Hershey Sweet Lights Open Nightly Through Jan. 1, 2025

Hershey Sweet Lights Open Nightly Through Jan. 1, 2025

Drive-Through Attraction Features New Light Displays and Theming Experiences

Hershey Sweet Lights presented by PPL Electric Utilities is now open nightly through Jan. 1, 2025. For more than 20 years, the two-mile, drive-through Christmas light attraction with nearly 600 illuminated, animated displays has been a holiday tradition for many families in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Read on to learn about what guests should expect at Hershey Sweet Lights this year with tips to help plan a visit this 2024 holiday season.

Overview of Hershey Sweet Lights Layout

Guests who have visited Hershey Sweet Lights in past years will notice new displays and theming experiences throughout the attraction.

The enhancements begin as soon as guests approach the entrance, with a new arrival experience featuring festive food and retail bundles available for purchase, including the new Kissmas TREEts Collectible. The exclusive container features multiple layered compartments of handmade goodies like a Sugar Cookie Christmas Tree, Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies, Caramel Corn, House-made Marshmallows, Chocolate-Dipped Rice Krispy Treats and Peppermint Bark.

Once guests pass through the entrance booth, they drive under a massive Hershey Sweet Lights archway featuring the iconic KISS street lamp and character.

Tip: Guests can download the Hersheypark app and click the "Play Music" button in the Hershey Sweet Lights callout to enjoy a curated holiday playlist while seeing the lights from the comfort and warmth of the car.

Slightly down the path on the right-hand side is one of three new custom Hershey-themed displays depicting Jolly Rancher Remix, a reimagined boomerang coaster that opened at Hersheypark in the summer of 2022.

Then, just ahead on the left-hand side is another new display of Wildcat's Revengehybrid coaster, the Golden Ticket Award winner for Best New Coaster of 2023.

Continuing along the straight path, guests will see other popular Hersheypark rides in the field, such as Storm Runner, Comet, the Ferris Wheel, the Carrousel, Kissing Tower and more. There is also a flashing light tunnel that makes for a sweet photo opportunity.

As guests approach the turnaround in the road, they will notice the third new display of the Hershey Bears AHL hockey team with GIANT Center arena, where the decorated team plays behind it in the distance. The display flashes the letters "B-E-A-R-S" to recognize the popular chant after the team scores a goal.

On the backside of the field, guests will see other unique displays, like the 12 Days of Christmas, before arriving at the entrance to the Enchanted Forest.

Tip: A fun family tradition is counting the number of reindeer displays hidden throughout the experience.

At the top of the wooded trail is a Victorian Village that features new uplighting to add to the ambiance.

As guests drive back down through the wooded trail, they will enter an all-new region for 2024 inspired by the Northern Lights with fog and laser effects, followed by a Candy Cane Forest exit boasting uplit trees and light displays.

Hours

Hershey Sweet Lights opens nightly at 5 p.m., with the closing time varying by night. Hours can be viewed here. Weekend evenings and holidays tend to be the most popular times to visit. Monday through Thursday are typically less busy days.

Tip: Guests should consider arriving as close to 5 p.m. as possible to avoid long lines.

Location

Hershey Sweet Lights is located just minutes away from Hersheypark amusement park between Route 39 and Sand Beach Road. The address is1183 Sandbeach Road, Hershey, Pa. 17033. From Hersheypark Drive, go north on Sand Beach Road for approximately 1/2 mile. Follow signs to Boathouse Road to the Hershey Sweet Lights entrance.

Admission

Hershey Sweet Lights is a separately ticketed experience from Hersheypark Christmas Candylanewith one fee per vehicle. Guests are encouraged to buy early and online to save. Admission ranges from $29.99 to $52.15, depending on the date selected and the type of vehicle when purchased online in advance before 5 p.m.

Tip: Online purchases for same-day tickets end at 5 p.m. each night. After 5 p.m., full-price tickets for $49.15 are available in person at the entrance booth.