Christmas In Chocolate Town
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During the holidays, the sweetest place on Earth may also be the brightest place on Earth. Christmas in Hershey is a truly magical town-wide celebration as 3 million lights illuminate the night. The 2009 festivities actually kicked off on November 13th with Hersheypark Christmas Candylane and Hershey Sweet Lights.
It just isn't Christmas in Hershey until Hersheypark is transformed into a dream-like village filled with the sights and sounds of the season. Nine live reindeer will accompany Santa to Christmas Candylane to the delight of anxious children. Children can visit Rudolph and the other eight reindeer while zookeepers from ZooAmerica answer questions about them. In addition to live entertainment, games, shopping and delicious food, this year's spectacle includes a dazzling light show choreographed to upbeat holiday music. Let's not forget that this is Hersheypark, so more than 30 rides will be running for visitors of all ages. Hersheypark's Christmas Candylane is open through December 31st.
Located just minutes from Candylane is a drive-through winter wonderland known as Hershey Sweet Lights. Nearly 600 animated light displays greet guests along the 2 mile wooded drive. The great thing is that your family can enjoy the lights and special holiday music without ever leaving the comfort of the car. A per vehicle admission is charged. Hershey Sweet Lights is open through January 1, 2010.
Other events throughout Hershey are sure to spark that Christmas Spirit. On December 6 and 7, the Hotel Hershey will host "Holiday with Dickens," a performance of the perennial favorite, "A Christmas Carol." Families are invited to enjoy the show at an afternoon tea or an elegant dinner.
The Hershey Lodge is offering guests "Christmas in ChocolateTown," a holiday dinner musical. The dinner will consist of regional holiday fare with a delectable chocolate dessert putting an exclamation point on the delicious meal. The whole family will love the song and dance revue filled with traditional and contemporary holiday songs. Both the Hotel Hershey and the Hershey Lodge will be offering special overnight packages, including a "Breakfast with Santa" package at either hotel.
If live theatre is to your liking, the Hershey Area Playhouse will be performing "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!" on December 3 through 6 and 10 through 13. This delightful tale will remind you of what it was like to be a child at Christmas. For information on upcoming shows, check their website at www.hersheyareaplayhouse.com.
The holidays just wouldn't be complete without a performance of "The Nutcracker." On December 19 and 20, the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet will present this timeless holiday classic at the Hershey Theatre. Holiday performances by Chris Botti and Jim Brickman are also slated. For show times and ticket information, log on to www.hersheytheatre.com.
The Hershey Gardens will again present the National Christmas Tree Walk from mid-November through December 27. Dozens of Christmas trees will be adorned with ornaments from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In addition, Hershey Gardens will feature several other artfully decorated themed trees. Log on to www.hersheygardens.org for hours of operation.
Kids love Hershey's Chocolate World any time of year, but Christmastime is the best! Every weekend from mid-November until December 20, families can enjoy breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. As always, the Hershey's Great American Chocolate Tour ride is free, but reservations must be made for the breakfast. Just log on to www.hersheys.com/chocolateworld/hoursFlash.shtml to register.
The Giant Center is home to the reigning American Hockey League Calder Cup Champions, the Hershey Bears. But the venue is also the stage for many entertaining shows and concerts. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to the Giant Center for two shows on November 22. This hugely popular rock orchestra plays to sold-out shows throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Christmas in Hershey really is a special experience and has become a tradition for many families over the years. But, wherever you plan to spend your holidays, spend it with those you love and the memories will last a lifetime.
Check out our events calendar for more information on these and other Christmas in Hershey events.
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