Sponsored post – Hershey Entertainment and Resorts hosted us at Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights as one of the 2023 Sweetest Families. All opinions are my own.
Hersheypark Halloween features slightly-spooky fun for kids during the day, and creepy, scary thrills for teens and adults at night. Kid-friendly, daytime fun includes a trick-or-treat trail, rides, and a new musical show. After 6 PM, Hersheypark transforms to Dark Nights with three scare zones and five haunted houses, giving the park a haunted and foggy glow.
Dark Nights admission is included with your Hersheypark Halloween ticket. The Halloween fun at Hersheypark in 2023 starts on September 15 and runs through October 29th. After the Halloween season, the park transitions to Hersheypark Christmas Candylane.
Seasonal photo opportunities are also spread throughout the park. Character meet and greets are available close to the entrance, by the carousel, at certain times each day. Check the Hersheypark app for the meet and greet times available during your visit.
Trick or Treat Trail
Enjoy some delicious Hershey’s candy while checking out Treatville at The Boardwalk. The trail starts at the entrance to the Boardwalk, and winds through the seasonal waterpark area with kid-friendly Halloween decorations. Each stop provides a different Hershey’s treat. Adults can trick or treat too, you don’t need to have children with you.
A treat bag is provided for you. Be sure to check out all of the photo opportunities throughout the trail, including the Hershey’s kissmobile!
RIP Buffet
If you’d like to add a spooky dining experience to your trip, check out the RIP Buffet. The buffet is located at the catering entrance beside Tower Fries in Kissing Tower Hill. Tickets for this fright-filled buffet can be purchased online prior to your park visit.
This spooky buffet features many appetizers, main courses, and plenty of desserts. Each course is Halloween-themed with spooky names, with desserts like “Brains in a Jar”, “Eyeball Cake”, and “Coal Miner’s Dirt”.
Tip: “Monsters” roam throughout the dining room during the RIP Buffet, so stay alert to watch for their tricks and antics!
Dark Ride Experiences
Experience Hersheypark rides in a new way! During the last hour of park operation for the evening, the lights are turned off on certain roller coasters to get a dark ride experience.
Tip: LaffTrak, the park’s indoor roller coaster, operates with the lights off during the entire operating day during Hersheypark Halloween. This makes for a more intense ride experience when you can’t see the track!
Music Box Show
A new show is now scheduled several times daily in the Music Box Theatre! This is the first time the theatre has a show since 2019. The new Hershey Character Glow Dance Party is a dance and sing off between four singers and their corresponding Hershey characters.
Popular songs from the last few decades are in the show, with a unique and spooky twist. After the dance contest, the audience votes for their favorite performer. Tip: Stay for a few minutes after the show. The cast will emerge for meet and greets and to take photos.
Dark Nights
After 6 PM, the park transitions from Hersheypark Halloween to Dark Nights, with five haunted houses and three scare zones. Dark Nights is recommended for ages 13 and over.
The haunts are included in your Hersheypark ticket. Wait times for the houses are now included on the Hersheypark app. A skip the lines Fast Track pass can be purchased for the haunted houses and participating coasters.
The scare zones are spread throughout the park, and signage indicates when you are entering one of the zones. The newest scare zone is a radioactive themed containment area, with large-scale props and crews attempting to neutralize the threats.
Lodging Options
Continue the fun in Hershey by staying at one of the official resorts of Hersheypark: The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge, and Hersheypark Camping Resort.
Each resort has a unique features and offerings, plus shuttle service to Hersheypark and Chocolate World is available from the resorts.
Sponsored post – Hershey Entertainment and Resorts hosted us at Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights as one of the 2023 Sweetest Families. All opinions are my own.
