5 Reasons to Visit Hershey Park Christmas Candylane
Hershey, Pennsylvania holds a special place in our hearts. We lived in Hershey for three years and our oldest daughter was born there. We always love to tell her she was born in the sweetest place on Earth!
This year since our kids are a bit older we thought it would be fun to go back to our old stomping ground and share the Hershey magic with them. During the winter months, Hershey Park transforms into Christmas Candylane. It’s such a fun family outing for the holidays. Thank you Hershey Park for gifting us tickets to visit the park. The kids can’t wait to go back.
If you’ve never been, I highly suggest you take time one December for a trip. It’s so magical and no doubt it will get you into the Christmas spirit.
Here are 5 reasons your family should visit Hershey Park Christmas Candylane.
#1 The Rides
The park is so festive with lights, decorations and music, but you can also enjoy so many of the rides. Our older two enjoyed going on many of the kids rides and of course the iconic carousel. Here is a list of all the rides open during Christmas Candylane.
After we spent time at Hershey Park we also walked over to chocolate world. There is a very nicely done free ride inside that shows how chocolate is made. It smells like chocolate in the air and you get a free mini chocolate at the end of the ride. It was nice to go here and get warmed up for a bit. The kids were also super impressed with the HUGE gingerbread house made of all Hershey’s chocolate products, a must see for sure (scroll to see the photo).
It’s kind of fun going to an amusement park in the winter. It feels extra special because it’s normally only something you get to enjoy in the summer. We even won a stuffed Christmas light at one of the carnival games. I was shocked because I’m not sure I’ve ever won at a game like this. The kids thought it was the best thing ever.
#2 THE LIGHTS!
#2 THE LIGHTS!
Hershey Park has over 4 million lights illuminating the space at Christmas. It is breath taking. They have a choreographed light show at night that is stunning and will aboslutely mesmerize your whole family.
I don’t know about you, but there is something so cozy and festive about Christmas lights. Even in the cold weather, lights make it seem more bearable, am I right?
We also drove through Hersheypark’s Sweet Lights after dinner. Our kids loved pointing out all the different animals and characters they saw. They thought the reindeer hiding behind the tree was hilarious. It’s definitely a cozy way to see the lights, in your warm car!
#3 The Food
I always tell my kids there is nothing like Hershey’s hot chocolate. We made sure to get a warm cup at Chocolate World and everyone agreed. It was the BEST.
We stayed at the Hershey Lodge for the night and we loved the food at the Fire & Grain restaurant. The menu had plenty of options for the kids and wonderful fresh choices for the adults. We will definitely eat here again.
Throughout the park you will also find yummy snacks and of course the best chocolate around!
#4 Santa and His Reindeer
In the past, our kids have been nervous about seeing Santa in person. So I was surprised when our son asked if he could go meet him.
We were also pleasantly surprised because Santa is indoors, in a warm space. It was a perfect time to get some warmth back into our toes and experience more Christmas cheer.
Surprisingly none of our kids cried! And they were extra excited to get chocolate after the visit.
It’s also fun to see all the reindeer in their stables. The kids were in awe over their antlers.
#5 Time With Family
With three small kids it feels like there is always something to do and someone to take care of. It was so nice to be able to take a weekend out of our busy schedules and just enjoy time together.
It was refreshing leaving all the laundry and dishes at home and enjoying the Christmas season with our family.
Our kids want to make this a yearly tradition and you know what, we’d totally be okay with that! I was a little worried about all 3 kids sleeping in the same hotel room, but they did so awesome. Gives me hope for more travel in the future.
5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Hershey Park’s Christmas Candylane!
So what about you? Have you been to Hershey Park during the holiday season? What are your favorite Christmas traditions with your family? Tell us in the comments below!
Full Disclosure: Hershey Park gifted us tickets to visit Christmas Candylane. We also received a media rate at the Hershey Lodge. As always opinions expressed are 100% my own.
