Christmas in Hershey PA: 19+ Ways to Celebrate

Derry Township, Pennsylvania is home to the multi-acre Hershey Entertainment Complex. If you love hot chocolate and Christmas, there is likely no better place to celebrate Christmas than in Hershey, PA.

Image Source: Hersheypark website

In Hershey, Pennsylvania, there is a family amusement park called Hersheypark.

The Boardwalk will be decked with a festive trail with miles of wooded trails that share the stories of The Sweetest Place On Earth.

Hershey, Pennsylvania is a great place to celebrate Christmas as it turns into a winter wonderland.

The town is decked out in holiday decorations, there are plenty of Christmas activities to enjoy, and the Hershey Story Museum is a must-see.

Discover all the attractions and events you can only enjoy in Hershey, PA! Ride roller coasters and water slides, take in a hockey game or butterfly atrium.

Image Source: Hersheypark website

And the best part is, you don’t even have to wait to celebrate Christmas at The Sweetest Place on Earth until December.

You’ll find many activities including light shows, Christmas lights and decorations going up in mid-November.

Enjoy Christmas in Hershey with your family and friends with a great holiday cheer.

#1 Hershey Sweet Lights

100 W. Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA 17033 | Website

Driving through 2 miles of forest paths while seeing approximately 600 lighted, dynamic displays is possible at Hershey Sweet Lights.

The light show here is the perfect way to celebrate the Christmas spirit.

#2 Hershey Lodge

325 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033 | Website

Families and visitors of all ages can find convenience and comfort at the Hershey Lodge. There are 665 luxurious hotel rooms in hershey and premium suites with chocolate-themed furnishings and artwork.

Image Source: Hershey Lodge website

Enjoy activities abound, go holiday shopping while unwinding by the lobby’s recognisable fireplace, swimming in the indoor and outdoor pools, or at one of the hotel’s five distinctive restaurants.

#3 Hershey Gardens

170 Hotel Road Hershey, PA 17033 | Website

There’s a lot to explore and enjoy at the Hershey Gardens, the details of which are listed below:

  • The Christmas Tree Showcase: Runs from Nov 19th to Jan 1. Indulge in Christmas cheer with lit up trees, holiday lights, colorful ornaments and a lot more.
  • Hershey Gardens, overlook the town of Hershey, is home to a stunning array of flowers and shrubs
Image Source: Hershey Garden website
  • There is a grand collection of rare, distinctive trees
  • There are a variety of holiday events that are sure to please visitors of all ages.
  • Experience the vibrant seasonal displays, theme gardens, indoor tropical Butterfly Atrium, and interactive Children’s Garden to delight your senses.

#4 Hershey’s Chocolate world

101 Chocolate World Way Hershey, PA 17033 | Website

Large visitor center Hershey’s Chocolate World is free to enter but has charged attractions and a gift store. Hershey’s Chocolate world attraction is well-known confectionery store with a broad assortment of:

Image Source: Hershey Chocolate tour
  • Breakfast with santa, hershey’s chocolate holiday house, etc.
  • To check the list of all events, visit the Events page on their website.

With the festive attractions on display here, the kids are bound to have a good time!

#5 Hersheypark Christmas Candylane

100 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033 | Website

The Hersheypark Christmas Candylane event, the most joyous event of the year, has more than 5 million lights strung up around the building.

Get in the holiday spirit with their guests’ favorite show, NOEL, presenting more than 250,000 lights dancing to classic holiday tunes.

  • Enjoy an up-close look at your favorite reindeer, including Rudolph, at Santa’s Reindeer Stables, holiday lights, kiddie rides and coasters, etc.
  • Explore the park with family and friends to bring on the cheer!

#6 Little Elves Workshop

63 W Chocolate Ave, Hershey, PA | Website

Little Elves Workshop is the best place for kids to try out some vintage toys and take unique holiday photos in front of a snowy Hershey landscape.

#7 Live Music Shows at The Park

Website

Enjoy the best live Christmas music in Hershey, Pennsylvania as you relax. You’ll never run out of things to do or see in Hershey, Pennsylvania, with everything from concerts and family entertainment to touring Broadway productions and athletic events taking place across the various official venues.

Image Source: Hershey Entertainment website

#8 Take some festive photos

Take a festive photo with your favorite Hershey Characters, and more.When you first enter the park there is a photo station and you can ask them to add borders.

