The Hershey Park NOEL Light Show is a spectacular holiday attraction featuring over 250,000 dancing lights synchronized to classic holiday tunes. This mesmerizing display, part of Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane celebration, runs nightly from 5 p.m. with shows every half hour. Visitors can enjoy the show from multiple vantage points, including the Skyview gondola-style ride and three bridges overlooking Spring Creek, making it a must-see holiday experience in Pennsylvania.
What Makes the Hershey Park NOEL Light Show Special?
The NOEL Light Show at Hershey Park is a centerpiece of the park’s holiday celebrations, offering a unique blend of lights, music, and festive cheer. Here’s what makes it stand out:
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Synchronized Light Display: Over 250,000 lights dance in perfect harmony with beloved holiday tunes, creating a mesmerizing visual and auditory experience.
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Multiple Viewing Options: Guests can enjoy the show from various perspectives:
- Ground level in The Hollow
- Skyview gondola-style ride, soaring above the lights
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Three bridges overlooking Spring Creek
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Frequent Showtimes: With performances every half hour starting at 5 p.m., visitors have multiple opportunities to catch the show throughout the evening.
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Scenic Setting: The lights reflecting off Spring Creek add an extra layer of magic to the display.
What is the Schedule for the 2023 Hershey Park NOEL Light Show?
For the 2023 holiday season, the NOEL Light Show follows this schedule:
- Start Time: 5 p.m. nightly
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- Location: The Hollow area of Hersheypark
It’s important to note that while the exact duration of each show isn’t specified, the half-hour intervals between performances suggest a compact yet immersive experience.
How Does the NOEL Light Show Fit into Hersheypark’s Overall Christmas Celebration?
The NOEL Light Show is just one part of Hersheypark’s extensive Christmas Candylane celebration. Here’s how it fits into the bigger picture:
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Part of 5 Million Lights: The NOEL Light Show contributes to the park’s impressive total of over 5 million lights, making Hersheypark the most illuminated place in Pennsylvania during the holiday season.
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Complementary Attractions: While the NOEL Light Show is a highlight, it’s complemented by other festive displays and activities:
- TREEville at The Boardwalk: Features over a dozen themed trees
- Kissing Tower: Offers panoramic views of the park’s lighting
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Hershey Sweet Lights: A separate drive-through attraction with 2 miles of displays
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Holiday Rides: Seven coasters and various family-friendly rides operate during the event, including the new Wildcat’s Revenge.
What Other Holiday Events Coincide with the NOEL Light Show?
Hersheypark offers a variety of holiday events and activities alongside the NOEL Light Show:
| Event | Time | Location | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweet Greets with Hershey Characters | Varies (check app) | Chevrolet Music Box Theatre | Included with admission |
| Mrs. Claus’ Dance Party | 7 PM (5-9 PM park hours) 2 PM, 4:30 PM, 7 PM (12-9 PM park hours) |
Founders Way Pavillion | Included with admission |
| Our Friends from the Sea | 1 PM and 2:30 PM (12 PM park opening) | Aquatheatre | Weather permitting |
| Meet Santa | All operating hours through Dec. 24 | Founders Way pavilion | Included with admission |
| Reindeer Stables | All hours through Jan. 1 | Near Fahrenheit | Included with admission |
| Breakfast With Santa | 8 – 10 AM on select dates | The Chocolatier | Reservations required |
What Unique Experiences Does Hershey Park Offer During the Holiday Season?
Hersheypark goes above and beyond to create a magical holiday atmosphere:
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TREEville at The Boardwalk: This area features more than a dozen themed trees, each telling a story of Hersheypark, including the impressive Kissmas Tree.
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Santa’s Reindeer: Visitors can see all nine of Santa’s reindeer near the Fahrenheit ride, adding a touch of North Pole magic to the park.
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Holiday Culinary Delights: The park offers special seasonal treats, including:
- Hot Chocolate Bar
- Baked Potato Bar
- New items at Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor
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Seasonal offerings at the Sweeterie Confectionary Kitchen
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Hershey Sweet Lights: While separate from the main park, this drive-through attraction complements the NOEL Light Show with 2 miles of illuminated and animated displays.
How Accessible is the Hershey Park NOEL Light Show?
While specific details about accessibility for the NOEL Light Show aren’t provided, Hersheypark generally offers:
- Wheelchair-accessible rides
- Accessible restrooms throughout the park
It’s recommended to check with the park directly for the most up-to-date accessibility information for the holiday events.
What Should Visitors Know About Parking for the NOEL Light Show?
Parking is available at Hersheypark, but specific details for the holiday season aren’t mentioned in the sources. It’s advisable to:
- Arrive early, especially on weekends and peak dates
- Check the Hersheypark website or app for the most current parking information
- Be prepared for potentially higher parking fees during special events
How Can Visitors Make the Most of Their Hershey Park NOEL Light Show Experience?
To fully enjoy the NOEL Light Show and Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane:
- Plan Your Visit:
- Check the park’s operating hours
- Review the schedule of events
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Make reservations for special experiences like Breakfast With Santa
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Dress Appropriately:
- Wear warm, comfortable clothing
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Consider bringing gloves and hats for outdoor viewing
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Explore Multiple Viewpoints:
- Watch the show from ground level
- Try the Skyview ride for an aerial perspective
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Visit the bridges over Spring Creek for unique views
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Combine with Other Attractions:
- Enjoy holiday rides
- Visit TREEville and the Reindeer Stables
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Try seasonal food and beverage offerings
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Capture the Moment:
- Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the magical light displays
- Look for photo opportunities with Hershey characters and Santa
By following these tips, visitors can ensure a memorable and enchanting experience at the Hershey Park NOEL Light Show and Christmas Candylane celebration.