Hershey Park at Christmas should not be missed. The popular Pennsylvania theme park turns into a magical chocolate oasis during the holiday season complete with kids' activities, festive foods and millions of twinkling lights.
Hershey Park at Christmas Highlights
Once you visit Hershey Park during the holiday season you will likely make traveling there a family tradition. Staff members at the family-friendly amusement park go all out to ensure that the Christmas spirit is alive and well, and that visitors are enveloped in festive surroundings.
Each year the park hosts Hershey Park Christmas Candylane. During the 2010 holiday season, the seasonal spectacle runs from November 19th-December 30th. The holiday-themed event features a host of spectacular seasonal specialties for kids of all ages including:
N.O.E.L. - Nights of Extraordinary Lights!
The folks at Hershey Park know you can't celebrate the holidays without lights, so they spend weeks rigging more than two million lights to illuminate the park for the Hershey Park Christmas Candylane event. In addition, guests get the chance to experience N.O.E.L., an awe-inspiring synchronized light show that features more than 125,000 lights that dance and dazzle to popular Christmas tunes. The light show is free with admission to the park and starts promptly at 5:00 p.m. each evening.
Sled Dogs
A touch of the North Pole comes to Hershey Park courtesy of the Pennsylvania Sled Dog Club and Tails of the Tundra Siberian Husky Rescue Group. The huskies race in front of live crowds while their trainers take questions from the audience. A history of sled dog racing and seminars on race equipment are also offered.
Live Music
Nothing rings in the holiday season more than live Christmas music. The theme park brings in the best of the best to entertain visitors during Hershey Park Christmas Candylane. Regionally-acclaimed brass band, The Misle-tones, preform a medley of Christmas classics, including "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Jingle Bells" while strolling the park's grounds.
Storytime
For the young and young at heart, Hershey Park hosts "Sweet Treat Storytime" during the holiday season. Children ages 8 and under (and their parents) are welcome to share in holiday storytelling and festive snacks daily during the Hershey Park Christmas Candylane event.
Christmas Characters
See all of your favorite Hershey Park friends as they get decked out in their holiday best. From the famous Hershey Kiss to the Giant Hershey Chocolate Bar, you and your kids can snap sweet memories with the costumed characters as they stroll around the park making merry with guests of all ages.
Other Hershey Park Christmas Specials
If you are looking to save on a winter trip to Hershey Park, then consider taking advantage of one of the park's special holiday deals. During the 2010 season you can choose from:
Christmas Candylane Family Four-Pack
For $47.80 you will receive:
- Four Christmas Candylane tickets
- Four hot beverage vouchers
- Four game vouchers for Santa's Snowball Challenge
Breakfast and Lunch with Santa
Hershey Park's Tudor Grill plays host to Santa, Mrs. Claus and you. For about $25 per person, you and your entire family can dine with the world-famous Claus clan. In addition to mouth-watering meals, you will be treated to holiday storytelling, caroling and a variety of special sweet treats from Santa himself. Breakfast and Lunch with Santa is a must when you visit Hershey Park at Christmas. Just don't forget your camera or you will miss out on snapping incredible holiday keepers of your kids.
Christmas Considerations
A warning to adrenaline junkies looking to score some serious thrills on Hershey Park's legendary roller coasters: Unfortunately, during the winter season, the park does not operate its fastest rides. However, the park keeps its kiddie rides open as well as select thrill rides for older guests, including the Tilt-a-Whirl and Twilight Express.
If you are taking a multi-generational vacation to experience Hershey Park at Christmas, you'll be happy to know that the theme park has something extra special for guests who are not big into thrill rides. Hershey Park Christmas Candylane features a heart-warming live holiday production, "A Music Box Christmas." In addition, the park also houses Santa's reindeer that you can get up close and personal with. Finally, the park's village shops are bursting with amazing Christmas gift ideas for the entire family.
