Okay, Planning a trip to the Hershey area around mid-November for Christmas in Hershey.
We live in Georgia and have never been to Pennsylvania. What's the weather like that time of year and are most of the rides operating then? What is a good place to stay - the Hershey lodge or another major chain? Looking at Gettysburg, any suggestions around the Harrisburg area? Oh, how about Kozier's Christmas Place? Any feedback appreciated!

I live in New jersey and went to Christmas at Hershey a few years ago. The park is actually closed at that time of year as far as rides think they might have had a few going like the carrousel and a train ride but not a lot. You can walk through the whole park it is decorated very nice and lots of lights. The factory tour will be open. I would suggest if you have the time and have never been to Pa. to definately make a stop in Lancaster even for one night.It's not far from Hershey.It is a wonderful area so scenic. If you do go you have to travel the back roads you'll pass Amish farms covered bridges it's wonderful. Also many unique shops many with handcrafted items made by the Amish. Great food and lots of small motels kept very well and reasonable at that time of year. The weather can be cold then figure in the 40's.

The last time I was there, about 5 years ago, Hershey was attractively decorated for Christmas. However, you might make sure the decorations are up by mid-November.
I did not stay at the Hershey Lodge but I visited it, and the public area was very attractive.
I stayed at a pleasant B&B, but I don't remember the name. There are plenty.
I concur that you should also visit the Lancaster area. In addition to the Amish attractions, there is a large outlet shopping area, if that's your thing.
There is no reason to stay around Harrisburg.
Gettysburg is interesting if you're a Civil War buff.
It can be cold and damp in November around there.

We were in that area in June. There is no factory tour at Hershey. There is a "simulated" tour/ride at Chocolate World. There is no admission to get into Chocolate World but after you get in there you pay to see a show or buy food or buy souvenirs. The tour/ride is free. Lodging is expensive.-- Gettysbury should not be missed. I'm not sure about the weather that time of year, but we thoroughly enjoyed the tour of the battlefield. Learning about the battle before hand will make it even more interesting. We were a little disappointed in Lancaster Amish country. There are many outlets around Lancaster. I highly recommend Gettysburg.

Wandering_Judy is totally correct. Hershey is not what it used to be, (whatever that really was). It reminded me of the Wisconsin Dells area, where they're trying to make something out of nothing. (think Seinfeld)

There are many other places in that area of the country offering much more. SPend your time in Gettysburg or Phila or how about NY's Finger Lake area?

are you traveling with CHildren?

We have relatives in the area, so have visited before when Hershey's Candy Lane is open. I wouldn't make a special trip, though. I do always enjoy the free simulated Chocolate World ride and getting fresh chocolates and ice cream in the shops. I thought the Christmas lights and music of Candy Lane nice after full dark, but not a major attraction. The amusement park rides were pretty much closed when we were there. I don't know about Zoo America.

Our first time in the area I did enjoy visiting the Lancaster area, the Amish farm, quilt and other craft shops, family style restaurant, etc.

Also, check with local calendars for any fall festivals or fairs. They have many more harvest and fall events in Pa than we do in Ga. Often times local volunteer fire depts are having fund raisers. Gives you a local feel for the communities.

The Gettysburg battlefield is very interesting for history, especially if you do some reading or watch Civil War before you visit.

Other activities we have enjoyed when playing visiting relative are the chocolate factory/shop and pretzel shop in Lititz.