A couple years ago, we went to Hersheypark at Christmastime. It was one of our favorite pre-Christmas trips. It was fun, festive and a really special family weekend away. This year, I wanted to go somewhere for a weekend before Christmas and take my parents along with us. I decided we would go back to Hersheypark. We knew they would love it and we had also heard there were some new things to see and do at Hersheypark since we were last there. If you are looking for a great trip to do around the holidays, here’s our weekend itinerary for Hersheypark at Christmas.

Hersheypark Christmas: Weekend Itinerary 

Friday Night: We arrived right before dinner. We checked into The Hershey Lodge. The Hershey Lodge at Christmas is amazing. They take the cozy lodge vibe to a new level with all the decorations, hot chocolate, fires, roasting marshmallows and Christmas trees!

We had dinner at The Bear’s Den. This is one of our favorite spots. The food and drinks are great and it’s the perfect spot post car trip: casual and an arcade the kids can run around in a bit while waiting on food.

Then it was off to the indoor pool. The indoor pool and Waterworks is one of the reasons we choose to stay at Hershey Lodge. Plus around Christmas when it’s freezing outside… what’s better than a night of swimming?!

Saturday Morning: We grabbed a light breakfast Cocoa Beanery. Then we bundled up and packed up for the day out at Hersheypark. The park doesn’t open until 2pm. So first we went over to the new Hershey Supply Co. We walked around for a bit and then we were there right when Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor opened. We grabbed a table and ordered an early lunch followed by ice cream.

Next we went over to Hershey’s Chocolate World. We shopped and went on the Chocolate Tour Ride. After that it was time to line up for the park. We were in line right around 1:30. Then before we knew it the park gates opened and we were amongst the first ones in!

Saturday Afternoon: Time for Candycane Lane at Hersheypark! We went right to Candymonium the new coaster. After that we went to see Santa. Both of these are right near the park entrance and we knew both would get long lines later on. I’d highly recommend getting there right when the park opens. We enjoyed SO much without a line for the first 2 hours.

Next we did lots of rides, games and walking around. We stopped for hot chocolate and then my favorite part: the reindeer! One of our favorite parts about visiting Herhseypark at Christmastime is getting to see all of Santa’s real reindeer.

Saturday Night: Once it got dark we made our way back to our car. We drove over to Hershey Sweet Lights. After a day of fun outdoors, it was really nice to sit in a cozy warm car to see Sweet Lights. The hours are from 5pm-10pm. We loved that you could tune your radio to a station with Christmas music. Sweet Lights has over 600 illuminated, animated displays and it’s a 2 mile drive through wooded trails. Spending time as a family listening to Christmas tunes and looking at hundreds of Christmas lights sure puts you in the spirit. We especially enjoyed driving through the 12 Days of Christmas in lights.

Sunday Morning: Breakfast with Santa at The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio. This is one of the new Herhseypark restaurants. The food is excellent and the breakfast with Santa was so special. We have done a number of breakfasts with Santa over the years and this was our favorite one yet! Santa has an area that looks like a little toy shop in the corner of the restaurant. During your breakfast, an elf comes over to the table to let you know it’s your turn to go visit Santa. It was really a special Christmas memory!

If you have more time on Sunday, I’d recommend checking out Hershey Gardens or even heading back to the park for more fun. You could also spend more time at the indoor pool and Waterworks. Herhseypark is really a special spot at the holidays. We hope to go back again soon. Save this weekend itinerary for Hersheypark at Christmas for next December. It really is the Sweetest Place on Earth!