiday Show

For the first time since 2019, Hersheypark will offer an all-new holiday stage show, Twinkling Thru Time, inside the heated Chevrolet Music Box Theatre venue. Guests can turn back the clock and step into a wondrous world where timeless holiday traditions meet iconic Christmas hits! With Granny Anne, journey through decades past and enjoy your favorite holiday hits that will have you toe tapping, singing along and even rocking around the Christmas Tree. 

Tip: Twinkling Thru Time runs through Dec. 28, 2025. On Hersheypark operating days that begin at 5 p.m., there will be three shows at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. On Park operating days that run from 12-8/9 p.m., there will be four shows at 1, 2:30, 6 and 7:30 p.m. On Christmas Eve, there will be three shows at 12:45, 2 and 3:15 p.m. 

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 a new indoor location at Overlook Arcade to warm up and meet Hersh, Reese and Twizz, who are donning their coziest winter apparel.

Tip: Check the Hersheypark app for appearance times. Characters are subject to change based on availability.

TREEville Trail (Opens Nov. 26)

Beginning Nov. 26, guests can enjoy a stroll through TREEville trail around East Coast Waterworks attraction in The Boardwalk At Hersheypark region, with more than 20 uniquely decorated trees sharing stories of The Sweetest Place On Earth - each making a great photo op.

Tip: Don't forget to tag @Hersheypark and use #ChristmasCandylane in your social media posts for a chance to be featured!

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:

• Savory Eats: For savory options, three specialty Holi-dogs hot dogs are available at Berks Hot Dog Stand. Plus, on select days after Thanksgiving, Overlook Food Court will feature a new pop-up station with specialty holiday offerings, including meatballs with red pepper marinara, apple & brie egg rolls, a holiday meal plate and more.
• King Size Shakes: Perfect for sharing, Simply Chocolate offers three King Size Shakes: Gingerbread, Frozen Hot Chocolate and Reese's Peanut Butter. Milton's Ice Cream Parlor and The Sweeterie Confectionery Kitchen also have seasonal desserts.
• Hot Chocolate: Guests can warm up with four specialty hot chocolate flavors, topped with baked goods, at the Simply Chocolate Hot Chocolate Bar or boozy hot chocolate for those 21 and older at The Concourse Cocoa Bar, located inside Terminal C of the Mary N. Bright Airfield. Specialty cocktails, including Rum Raisin Cider and a Cranberry Mule, are available for purchase at Overlook Bar for guests 21 and older.
• Kissmas TREEts Collectible: Back by popular demand, get your hands on the Kissmas TREEts Collectible sweets container, featuring multiple-layered compartments filled with handmade goodies, including caramel corn, savory pretzel mix, chocolate-covered pretzels and fudge. It is available for $28.99 plus tax inside the Park at the Mary N. Bright Airfield (Fahrenheit Catering) and Milton's Ice Cream Parlor, or at the entrance to Hershey Sweet Lights presented by PPL. New this year is a Cookie Decorating Kit version, which includes sugar cookies, icing, sprinkles and fudge. The Cookie Decorating Kit variation can be found at Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor, Overlook and the Create Your Own S’mores Cart in the Founder’s Way region.

For a complete overview of all the season's eats, treats and sips, view our Christmas Candylane Foodie Guide.

Tip: As a special holiday perk, 2025 King and Giant Size Pass Holders can enjoy FREE refills on hot chocolate and coffee during Hersheypark Christmas Candylane with the Hot Beverage Program. Present your valid 2025 King or Giant Size Season Pass to receive your hot chocolate and coffee refill in a disposable cup.

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.

For animal lovers interested in getting up close and personal with the mammals, the Touch & Feed program is offered at 3 p.m. for $125 per person. Participants have the opportunity to feed and give a back rub to one of the seals or sea lions, take a commemorative photo, tour off-exhibit areas and receive preferred seating for the show.

Zoo Visits

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). The holiday season is a great time to visit the 11-acre Zoo, as many North American animals in the outdoor habitats, such as 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.

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 happiness 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 Lululemon.
• Prancer's Presents is located across from the Mary N. Bright Airfield and features exclusive Hersheypark Puppie Love merchandise.
• Candylane Emporium is a seasonal retail experience located right outside The Boardwalk, offering unique Christmas-themed apparel, gifts and more.
• Christmas Memories in Founder's Way, located next to Kettle Corn, is filled with Hersheypark and chocolate-themed holiday décor.

Tip: Interested in giving the gift of experience? An e-gift card or 2026 Season Pass makes a sweet gift!

Buy Online and Save

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane Pre-Sale tickets are currently $46.99 plus taxes and fees and available online. The tickets purchased during the offer are valid through Jan. 4, 2026, and, like all other admission types, include access to more than 40 rides and attractions (weather and maintenance permitting), more than five million twinkling lights, Santa and all nine of his reindeer, and other festive entertainment. 

Current 2025 Season Pass Holders can enjoy unlimited visits to Hersheypark Christmas Candylane as part of their year-long perks. 2026 Season Passes are on sale now with a Season Pass+ option that includes unlimited visits and perks to Hersheypark for the remainder of the 2025 operating year and all of 2026 - a great gift idea, too!