Getaways
Hersheypark Christmas Candylane 2026 Opens Nov. 13: Dates, Presale Tickets and What Is New for a Day Trip From Haddonfield
Lights, rides, Santa's nine reindeer and a new Fire and Ice show. Buy by Nov. 15 if you want the presale price.
Hersheypark Christmas Candylane opens Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, and runs on select dates and every weekend through Jan. 3, 2027. If you want it cheap, buy now: the online presale, which Hersheypark says saves more than 45%, ends Sunday, Nov. 15. It's a full day trip from Haddonfield, and with little kids it's one of the easier holiday outings to pull off.
Dates and hours
Candylane is open select dates plus all weekends from Nov. 13 through Jan. 3. Hersheypark says there are extended hours around Thanksgiving week, and it goes daily starting Dec. 18. It's closed Christmas Day. Hours vary by day, so check the park calendar before you leave the driveway.
Santa is there through Dec. 24. His reindeer, all nine including Rudolph, stay through Jan. 3.
What tickets cost
Hersheypark's Candylane page shows a presale price of $44.99 against a regular $89.95, plus a $2.99 processing fee per item and tax. Presale tickets are good on any public operating day through Jan. 3, 2027, so you don't have to lock in a date to save.
Season pass holders for 2026 get in as part of their pass. Hersheypark also says 2027 Full, King and Giant Size passes include the rest of 2026 free, which might be the smarter buy if you'll go back next summer.
Your ticket includes ZooAmerica, the 11 acre zoo you reach by a bridge inside the park.
What's new this year
- Fire and Ice, starting Nov. 27 on select dates through Dec. 27: light and flame effects set to music.
- TREEville, bigger this year, with 14 candy themed trees, lasers and fog, plus two treat stops along the walk.
- Holiday rides: new festive cars and lights on Twin Turnpike, and a holiday soundtrack on the Holly Jolly Laff Trakk coaster.
- Estate of Evil Holiday Open House, nightly after 5 p.m. from Nov. 14. It's spooky, so judge your kids.
One thing that's gone: Hershey Sweet Lights, the drive through, won't return in 2026 after 20 seasons.
Tips for the trip
Go late afternoon if lights are the point. The NOEL light show runs every 15 minutes starting at 5 p.m. Rides depend on weather and temperature, and Hersheypark offers a free return voucher if weather closes most of the open major rides for more than an hour of your visit.
Want a second holiday light outing that's closer? A Longwood Christmas opens Nov. 20 in Kennett Square.
FAQ
When does Christmas Candylane 2026 open? Friday, Nov. 13, 2026. It runs select dates and weekends through Jan. 3, 2027, daily from Dec. 18, closed Dec. 25.
When does the presale end? Nov. 15, online only.
Is the zoo included? Yes. ZooAmerica admission comes with every park ticket.
Sources
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