Wheelchair Accessible Christmas in Hershey

The sweetest place on earth at the most wonderful time of the year

Have you tried searching for wheelchair accessible Christmas activities? What a nightmare. Some of the most festive destinations are in historic towns – which are adorable, but rarely accessible. The other top picks that come up are places like NYC. I’ll agree that NYC is breathtaking at Christmas, and you should try it at least once in your life, but it’s really hard to navigate the crowds with a wheelchair.

Christmas in Hershey has held that special place in my heart since I was a kid and all it cost to get in was a canned good for the food bank. The lights, the smells, the lights, the tastes, the lights, the music, and the lights pull everything together for that Christmas-magic feel. Did I mention the lights? While you have to use real money to get in, these days, it’s still every bit the experience you would hope for.

Did you know chocolate is listed as the number one craving of the holiday season? It makes sense that chocolate and Christmas should go together: the two best things in life. Here’s everything Christmas you need to know, for both tourists and locals in 2020! As always, all suggestions are family friendly and wheelchair accessible.

**Please note that almost all of these experiences require advance reservations this year (even the free ones). Links are provided for booking.**

Hersheypark

Of course this is where the magic is its biggest and brightest! With over 5 million lights (!!!), endless holiday tunes, Santa and all of his reindeer, bottomless hot cocoa, warm kettle corn and every other treat and delight of the season, Christmas Candylane is a one stop shop for holiday wonder.

The park was revamped last year, making it more wheelchair friendly than ever before (that monster hill is completely gone!). Stop at guest services, just inside the entrance gate, and they’ll personalize your accessibility pass so that you know which rides are best for your group. You can’t use the accessible entrance without the pass, so make this your first stop!

Chocolate World

Hop on the behind the scenes tour of chocolate making, get your picture taken with Santa, and check out the holiday house built entirely of chocolate! On weekends, you can splurge for breakfast with Santa and his elves. (Temporarily placed on hold, even since this was posted!)

Sweet Lights

This is literally THE perfect event for 2020. The Hershey Sweet Lights drive-through offers all the lights, music, and hot cocoa, you could want – all from the warmth and safety of your own vehicle. It checks all the boxes.

Hershey Gardens

Most people don’t think of gardens as a winter attraction, but the Candy Cane Cottage is upping the ante on an already beautiful winter display! The cottage is also an indoor attraction, which makes it a nice way to experience the whimsy of holiday lights for kids who get cranky quickly in the cold. (The indoor display is temporarily on hold, but the outdoor garden was still worth it)

All The Other Hershey Attractions

These may not top the list for locals who have done them before, but if you’re traveling for Hershey, they’re an essential part of the experience! The Hershey Trolley offers three different tour types over the holidays (including a history of Hershey, or something more festive), there’s a 4D movie experience inside Chocolate World, and you can decorate the world’s largest kiss as a Christmas tree! Check out the Hershey Story Museum for an interactive experience that walks you through the history of Milton Hershey and his legacy. Spend a day at Zoo America and discover the wild of North America. (All of these things were open when I published, but things have already changed. Make sure to call ahead for the dates of your visit!)

Holiday Train Display

I’m so excited to find a holiday train display that’s still happening! The Hershey Derry Township Historical Society showcases multiple trains and trolleys on a large-scale layout. It’s handcrafted and specific to all the Hershey landmarks.

Santa Express

This one is technically just outside of Hershey, in Elizabethtown. It’s an easy 15 minute drive and totally worth it. Experience the historical Lancaster County landmark Star Barn through a 35 minute holiday train ride complete with carols, cocoa, and Santa! All proceeds also happen to go to Brittany’s Hope – an organization that aides abandoned children around the world, and helped in bringing Jaden home from China

Tree Lighting and Santa’s Drive-Thru

Watch the season come to life and wave to Santa on a fire-engine at Hershey’s tree lighting ceremony.

The Town and Around

If you’re making a road trip of it, check out our other Hershey suggestions, like where to eat, stay, and play. Nearby Lancaster County also offers a nice country-Christmas getaway, and Pennsylvania’s capital is just across the bridge, with plenty to do!