Hersheypark Christmas Candylane returns for 2026 on select dates from November 13 through January 3, 2027. It is the park’s long-running holiday event, with candy-themed decorations, Santa and his reindeer, holiday shows and festive touches on a few rides. The hours and the exact open days change through the season, so check the park calendar before you buy tickets. New for 2026 is a Fire & Ice Experience, which the park describes as icy lights and blazing flames set to an atmospheric score.
The event suits families with young kids, couples who want an evening of lights, and anyone who likes a winter park visit with a Santa stop built in. Every admission ticket includes select family rides and attractions, so this is not a full summer-style ride day. One change to know about: Hershey Sweet Lights, the drive-through light show, will not return in 2026 after 20 seasons. The park says it is focusing on growing Christmas Candylane instead.
Stats at a Glance
- Park: Hersheypark, Hershey, Pennsylvania
- Dates: Select dates, November 13, 2026 to January 3, 2027
- Event nights: Select dates (check the park calendar for open days and hours)
- Highlights: TREEville, Twinkling Thru Time, Santa and his reindeer
- New for 2026: Fire & Ice Experience
- Ticket: Admission ticket includes select family rides and attractions
What’s new for 2026
The headline addition is the all-new Fire & Ice Experience. The park describes it as a winter scene of icy lights and blazing flames that illuminate the night, synchronized to an atmospheric score.
TREEville is also bigger this year. It sits at The Shore, where you walk among a grove of Hershey’s candy-themed trees with lights, lasers and swirling fog. The park lists two festive treat stops along the walk.
Twin Turnpike gets four new festive cars and new light displays. Holly Jolly Laff Trakk has an all-new holiday soundtrack. The Estate of Evil Holiday Open House is new too. It blends the park’s Dark Nights theme with the season, showing rooms the staff have decorated with what the park calls terrifying holiday flair. That one may suit older kids and teens better than toddlers.
Lights, shows and holiday entertainment
TREEville and the Fire & Ice Experience are the main light attractions for the evening. Twinkling Thru Time is a musical revue of classic Christmas hits through the decades, performed at the Chevrolet Music Box Theatre. Check the day’s schedule in the park app or on the park calendar for showtimes.
Santa and all nine of his reindeer take over the Mary N. Bright Airfield, where you can visit and take photos. If you want a sit-down meal with Santa, Breakfast with Santa runs at The Chocolatier on select dates between November 27 and December 24.
Rides and attractions open
The park says every admission ticket includes select family rides and attractions, and it does not publish a full list of what runs during Christmas Candylane. Twin Turnpike and Holly Jolly Laff Trakk are the two rides with holiday updates this year. Which rides run on a given day depends on the day and the weather, so check the park’s ride status when you arrive.
Plan the visit around a mix of family rides, shows and light displays rather than a coaster marathon.
Holiday food and treats
The park says treat stops are part of the TREEville walk, and dining is available around the park during the event. The Chocolatier hosts the Breakfast with Santa buffet on its select dates.
The official page does not list specific holiday menu items, cookie passes or prices. Check the park’s dining page closer to opening for the current menu.
Tickets, passes and upgrades
An admission ticket covers the event along with select family rides and attractions. Tickets are sold on the Hersheypark website, and the park’s 2027 season passes are on sale now. The park page does not say whether season passes cover Christmas Candylane dates, so confirm that on the pass terms before you rely on it.
Breakfast with Santa is a separate dining experience at The Chocolatier on select dates. The official page does not list its price, so check current pricing and availability when you book. Since Hershey Sweet Lights is not returning, there is no separate drive-through ticket to plan for in 2026.
Tips for your visit
Open days are select dates through the early part of the season, so pick your date from the park calendar first, then buy tickets. Check the hours for your day, because they can differ across the season and the holiday weeks.
Dress for Pennsylvania winter: warm layers, gloves and comfortable shoes, since most of TREEville and the Fire & Ice Experience are outdoors. Arrive with time to see the lights after dark, and check the schedule for Twinkling Thru Time so you can fit it in. If you plan to visit around Christmas, look at the calendar for any closed days.
Explore more: every theme park holiday event for 2026, by state.
Hersheypark Christmas Candylane 2026 at Hersheypark FAQs
When does Christmas Candylane 2026 start and end?
The park lists Christmas Candylane on select dates from November 13, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Check the Hersheypark calendar for the open days and hours on the date you want.
Is Christmas Candylane included with park admission?
Yes. The park says every admission ticket includes select family rides and attractions. Breakfast with Santa at The Chocolatier is a separate dining experience on select dates. Check the pass terms if you plan to use a season pass.
Do rides run during Christmas Candylane?
Select family rides and attractions are included with admission. Twin Turnpike and Holly Jolly Laff Trakk have holiday updates for 2026. The park does not publish a full ride list, so check ride status on the day of your visit.
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Photo: Jim, the Photographer / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.