Hershey Park Christmas Guide with Kids: Ultimate Family Holiday Experience

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Hershey Park transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season, offering a magical experience for families with children. From mid-November through early January, the park comes alive with twinkling lights, festive attractions, and holiday cheer. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Hershey Park during Christmas with kids, including special events, rides, food options, and interactive experiences designed to create lasting memories for the whole family.

What Are the Key Dates and Times for Hershey Park’s Christmas Events?

hershey park christmas guide with kids
Image ‘File:Waterpark 3g.jpg’ by Mike2478, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Hershey Park’s Christmas celebration, known as Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, operates on select dates from November 15 through January 1, 2025. Daily operations commence on December 12, with varying hours depending on the day. Families planning their visit should check the official Hershey Park website for the most up-to-date schedule to ensure they don’t miss out on any of the festive fun.

What Special Christmas Activities Are Available for Kids at Hershey Park?

hershey park christmas guide with kids
Image ‘File:Entrance at Hershey Park.jpg’ by Michael Gray, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Hershey Park offers a range of Christmas-themed activities tailored for children:

  1. Santa’s Workshop Experience:
  2. Location: Mary N. Bright Airfield
  3. Features: Interactive experience with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and elves
  4. Photo opportunities available

  5. Runs through December 24

  6. Reindeer Meet and Greet:

  7. All nine of Santa’s reindeer present

  8. Educational and fun for animal-loving kids

  9. Hershey Sweet Lights:

  10. Drive-through attraction
  11. Nearly 600 illuminated, animated displays

  12. New for 2024: Custom Hershey-themed displays and Northern Lights-inspired region

  13. Breakfast with Santa:

  14. Dates: Saturdays, Sundays, select Fridays (Nov 29 – Dec 22), and Dec 24
  15. Time: 8-10 AM
  16. Location: The Chocolatier
  17. Includes: Breakfast buffet, kids’ activities, holiday family fun
  18. Pricing: Adults $35.95, Kids (3-11) $22.95, Under 2 free

Which Rides and Attractions Are Open During the Christmas Season?

Hershey Park keeps many of its popular rides and attractions open during the Christmas season, weather permitting:

  • Family-Friendly Rides:
  • Dry Gulch Railroad
  • Ferris Wheel

  • Seven coasters including Jolly Rancher Remix and Laff Trakk

  • Character Meet and Greets:

  • Hershey characters in holiday attire
  • Location: Chevrolet Music Box Theatre

  • Features: Photo opportunities and holiday music

  • TREEville Trail (Starting December 6):

  • Over a dozen decorated trees
  • Themed storytelling, including the Kissmas Tree
Attraction Description Age Suitability
NOEL Light Show 250,000+ synchronized lights All ages
Kissmas Tree Festive photo opportunity All ages
Coasters Weather-dependent operation Height restrictions apply

What Christmas Food Options Are Available for Kids?

Hershey Park offers a variety of festive food options that cater to children’s tastes:

  1. Hot Chocolate Varieties:
  2. Signature and specialty flavors

  3. Hot chocolate bar with dessert toppers

  4. Sweet Treats:

  5. One-of-a-kind holiday desserts
  6. Collectible snack containers

  7. Award-winning King Size Shakes

  8. Breakfast with Santa Buffet:

  9. Kid-friendly breakfast options
  10. Festive holiday-themed items

Most food items are available throughout the park, with prices varying. Some treats are included with park admission, while others, like the Breakfast with Santa, have separate pricing.

Are There Any Interactive Christmas Workshops for Children?

Hershey Park offers several interactive experiences designed to engage and entertain children:

  1. Santa’s Workshop at Mary N. Bright Airfield:
  2. Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and elves

  3. Interactive storytelling and activities

  4. Hershey Character Sweet Greets:

  5. Meet Hershey characters in holiday attire
  6. Location: Heated Chevrolet Music Box Theatre

  7. Features: Holiday music and photo opportunities

  8. TREEville Trail:

  9. Interactive tree displays telling Hershey stories
  10. Encourages family exploration and learning

What Are the Show Schedules and Associated Costs?

Hershey Park’s Christmas shows and events run throughout the day:

  • NOEL Light Show:
  • Runs throughout park hours

  • Included with park admission

  • Breakfast with Santa:

  • 8-10 AM on select dates

  • Separate ticketing required

  • Hershey Sweet Lights:

  • Drive-through experience
  • Starts at $29.99 per vehicle

Most activities within the park are included with general admission, except for separately ticketed events like Hershey Sweet Lights and Breakfast with Santa.

How Can Families Plan for Weather and Accessibility?

When planning your Hershey Park Christmas visit with kids, consider the following:

  1. Weather Preparedness:
  2. Dress in warm layers

  3. Check ride availability on the Hersheypark app

  4. Accessibility:

  5. Most attractions are family-friendly
  6. Some rides have height restrictions

  7. Stroller rentals available

  8. Timing Your Visit:

  9. Weekdays are typically less crowded
  10. Early December visits may have shorter lines

By following this comprehensive Hershey Park Christmas guide with kids, families can ensure a magical and memorable holiday experience filled with festive attractions, delicious treats, and unforgettable moments.

References:
1. Hersheypark Christmas Candylane and Hershey Sweet Lights Now Open for 2024 Holiday Season
2. Hersheypark Christmas Candylane
3. Christmas Activities In Hershey

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