For two decades, a lot of Central Pennsylvania families ended the holiday season in a slow line of cars, windows fogged, crawling past animated light displays at Hershey Sweet Lights. That tradition is over. Hersheypark says Sweet Lights will not return in 2026, and the park is putting its holiday energy into Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, which opens on select dates from November 13 and runs through January 3.
The park’s own FAQ is direct: “After 20 seasons of holiday magic, Hershey Sweet Lights will not return in 2026 as we focus on growing Hersheypark Christmas Candylane.” Sweet Lights was a separately ticketed drive-through, located on Sandbeach Road outside the park, with more than 500 illuminated and animated displays along two miles of fields and wooded trails. Its last season ended on January 4, 2026.
So what replaces it? Instead of a drive-through, you get a walk-through holiday park with rides, a new fire-and-light show, a larger Christmas tree area, live entertainment, and Santa. Here is the full picture.
What Hersheypark Christmas Candylane Offers Instead
Christmas Candylane turns part of Hersheypark into a winter holiday event. According to the park’s Christmas Candylane page and coverage of the 2026 season, here is what is on the list this year:
- A new Fire and Ice Experience: The park describes a show in which icy lights and blazing flames illuminate the night, synchronized to an atmospheric score. It is the headline addition for 2026.
- A bigger Treeville: The park says its Treeville area, a display of decorated Christmas trees, is “bigger, brighter, and sweeter than ever.”
- Holiday rides: Hersheypark says it is “decking the halls” of two iconic rides with holiday versions this year.
- A holiday version of a haunted attraction: Coverage of the season notes a holiday spin on the park’s Estate of Evil haunted house.
- Lights across the park: Millions of lights cover the walkways, trees, and rides.
- Santa: Visits with Santa happen inside the park, and Breakfast with Santa is offered at The Chocolatier restaurant on select dates between November 27 and December 24.
- Rides: A selection of rides operates, weather permitting, including family rides and some coasters.
The trade-off is clear. Sweet Lights let you stay warm in your car. Candylane gets you out walking in the cold, but with much more to do.
Dates and Hours for 2026
Hersheypark lists Christmas Candylane as open on select dates from November 13, 2026, through January 3, 2027. It is not open every day, especially in November, so check the park’s operating calendar before you buy tickets or book a hotel.
- Early season (mid-to-late November): Mostly weekends. Smaller crowds, and the best time to go if you want short ride lines.
- Thanksgiving weekend: Busy, especially Friday and Saturday.
- December weekends: The most crowded dates of the season.
- Week between Christmas and New Year’s: Open more days, and very busy, since schools are out.
Hours vary by date. Most evenings run into the night, since the lights are the point. Plan to arrive in the late afternoon so you can ride in daylight and see the park lit after dark.
What Tickets Cost
Christmas Candylane is ticketed by date. Prices change depending on demand, and tickets are usually cheaper when you buy online in advance. Peak December weekends and the week after Christmas cost the most, while early-season November dates are usually the cheapest. Check the park’s ticket page for current prices on your date, and compare the online price to the gate price before you go…