Hersheypark Christmas Candylane Named Top 10 Best Theme Park Holiday Event in 2025

Date: December 10, 2025

The votes are in! Hersheypark Christmas Candylane is once again named a winner in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice travel award contest for Best Theme Park Holiday Event in 2025!

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane was voted #9 overall, securing a coveted spot as one of the top 10 best theme park holiday events in the country. The 121-acre Hersheypark is one of three amusement parks in Pennsylvania to make the list - an honor we've received for several years. 

Twenty nominees across the country were chosen by a panel of relevant experts, including editors from USA TODAY, editors from 10Best.com, relevant expert contributors, and sources for both these media and other Gannett properties. The contest gave voters four weeks to vote for the candidate of their choice. 

Thank you to all who voted for us!

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane 

A holiday tradition for more than 40 years, Hersheypark Christmas Candylane runs on select dates through Jan. 4, 2026, with daily operations starting Dec. 18 (closed Christmas Day). 

The seasonal event is one of the few remaining places in the Northeast to see holiday lights from high-thrill roller coasters! The following only-in-Hershey experiences are included with a Hersheypark Christmas Candylane ticket for guests of all ages:

• Five million lights (the most of any amusement park in the state), including the NOEL light show synchronized to holiday music along Spring Creek
• Seven coasters and select family rides, including the holiday debut of Twizzlers Twisted Gravity Screamin' Swing (weather, temperature and maintenance permitting)
• Santa and all nine of his reindeer for guests to see in the themed Mary N. Bright Airfield
• NEW Twinkling Thru Time holiday show inside the heated Music Box Theatre (first holiday stage show since 2019)
• Holly Jolly Sweet Greets with the Hershey Characters in their coziest winter apparel
• TREEville Trail, located around East Coast Waterworks in The Boardwalk water park, with more than 25 uniquely decorated trees sharing stories of The Sweetest Place On Earth

Guests can also warm up with signature hot chocolate, boozy hot chocolate and a hot chocolate bar with dessert toppers. Other limited-time festive eats and seasonal sips, including new variations of fan-favorite King Size Shakes and festive Holi-dogs hot dogs, are also available for purchase.

Create Holiday Memories in Hershey

Guests can save on Hersheypark Christmas Candylane tickets when purchasing them online. The tickets are valid on any public operating day through Jan. 4, 2026. 

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! 

As a sweet bonus, Preview Plan is offered during Hersheypark Christmas Candylane! Ticketed guests can present their ticket at the main entrance 1.5 hours before closing the night before their visit (note operating hours) and enjoy a fun-filled evening. Resorts Preview is 2.5 hours before closing.