Hersheypark Halloween Offers Spooks, Scares, and Sugar for All Ages

Whether you enjoy scares or sweets (or both), Hersheypark has something to offer guests of all ages as part of the Hersheypark Halloween festivities from September 13 to November 3rd. 

I was lucky enough to be invited to check out what the Halloween season at Hersheypark looks like for 2024. Read on for more information. 

Hersheypark Dark Nights 

If you’ve been dying to experience some scares without buying an extra special ticket, Hersheypark Dark Nights has you covered on weekends starting at 6PM ET. 

Haunted Houses

Five haunted houses can be walked through during the night (time and weather permitting):

• Estate of Evil (New for 2024)
• Auntie Mortem’s Abattoir
• Haunted Coal Mine: Curse Of The Tommyknockers
• The Descent: Catacombs Of Decay
• Twisted Carnevil

Scare Zones

For spooky ambient theming and even more scares, these are three scare zones guests can enjoy during Dark Nights: 

• Darkstone’s Hollow: Battle for Spring Creek (NEW in The Hollow)
• Midway Of Misery (Outside Laff Trakk)
• Fallout Zone (Near Tidal Force)

Themed Entertainment

Slider Showcase

If you head over to the Midway of Misery scare zone at 10:15 pm on Fridays and Saturdays or 9:15 pm on Sundays, you can experience the magic that is the Slider Showcase. 

This showcase was my favorite part of my Dark Nights evening. Although I’ve seen some videos of the Decayed Brigade sliders online, it is nothing like watching them slide on the concrete just a couple of inches away from my toes. There was a crowd lined up to watch about half an hour before showtime and the energy and dynamic between the performers and crowd was exciting and intense, but in the most Halloween-spirited way. 

Character Meet & Greets

There are several locations where park-goers can meet their favorite chocolate friends dressed in their Halloween costumes (during the day and at night). 

Although characters vary daily, the Hersheypark App has the most up-to-date information. I was able to snap a photo with the Icebreaker, Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar, and Hershey’s Kiss characters at the front of the park. I liked how you could meet several characters together in a larger group. 

Shake, Rattle and Glow: Monster Ball

Children and adults alike can enjoy the character-filled show that is the Shake, Rattle, and Glow: Monster Ball. This nearly 30-minute high-energy show features renditions of various songs from popular family-friendly films including “Descendants 3” and pop artists including Lady Gaga 

Many of the characters who appear in the show make their way to the middle of the theater afterward to greet and take photos with attendees. I had the opportunity to meet the Twizzler, Jolly Rancher, and Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar characters after the showing I attended. 

The show takes place four times on each day of the weekend and three times on Fridays (all of which are regularly updated on the Hersheypark app). 

Hershey’s Chocolate World

If you aren’t able to purchase a ticket to Hersheypark during the Halloween season or simply want to experience themed Halloween entertainment (and chocolate) without any scares, Hershey’s Chocolate World located only a couple steps from the entrance of Hersheypark is a sweet and free (excluding any add-ons, experiences, etc) that may be purchased) option. 

Hershey’s Trick-Or-Treat Trail

Hershey’s Trick-Or-Treat Trail offers fans the opportunity to collect some of their favorite Hershey’s chocolate candies inside a complimentary (and Halloween-themed) bag, 

Although this experience is intended for children ages 12 and younger, adults can accompany their children and potentially even receive a piece of candy or two without a bag. 

The trail begins with three stops inside Hershey’s Chocolate World and continues with 10 additional stops inside Hersheypark (theme park tickets required) at Treatville (located at The Boardwalk At Hersheypark) until 8:30 pm. 

Trick-Or-Treat Trolley

Departing just outside the main entrance of  Hershey’s Chocolate World, this 45-minute trolley tour offers guests breathtaking views of the town of Hershey as well as fun facts about the area and Milton Hershey. 

Since it’s the Halloween season, this tour includes some candy and some extra details when it comes to the theming and outfits (or should I say costumes) of the two hosts on board. 

Tickets for this experience start at $24.95. Make sure to note it’s only available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the Hersheypark Halloween season. 

Hersheypark Halloween Tasting Pass

Purchasing a Hersheypark Halloween Tasting Pass can help you enjoy five of this event’s themed eats (and save a couple of dollars). You can purchase this pass online or at one of the park’s guest service stations for $36.95. 

Some of the event food offerings I tried included: 

• Buffalo Chicken Spiriello Potato (Spiriello Cottage)
• Loaded Sweet Potato Fries (Reactor Rations) 
• Savory Pretzel Bones (Afterlife Delights) 
• Red Velvet Cookies & Scream Brownie (Afterlife Delights)
• Brownie Batter Dip With Pretzel Twists (Dips of Decay)

Spirits Rooftop Bar at The Chocolatier Restaurant

Spirits Rooftop Bar at The Chocolatier restaurant transforms itself into a spookier version for the Halloween season. With that, you can find specialty bites and beverages at this location, some of which include Blood Bank the Mocktails. 

Make sure to note that since the patio does not accept reservations (and accepts diners on a first-come, first-served basis), it is a best practice to carve some extra time into your Halloween itinerary in case you have to wait a few minutes for a spot to open up. 

Overall Thoughts

As someone who is not very much into all things spooky or scary, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this event. 

Although it definitely does have those thrill-seeking elements for the scare enthusiasts, I thought this event was very well thought out to cater to guests with different thrill tolerances. 

I particularly enjoyed the themed entertainment, character, and food offerings (I found the tasting pass to be a great value)