Although Hersheypark is great in the summer, visiting in November/December is becoming one of my annual favorite things to do. We stay at the Hershey Lodge, drive through the Sweet Lights and enjoy Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. And of course, I experience the Hershey Hotel Spa.
In case you wanted to try out Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane too, below is a review of my experience and recommendations.
What is Hersheypark Christmas Candylane?
Hersheypark Christmas Candylane is visiting Hersheypark during the evening. Hersheypark is an amusement park centered around Hershey’s chocolate. The rides, games, shops and food vendors (funnel cake) are open amidst hundreds of Christmas decorations.
But, don’t expect the full Hersheypark experience. It’s a pared-down visit considering half the rides are closed since it’s dark and cold, but you only have a few hours anyway (5 – 10 p.m.).
As we were waiting for our food from the Chocolatier restaurant, I took this photo of the entrance area before we entered. Beautiful!
Although it was about 45 degrees, with the right layers like my long Columbia jacket, it was a pleasant evening. Thankfully, no wind this year.
The front gates open at 5 p.m., so it’s already almost dark.
What you can expect at Christmas Candylane:
- Not all food vendors are open, but they do have hot chocolate, holiday funnel cakes and a few other seasonal treats. Yes, Chick-fil-a, Starbucks and Subway are open too.
- Christmas lights and decorations galore. It’s beautiful!
- On rides like the Twin Turnpike, you drive through Christmas lights, like a smaller Sweet Lights.
- Games vendors have some Christmas stuffed animals like a stuffed candy cane, Christmas lightbulb, gingerbread man, etc.
- “Snow” (soap suds) over the walkway.
- No water rides and few large rollercoaster rides are open.
- The waterway around The Hollow and the Skyview has a light show with music every 30 minutes.
- One year, we passed by Miss Kiss is available to take photos with (I didn’t see her this year).
- Popular rides, like Reese’s Cupfusion, still have long lines with a ~45-60 minute wait.
Although this is family fun all around, I feel like Christmas Candylane is more for the younger audience. Parents with young kids especially benefit the most since a lot of the rides open are for younger kids. It’s not as hot and crowded, and there are fewer hours.
Unfortunately, photos of the Christmas decorations displayed don’t do them justice, but I managed to get a few decent photos of the evening:
What works well for us:
- Bring a stroller for the little ones, but don’t leave valuables in it as you’ll need to park it outside of rides.
- Ordering takeout from the Chocolatier restaurant and then bring drinks and food in with us. Although they have some available there, you don’t want to waste time in line for food!
- Wear and bring layers, gloves, hats, scarves! Especially after the sun goes down, it can get very cold!
- We shove an extra blanket or two in the stroller’s bottom.
- Bring hand warmers.
- Even though it’s smaller crowds, expect there will be lines.
- We always buy some fancy hot chocolate from Simply Chocolate. Warm and delicious!
- Although it’s tempting to stop at the first few rides you encounter, walk to the back first and then work your way toward the exit. Except for the popular rides, the lines are shorter at the start of the evening.
- Make sure to take a few minutes to watch the light show! It’s so beautiful!
I’m sure things change from year to year. Get up-to-date information about Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane on the Hersheypark website >>
Christmas Candylane Experience Review
Overall, I really love Hersheypark’s Candycane Lane. I think it is perfect for families with younger children and teens who benefit from shorter lines and really come for the smaller rides.
And, before the evening begins, we stop by Hersheys Chocolate World ahead of time to see Santa! So, we leave Hersheypark exhausted and full of Christmas spirit.
As long as your kiddo can stay awake, and you are well-prepared for the evening, it’s sure to be a good time!
Have you been to Christmas Candylane at Hersheypark? If so, I’d love to know your thoughts and experiences. Or, if this review helped you, please let me know! Comment below. Thanks for reading!
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