Hershey Park Christmas Crowds are a significant aspect of the holiday season at this popular Pennsylvania attraction. The Christmas Candylane event draws large numbers of visitors, especially on weekends and during peak holiday periods. With over five million sparkling lights, select rides operational, and special holiday attractions, Hersheypark transforms into a winter wonderland. Understanding crowd patterns, planning strategies, and knowing what to expect can greatly enhance your visit during this festive time.
What Are the Peak Days for Hershey Park Christmas Crowds?
Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane experiences its highest attendance on weekends, particularly Saturdays. The event, running from November 10, 2023, through January 1, 2024 (closed on Christmas Day), sees a significant influx of visitors during this period. While specific historical attendance numbers are not publicly available, it’s well-known that weekends draw the largest crowds.
Key crowd patterns include:
- Saturdays: Busiest days
- Sundays: High attendance, but slightly less than Saturdays
- Fridays: Moderate to high crowds, especially in the evening
- Weekdays: Generally less crowded, especially earlier in the day
To avoid the heaviest Hershey Park Christmas crowds, consider visiting on weekdays or early in the season before schools let out for winter break.
How Early Should You Arrive to Secure Parking?
Parking availability can be a concern during peak times at Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane. While the park offers ample parking, specific capacity numbers are not provided. To ensure a smooth start to your visit, consider the following:
- Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the park opens
- On peak days (weekends and holidays), aim to arrive 60-90 minutes early
- Parking costs are typically included in admission or season passes
- Premium parking options may be available for an additional fee
Early arrival not only secures parking but also allows you to be among the first to enter the park, potentially reducing wait times for popular attractions.
What Special Christmas Attractions Are Available?
Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane offers a variety of special attractions that contribute to the holiday atmosphere and draw crowds. Here’s a breakdown of the key features:
- NOEL Light Show
- Over 250,000 dancing lights
- Choreographed to Christmas music
-
Begins nightly at 5 p.m. in The Hollow
-
Santa’s Reindeer Stables
- All nine of Santa’s reindeer on display
- Open during all hours of operation through January 1
-
Trained reindeer experts available for questions
-
Interactive Santa Experience
- Located under the former Carrousel Pavilion
- Available through December 24
-
Photo opportunities with Santa and his elves
-
Select Amusement Park Rides
- Various rides operational, weather permitting
-
Includes some roller coasters and family-friendly attractions
-
Hershey Sweet Lights (separate ticketed event)
- Drive-through attraction
- Nearly 600 illuminated and animated displays
- Approximately 2 million LED lights
These attractions contribute significantly to the Hershey Park Christmas crowds, so plan accordingly and prioritize your must-see experiences.
How Do Ticket Prices Vary During the Christmas Season?
Ticket pricing for Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane is structured to encourage group visits and early purchases. Here’s a breakdown of the admission costs:
| Ticket Type | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4+ Tickets | $29.99 per person | Best value for groups |
| 1-3 Tickets | $36.99 per person | Standard pricing |
| General Any-Day 2023 | Varies | Valid through January 1, 2024 |
| 2023 Season Pass | Included | Unlimited visits to Christmas Candylane |
| 2024 Season Pass | Various options | Available for purchase with added perks |
It’s worth noting that purchasing tickets in advance, especially for groups of four or more, can lead to significant savings. This pricing structure may influence crowd sizes, with larger groups more likely to visit due to the cost incentive.
What Strategies Can Help Navigate Hershey Park Christmas Crowds?
To make the most of your visit during the busy Christmas season, consider these strategies:
- Visit on weekdays when possible
- Arrive early to secure parking and beat initial entry crowds
- Purchase tickets in advance to avoid box office lines
- Prioritize must-see attractions and visit them early in the day
- Take advantage of less busy times, such as during meal hours or later in the evening
- Use the park map to plan an efficient route
- Consider upgrading to Fast Track passes for popular rides if available
- Stay hydrated and take breaks to avoid fatigue in crowded areas
By implementing these strategies, you can minimize the impact of Hershey Park Christmas crowds on your experience and maximize enjoyment of the festive attractions.
Are There Accessibility Options Available During Christmas Events?
Hersheypark generally offers various accessibility options to ensure all guests can enjoy the Christmas Candylane experience. While specific details for the Christmas event may vary, typical offerings include:
- Wheelchair rentals
- Electronic Conveyance Vehicle (ECV) rentals
- Accessible parking spaces
- Ride accessibility programs
It’s important to note that during peak Christmas crowd periods, the availability of rental equipment may be limited. Guests with accessibility needs should:
- Arrive early to secure necessary equipment
- Check with the park directly for any seasonal limitations or changes
- Plan routes through the park that accommodate mobility devices
The park strives to maintain its accessibility standards even during busy periods, but it’s advisable to confirm specific needs with guest services in advance.
How Do Dining Options Handle Christmas Crowds?
During the Christmas Candylane event, Hersheypark offers various dining options to accommodate the increased crowds. Key points to consider include:
- Multiple restaurants and food stands operate throughout the park
- Popular year-round dining venues like The Chocolatier Restaurant remain open
- Seasonal treats and holiday-themed menu items are often available
- Wait times for sit-down restaurants may be longer during peak hours
To manage meal times efficiently during crowded periods:
- Consider dining during off-peak hours (before 11:30 AM or after 2:00 PM for lunch)
- Explore quick-service options for faster meal turnaround
- Check the park map for less crowded dining areas
- Consider making reservations if available for table-service restaurants
By planning your meals strategically, you can minimize time spent waiting and maximize your enjoyment of the park’s attractions.
Hershey Park Christmas crowds are a significant factor to consider when planning your holiday visit. By understanding peak times, utilizing early arrival strategies, and planning your activities wisely, you can navigate the festive atmosphere with ease and fully enjoy the magical experience of Christmas Candylane.
References:
1. Hersheypark Christmas Candylane Returns Nov. 10 with More Weekend Hours for Holiday Fun
2. Hersheypark – Wikipedia
3. Hersheypark Crowd Calendar – Is It Packed?