What better way to sweeten National Chocolate Day than with an evening visit to Hershey dressed for Halloween? On Friday, October 28, and Saturday, October 29, 2016, the town with street lights shaped like chocolate kisses offered two spooky venues for family fun: Hershey Gardens Pumpkin Glow and Hersheypark in the Dark.
Both gave children a chance to trick-or-treat in costume, and both promised plenty of seasonal treats.
Hershey Gardens Pumpkin Glow
At Hershey Gardens, more than 150 jack-o’-lanterns lined a mile-long walk through the historic gardens. Children 12 and under were invited to dress in costume and trick-or-treat along the route, where visitors might also encounter spooky scarecrows and other surprises.
For those who wanted more of a fright, the Milton and Catherine Hershey Conservatory offered a close-up look at gargantuan tarantulas, creepy crawling insects and other arachnids. Scarecrow story time and a pumpkin carving demonstration rounded out the program.
The Butterfly Atrium, normally one of the gardens’ most popular attractions, was closed during Pumpkin Glow.
Tickets had to be purchased online or in person for the special event, and Discovery Passes were not accepted. Members were admitted free.
When: October 28 and 29, 2016
Hours: 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Admission: Adults ages 13 to 61, $12.50; juniors ages 3 to 12, $9; seniors 62 and older, $11.50. Members free.
More information: HersheyGardens.org
Hersheypark in the Dark
Over at the amusement park, it was the final two nights of Hersheypark in the Dark, the park’s Halloween season. Visitors could ride the roller coasters, sample giant pumpkin milkshakes and hearty pumpkin-spiced chili, and enjoy what was forecast to be a spectacular weekend outdoors.
For children, there were plenty of Hershey’s chocolate treats along the way.
One highlight was riding the LaffTrakk coaster with the lights off. During the last hour of each night, guests could also ride the Wildcat, Comet and Lightning Racer in the dark, a thrilling twist on three classic wooden coasters.
Special ticket packages and discount offers were available online, so it paid to check before heading out.
When: October 28 and 29, 2016
Hours: Friday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Admission: Regular, ages 9 to 54, $36; juniors ages 3 to 8 and seniors 55 and older, $25; children 2 and under free.
Discount tip: Save $4 on regular and junior or senior one-day admission by purchasing tickets at participating Giant Food Stores.
More information: Hersheypark.com
Two ways to celebrate
The two events offered very different experiences. Pumpkin Glow was a gentle, family-friendly stroll, ideal for younger children and anyone who enjoys the beauty of carved pumpkins glowing in the dark. Hersheypark in the Dark appealed to thrill seekers who wanted to ride coasters under the night sky.
Families with children of different ages could even split the evening, with younger kids trick-or-treating among the pumpkins while older siblings rode the coasters.
Why Hershey shines at Halloween
Hershey has a natural advantage at Halloween: chocolate. Trick-or-treating in the town that Milton Hershey built carries a special charm, and the combination of seasonal decorations, crisp autumn air and sweet treats makes for a memorable outing.
Hershey Gardens, established in 1937 as a rose garden, has grown into a 23-acre botanical garden with seasonal displays throughout the year. Pumpkin Glow showcased the gardens in a new light, quite literally.
Hersheypark, which traces its roots to a picnic ground Milton Hershey opened for his employees in 1906, has become one of the most popular amusement parks in the region. Its Halloween season extends the fun well beyond summer.
An easy trip from Lititz
For families in Lititz and northern Lancaster County, Hershey is a short drive. A Friday or Saturday evening trip made for a convenient way to celebrate the season without a long journey.
With costumes, candy, glowing pumpkins and coasters in the dark, the last weekend of October 2016 offered Hershey at its spooky, sweet best.