Christmas at Hershey PA

Another week left, for seasonal special events in "Chocolatetown": Hersheypark amusement park is open as "Christmas Candylane", "Hershey Sweet Lights" is a two-mile drive through sparkling lights; Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge have packages, including a Family New Year's Eve bash at Hershey's Chocolate World.

Hershey PA: Background

Hershey PA -- aka "The Sweetest Place on Earth" -- is the home of Milton Hershey's chocolate empire, and a town full of family entertainment, much of it chocolate-themed.

Hersheypark is a venerable and top-rated family amusement park, started in 1907 by chocolatier Milton Hershey for his employees. Hersheypark is basically a summertime theme park, but opens in the Dark and in November-December for Christmas Candylane.

As for where to stay: The Hotel Hershey is a grand hotel on 300 acres, with a kids' club; the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center is a family-friendly sprawling place with indoor pool and free family programs.

Hershey Christmas

• "Christmas Candylane" is the major attraction, with dancing lights, over 30 rides, "A Music Box Christmas Show"

• "Hershey Sweet Lights" two-mile drive through a display of Christmas lights

• Hershey's Chocolate World (visitors center with 3D show and more) has visits with Santa, Chocolate Tour and more chocolate-based fun.

• thirty minutes away, the smaller theme park Dutch Wonderland turns into Dutch Winter Wonderland has themed rides for younger kids.

more about Hershey PA for Families  | more about Christmas at Hershey