Hersheypark Announces Closure of 20 Year Tradition

We’ve got some really sad news out of Hersheypark in Pennsylvania.

@HersheyPA

This isn’t the first time we’ve gotten some bad news out of the park this year, either. Back in June, it was announced that the popular ride Tidal Force would be closing at the end of the summer 2026 season. Now, another closure has been announced. After 20 years, Hersheypark has canceled their Sweet Lights drive-through event.

In a recent statement, ABC27 has confirmed that Hersheypark announced that it would be retiring the Sweet Lights drive-through experience and will instead “focus on growing Hersheypark Christmas Candylane.”

@HersheyPA

In case you’re unfamiliar with the holiday offering, Sweet Lights was a two-mile drive-through that had nearly 600 illuminated and animated displays across fields and illuminated, tree-lined roadways across from the Hersheypark theme park. Along with the announcement of the closure was the reveal of new holiday offerings coming to the park instead. The park will add a new Fire & Ice Experience, an “Estate of Evil” holiday open house, and new festive cars on the Twin Turnpike for the holiday season this year.

@HersheyPA

If you’re a little confused about the “Estate of Evil” part of the sentence above, you’re not alone. The Estate of Evil attraction will combine the Halloween Dark Nights experience with the holidays. You’ll be able to “see how the staff has decorated the rooms with terrifying holiday flair.” It sounds like a Haunted Mansion vibe, and we’re here for it! Additionally, a holiday soundtrack will be added to Holly Jolly Laff Trakk, and Santa and all nine of his reindeer will be in town once again.

©Hersheypark

If you’re interested in experiencing Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, you can check it out from November 12th through January 3rd. We know the absence of the Sweet Lights will certainly be felt, and we’re sad to see it go, but we’ve got hope that the new holiday additions will be just as joyful and beloved. Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more holiday theme park news!

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