The family fun continues well beyond the summer at Pennsylvania's Hersheypark.
W
hile the self-proclaimed “Sweetest Place on Earth” may draw big crowds during the summer, Hersheypark offers a sweet escape during the fall and winter months when the weather gets cooler and the lines get shorter.
Hersheypark at Halloween
From mid-September through October—the park is open weekends only—guests can enjoy the annual Hersheypark Halloween, which boasts more than 55 seasonally-themed cocktails and sweet and savory treats that are exclusive to this annual event. There are five haunted houses, three “Scare Zones,” and lights-out rides on the park’s new coaster, Wildcat’s Revenge, as well on the Candymonium, Comet, and Lightning Racer roller coasters. There are Glow Dance Parties with costumed Hershey Characters, and a 13-stop Trick or Treat Trail that begins at Hershey’s Chocolate World and ends in The Boardwalk at Hersheypark region.
INSIDER TIPHerseypark has 15 roller coasters that appeal to a variety of thrill seekers, but Wildcat’s Revenge, Hershey’s all-wood and steel hybrid coaster, is not for the faint of heart. The park’s newest coaster (opened in 2023) hits speeds of 62 mph, climbs a 140 feet hill, and inverts four times.
For Those in the Holidays Spirit
If you prefer your sweet mixed with holiday spirit, plan to visit in November through January (select dates) for the Christmas Candylane event, when the park is decorated with more than 5 million lights and a multitude of festive decorations. Santa and his reindeer make appearances, the iconic Hershey characters are dressed in their holiday finest, there’s a Christmas-themed light show, and the Boardwalk area hosts a tree trail with more than a dozen decorated trees. And yes, some of the rides and attractions are open.
INSIDER TIPGuests at Hershey’s three onsite lodging options—The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge, and Hersheypark Camping Resort—get to enter the park an hour before the official opening, get deals on park tickets, and have access to a free shuttle service that takes guests from the resorts to the park’s front gate.
For Creative Chocolate Lovers
At any time of year (it’s open year round), a walk through Hershey’s Chocolate World is a fun experience especially if you have some time to spare or need a quick chocolate fix. Celebrating 50 years this year, this separate section is located right before the entrance to Hersehypark.
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Here you’ll find the World’s Largest Hershey’s Store with separate sections for fans of Reeses, Hershey Bars, Kisses, Twizzlers, and Jolly Ranchers, with merchandise exclusive to this store. There’s also places to eat and drink—milkshakes, s’mores, and more—as well as numerous activities like the center’s newest attraction, the cinematic and interactive Hershey’s Great Candy Expedition.
You can also create your own candy bar at the aptly named the “Create Your Own Candy Bar Attraction,” stop by the REESE’S Stuff Your Cup to make your own pound of Reese’s peanut butter cups complete with your choice of filings (this writer’s favorite experience), board the Hershey Trolley Works for a tour of the town of Hershey, or take the free Hershey’s Chocolate Tour.