#9 Visit One of The Many Christmas Trees

In honor of National Christmas Tree Day on December 8 and throughout the holiday season in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Image Source: Hershey website

They’ve compiled a list of all the locations where you can see gorgeously decorated trees, then, stop by the Kissmas Tree display to view their iconic Kisses Fountain all dressed out for the season.

Pick a few places that have Christmas tree displays from here.

#10 See a Christmas Show at Hershey Theater

The area’s top performing arts venue, the beautiful Hershey Theater, showcases the best touring Broadway productions, music, and more!

#11 Stay at An Official Resort of Hershey Park

1200 Sweet St. Hummelstown, PA 17036 | Website

Image Source: Hershey Lodge website

A short distance from Hersheypark, the Hersheypark Camping Resort offers spotless RV, cabin, and tent sites in a picturesque location.

#12 Take an Early Bird or After Hours Tour at Zoo America

Website

More than 200 animals live on an 11-acre zoo’s grounds, which are free with a Hersheypark® admission ticket.

At ZooAmerica in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the bears, lizards, owls, wild mice, and all of the other animals can’t wait to meet you for a crazy, entertaining day.

#13 Watch a Bears Hockey Game Live

Giant Center, 550 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033 | Website

The American Hockey League’s most legendary team in history is the Hershey Bears.

The Hershey Bears, who joined the American Hockey League in 1938, are the league’s oldest team and have won a record 11 Calder Cup Championships.

Hershey Bears hockey is a thrilling sport, and this winning tradition makes the team the best professional sporting event in the area.

#14 See Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve

550 E Hershey Park Dr Hershey, PA | Website

You owe it to yourself to put seeing Trans-Siberian Orchestra live on your bucket list if you haven’t done so already.

Any music lover should definitely check out a live performance because of the incredible sound and light effects as well as the connection between the musicians and the audience.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Image Source: Trans-Siberian Orchestra

In conclusion, the Giant Center features a well-organized personnel, sufficient parking for people with disabilities, elevators for the physically challenged, and top-notch security, all of which contribute to a good experience for any venue there.

#15 Attend a Christmas Event at Hershey Public Library

Check out some of these popular events for the whole family:

#16 Explore the Indian Echo Caverns

368 Middletown Rd Hummelstown, PA 17036 | Website

A stunning “show cave” called Indian Echo Caverns may be found in Dauphin County, 3 miles west of Hershey.

Image Source: Indian Echo Caverns website

The caverns are particularly appealing to explore on a hot summer day when visiting the Hershey area because the temperature within is a constant 52 degrees.

#17 Challenge Family Fun Center

366 Middletown Rd Hummelstown, PA 17036 | Website

  • Located just 2 miles from Hershey PA, this center has a 22-hole miniature golf course, indoor batting cages, duck pin, bowling, an arcade and more.
  • Popular destination Challenge Family Fun Center provides a variety of enjoyable activities for the whole family.
Image Source: Challenge Family Fun Center website
  • Enjoy the ice cream, cuisine, arcade games, and ticket rewards. A wonderful location to bring the kids and do fun things.

#18 Challenge Yourself at an Enchanted Forest Escape Room

253 W Chocolate Ave, Hershey, PA 17033 | Website

The Escape Room in Hershey is a great place to enjoy with family and friends.

The experiences at Escape Room include:

  • Enchanted Forest
  • Western Frontier
  • Museum of Magic

#19 Enjoy a Nice Christmas Meal

There are many wonderful Christmas food and entertainment options. The cuisine was amazing everywhere. In Hershey, you can’t go wrong with the food—especially the desserts!

For your Christmas Eve feast, Christmas morning breakfast, or Christmas dinner, Hershey is presenting delectable festive fare.

#20 Enjoy a Local Christmas Treat

323 Northern Blvd Clarks Summit, PA 18411 | Website

There are lots to enjoy sweet treats in Hershey.

You can easily find a variety of:

  • Custom cakes
  • Wedding Cakes
  • Cakes
  • Cookies
  • Miniature pastrys
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Emma Williams

Emma was born and raised in Pennsylvania and loves exploring the state with her 3 kids, husband and Labrador. She loves nature and finding new, fun places to go.