Hershey Park Holly Jolly Trolley: A Festive Journey Through Chocolate Town

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The Hershey Park Holly Jolly Trolley is a beloved holiday attraction in Hershey, Pennsylvania. This 40-minute festive ride offers visitors a unique Christmas experience, complete with caroling, storytelling, and a visit from Santa Claus. Operating from mid-November through early January, the Holly Jolly Trolley provides a magical journey through Chocolate Town, USA, sharing heartwarming tales of Milton Hershey’s life and spreading holiday cheer to all who board.

What Are the Operating Hours of the Hershey Park Holly Jolly Trolley?

hershey park holly jolly trolley
Image ‘File:Hershey park gate.jpg’ by Gusc554, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Hershey Park Holly Jolly Trolley operates on a seasonal schedule, typically running from mid-November through early January. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the trolley’s operating hours:

  • Fridays (November 15 – December 22):

  • Departures at 4:00 PM, 4:50 PM, 5:40 PM, and 6:30 PM

  • Saturdays (November 15 – December 22):

  • Multiple departures from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM

  • Specific times: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:20 PM, 5:10 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 8:00 PM

  • Sundays (November 15 – December 22):

  • Departures at 10:30 AM, 11:20 AM, 12:10 PM, 1:00 PM, 1:50 PM, 2:50 PM, 3:50 PM, 4:40 PM, and 5:30 PM

  • Daily (December 23 – January 1):

  • Multiple departures starting from 11:00 AM through the evening
  • No service on Christmas Day (December 25)
  • Limited departures on Christmas Eve (December 24) and New Year’s Day (January 1)

It’s important to note that these schedules may vary slightly from year to year, so it’s always best to check the official Hershey Trolley Works website for the most up-to-date information.

How Much Do Tickets Cost for the Hershey Park Holly Jolly Trolley?

hershey park holly jolly trolley
Image ‘File:Hershey Triple Tower 2.jpg’ by crudmucosa, licensed under CC BY 2.0

The pricing structure for the Hershey Park Holly Jolly Trolley is straightforward and family-friendly:

Age Group Price
Adults (13-61) $15.95
Children (3-12) $12.95
Children (0-2) Free

Tickets can be purchased in advance through the Hershey’s Chocolate World online store or at the trolley desk in the HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD lobby. While there are no specific discounts mentioned for seniors or group purchases, it’s always worth inquiring about potential promotions or special offers when booking.

What Can Visitors Expect During the Hershey Park Holly Jolly Trolley Ride?

The Hershey Park Holly Jolly Trolley is not your typical sightseeing tour. Instead, it offers a unique, immersive Christmas experience that lasts approximately 40 minutes. Here’s what visitors can expect:

  1. Festive Atmosphere: The trolley is decked out in holiday decorations, creating a merry ambiance from the moment you step aboard.

  2. Christmas Caroling: Passengers are encouraged to join in singing classic holiday tunes, adding to the joyful spirit of the ride.

  3. Storytelling: The tour guides share heartwarming stories about Milton Hershey’s life and the history of Hershey, Pennsylvania, blending local lore with holiday cheer.

  4. Santa’s Visit: A highlight of the trip is a special appearance by Santa Claus himself, bringing magic and excitement to passengers of all ages.

  5. Gifts: Every participant receives a present during the ride, adding an extra touch of holiday generosity to the experience.

  6. Interactive Elements: The show includes interactions with a jolly old elf who recognizes children from his ‘nice list,’ creating personalized moments of delight.

While the trolley doesn’t make stops at specific landmarks, the entire journey is designed to immerse passengers in the holiday spirit and the rich history of Hershey.

Why Should Families Choose the Hershey Park Holly Jolly Trolley for Their Holiday Experience?

The Hershey Park Holly Jolly Trolley offers several compelling reasons for families to make it part of their holiday traditions:

  1. Unique Holiday Experience: Unlike traditional light tours or Santa meet-and-greets, the Holly Jolly Trolley combines storytelling, music, and interactive elements for a comprehensive Christmas adventure.

  2. Educational Value: Through stories about Milton Hershey and the town’s history, children and adults alike can learn while enjoying the festive atmosphere.

  3. Convenience: With multiple departure times and a central location at HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE WORLD, the trolley ride is easy to incorporate into a day of holiday activities in Hershey.

  4. All-Weather Activity: As an indoor experience, the Holly Jolly Trolley provides a cozy and comfortable holiday outing regardless of the weather outside.

  5. Memory-Making Opportunity: The combination of caroling, storytelling, and a visit from Santa creates lasting memories for families to cherish year after year.

  6. Affordable Family Entertainment: With reasonable ticket prices and children under 2 riding for free, the Holly Jolly Trolley offers good value for a 40-minute immersive experience.

How Can Visitors Make the Most of Their Hershey Park Holly Jolly Trolley Experience?

To ensure you have the best possible time on the Hershey Park Holly Jolly Trolley, consider these tips:

  1. Book in Advance: Popular times can sell out quickly, especially on weekends and closer to Christmas. Secure your preferred date and time by booking online.

  2. Arrive Early: Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time for parking and finding the trolley boarding area.

  3. Dress Festively: Embrace the holiday spirit by wearing Christmas-themed attire or colors. It adds to the fun and makes for great family photos.

  4. Bring Your Camera: While you’ll want to stay in the moment, there will be plenty of photo opportunities, especially during Santa’s visit.

  5. Participate Actively: Join in the caroling and engage with the storytellers. The more you participate, the more enjoyable the experience becomes.

  6. Plan Your Visit: Consider combining your trolley ride with other Hershey attractions, such as Hershey’s Chocolate World or Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, for a full day of holiday fun.

  7. Check for Special Events: Occasionally, the Hershey Trolley Works may offer special themed rides or events. Keep an eye on their website for any unique opportunities.

The Hershey Park Holly Jolly Trolley is more than just a ride; it’s a gateway to the magic of Christmas in Chocolate Town, USA. By blending local history, holiday traditions, and interactive entertainment, it offers a unique and memorable experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a long-time Hershey resident or a first-time visitor, the Holly Jolly Trolley provides a delightful way to celebrate the season and create lasting family memories.

References:

  1. https://hershey.macaronikid.com/articles/5a01f2b4967b6036bb597af0/celebrate-the-holidays-with-hershey-trolley-works
  2. https://www.hersheytrolleyworks.com/what-is-hershey-trolley-works.html
  3. https://tickets.hersheys.com/mainstore?categoryId=1248

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