Updated for 2025. It is not too early to plan your end-of-the-year getaway to the Hershey area. There are so many things going on during this time of year that we wanted to share the holiday events near Hershey, PA! It is just what you need to get into the season’s celebratory spirit!
What evokes the holidays to you? Is it parades? Or thousands of twinkling lights, shopping, or special concerts? They are back this year! So reserve your holiday escape now!
Hersheypark Christmas Candylane
🗓 Dates: Nov 14 – Jan 4, 2026
📍 Location: 100 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA
We cannot talk about Hershey during the holidays without describing this sweet celebration — Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. The park is decked out with more than five million lights! The special show NOEL has lights synchronized to your favorite carols and a boardwalk of decorated trees.
Weather permitting, roller coasters and other rides will operate per usual; you may see Santa and his reindeer! There is a two-mile drive-through display of animated lights that you can enjoy. Presale tickets will be available in early November.
Harrisburg Holiday Parade
🗓 Date & Time: Nov 22, starting at 10am
📍 Location: Front and 2nd Streets, from Market to North
Who doesn’t love a parade? The Harrisburg Holiday Parade has giant balloons, decorated floats, marching bands, characters, and, of course, Santa Claus. After the parade, head over to Strawberry Square to meet the man himself, sip hot chocolate, and munch on cookies. The Hershey Christmas parade is a yearly tradition that you won’t want to miss!
Student Christmas Tree Showcase
🗓 Dates & Times: Nov 21 – Jan 1, 2026 | 9am – 5pm
📍 Location: Hershey Gardens, 170 Hotel Road, Hershey, PA
The Milton and Catherine Hershey Conservatory will have almost a dozen stunning decorated Christmas trees at the Christmas Tree Exhibition. Each tree is designed by a different local professional florist with varying themes and styles. The centerpiece will be a 14-foot poinsettia tree, perfect for a photo-op! The Butterfly Atrium and Welcome Pavilion will also have holiday decorations, along with the Garden Cottage area, which is adorned with ornaments made by local students.
Menorah Lightings
🗓 Dates: Dec 14 – 21 | 5:30pm (except Fri 4:30pm)
📍 Location: Penn Square, Lancaster, PA
Downtown Lancaster has nightly Menorah Lightings sponsored by the Jewish Community Alliance. Along with the lighting of the Menorah, come and see the lighting of the Christmas tree, Santa visiting the neighborhoods, and, on December 6, Tuba Christmas!
Concerts And Theater
🗓 Dates, times, and locations vary.
Check each event’s specific information for details.
There are so many choices when it comes to holiday concerts and shows at the Hershey Harrisburg Theater. All the favorites are here, including Trans Siberian Orchestra, Disney on Ice, Pentatonix, and more. Advance tickets are a must.
The Hershey Area Playhouse will perform “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” bringing a message that what makes you different can be the thing that makes you special. The show runs from December 11–14.
Craft Shows
🗓 Dates, times, and locations vary.
Check each event’s specific information for details.
Now is the best time of year to search for the perfect holiday gift in one of the many craft shows in the area. You will find one happening almost every weekend between now and the end of the year.
You may be looking for one-of-a-kind ornaments or unique decorations; events like the Hershey Arts and Crafts Show or the PA Christmas and Gift Show are a fun way to spend an afternoon.
As you can see, you will need several days to experience all the holiday events near Hershey, PA! Plan your stay now so you won’t be disappointed! A couple of other events that are fun during the holidays include:
- Koziar’s Christmas Village — a Hershey holiday extravaganza
- Holiday Train Show at Hershey-Derry Historical Society
The Sweetest Place on Earth is even more special during the holidays. If you need help planning your getaway, give us a call. We are always happy to help with suggestions and reservations.
Photo Credit: © Studio France with AI via canva.com, © Tetiana Nekrasova from baseimage via canva.com
