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Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights Return Friday, Sept. 13

Laimis Belzinskas

Press Release from Hersheypark:


(Hershey, Pa. - June 26, 2024) - Hersheypark amusement park today announced the return of its Hersheypark Halloween seasonal event and Dark Nights immersive haunt experience for more haunting dates than ever before from Friday, Sept. 13 through Nov. 3, 2024. 

For 25 days, including Halloween night on Thursday, Oct. 31, guests can experience five haunted houses, including the all-new Estate of Evil haunted house, three Scare Zones with the new Darkstone’s Hollow: Battle for Spring Creek scare zone, 50 attractions and dark coaster rides, Hershey’s Trick-or-Treat Trail and more - all included with a Hersheypark Halloween ticket. The eight-weekend event will also feature exclusive culinary creations, including the return of the popular Dark Nights Tasting Pass, plus the new Avenue Of The Afterlife path with themed food and drink offerings, pop-up retail and live entertainment. 

Hersheypark Halloween event hours are 5-10 p.m. on Fridays, 12-10 p.m. on Saturdays and 12-9 p.m. on Sundays. Hersheypark Halloween will also be open on Halloween night, Thursday, Oct. 31, from 5-10 p.m., with Dark Nights open until 11 p.m. Dark Nights begins each night at 6 p.m. and extends one hour after the Park closes, running Fridays and Saturdays until 11 p.m. and Sundays until 10 p.m. To view full details, tickets and hours, visit www.Hersheypark.com/explore-the-park/halloween.php and www.Hersheypark.com/darknights.  




Dark Nights

The terrifying next chapter of Dark Nights at Hersheypark Halloween begins nightly at 6 p.m. Dark Nights features five haunted houses with all-new and evolved stories containing more creatures, chaos and intensity. 

  • Estate of Evil (NEW FOR 2024): A charming new brownstone has officially hit the market. Wander through the 13 rooms of this spacious mansion and prepare to be captivated by the meticulous care the live-in waitstaff has taken to preserve the past. While exploring, envision yourself tending to the enchanting garden, entertaining inside the lively game room, and raising a glass inside the private wine cellar. But, be vigilant, or suffer the same fate as the previous owners. stipendium peccati mors est

  • Auntie Mortem’s Abattoir: Back by popular demand, step into the back office where the secrets of the Mortem family's trade are kept hidden in plain sight. Uncover the devious tactics her nephews use to keep the business in the red, but beware—you just might meet Auntie Mortem in the flesh.

  • Haunted Coal Mine: Curse Of The Tommyknockers: Come face to face and shoulder to shoulder with the Tommyknockers and feel their wrath once more. Explore new depths, unveil hidden terrors, and brave the unseen in their haunted mine.

  • The Descent: Catacombs Of Decay: A new merchant has reopened the antiquities shop and transformed it into a rare bookstore filled with ancient and powerful volumes. As Vera's abilities grow stronger, she pulls unsuspecting souls into the mysterious tunnels below. Be careful not to become part of her collection.

  • Twisted Carnevil: The nightmare-fueled fun never ends at the Twisted Carnevil. Step beyond the tent and prepare to be mesmerized by a new hypnotic show-stopper. This frightening spectacle will turn your reality upside down.



Also, as part of Dark Nights, midways will transform into three Scare Zones each evening.

  • Darkstone’s Hollow: Battle for Spring Creek (NEW FOR 2024): Darkstone has declared war against the creatures he once held captive, and the battle lines have been drawn. Jezebeth and the other animals must now defend their territory along Spring Creek. Whose camp are you in?

  • Midway Of Misery: As decay spreads, the sliders from the underworld take over, and the dark shadows swallow all in their path. Beware to those who flock to the flames: you never know who (or what) waits between the arches.

  • Fallout Zone: For four decades, rogue radioactive material continues to emit an eerie green fog. Crews are scrubbing the midway to isolate, contain, and neutralize any threats.  You may avoid the fallout, but can you escape the madness from those within?



Hersheypark Halloween

Families can experience Hersheypark Halloween like never before as they play by day and fright by night, with thrills on 50 rides and attractions (weather and maintenance permitting), dark rides on select coasters, trick-or-treating, a new Avenue Of The Afterlife scare-free zone, Hershey Character appearances, kid-friendly entertainment and the original Creatures Of The Night flashlight tour at ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park. 

  • Coasters and Rides: Thrill seekers will feel the rush on 14 epic coasters, weather and maintenance permitting. During the last hour of Park operation, the lights will go out for dark rides on some favorites, including Wildcat’s Revenge, Candymonium, Comet and Lightning Racer coasters. Plus, Laff Trakk coaster will be dark all day, each operating day.

  • Trick-or-Treating Experience: Children 12 and younger are invited to collect their favorite candy at 13 sweet stops on the Hershey’s Trick-or-Treat Trail each operating evening until 8 p.m. The Trail winds from Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction with three locations to The Boardwalk At Hersheypark region with 10 stops in Treatville.

  • Avenue Of The Afterlife (NEW FOR 2024): Located in The Boardwalk, the new Avenue Of The Afterlife path will allow guests to skip the scare while enjoying the season's thrills without fear. The scare-free zone, free of monsters and mayhem, will feature entirely scare-free Dark Nights festivities, including exclusive food and drinks, music and dancing, wicked-fun street performers and retail shopping.

  • Festive Entertainment: The Hershey Characters will be all dressed up in their trick-or-treating finest, ready to party with guests to the season’s classics during the Shake, Howl and Glow Halloween show inside the Chevrolet Music Box Theatre venue. Guests can also experience daily Hershey Character appearances throughout the Park and Our Friends From The Sea shows in the Aquatheatre. Details will be listed in the Hersheypark app. 

  • Creatures Of The Night Attraction: ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park will offer a special nighttime flashlight tour and themed activities included in the one-price admission to Hersheypark Halloween when accessing the Zoo from the bridge inside Hersheypark during posted Park hours. Guests can see the wild and fascinating animal activity that only happens after the sun sets. Creatures Of The Night runs Fridays through Sundays on Oct. 11 through 27 from 6-9 p.m.



Limited-Time Culinary Creations

Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights will feature an elevated food and beverage scene with more than 50 scary good eats and spell-binding drinks. 

Back by popular demand, the Dark Nights Tasting Pass allows guests to taste five frightfully delicious snacks, desserts and drinks available exclusively during Dark Nights. Stay tuned to the Hersheypark social media channels for official reveals. 

Located in the Hershey’s Chocolatetown region, The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio will also bring back Spirit’s Rooftop Bar, a rooftop rendezvous available during all Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights operating days. There will be more tasty details about an all-new menu to come.

Guests can also take home a piece of Dark Nights with event-exclusive branded merchandise at Dark Nights Emporium, Halloween Boo-tique store and Hersheypark Supply Co.



Ticketing Information

Hersheypark Halloween admission includes access to the Dark Nights haunted houses and Scare Zones. Guests interested in visiting for the seasonal event can purchase 1-Day Any Day Tickets, valid through Jan. 1, 2025, online now. Current 2024 Season Pass Holders can enjoy unlimited Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights visits.

Guests can get to the thrills and fear faster all night long with the Dark Nights Fast Track Unlimited program, valid on participating coasters and all five haunted houses on the visit date. 

To purchase tickets, Season Passes or add-ons, please visit www.Hersheypark.com.



The Official Resorts of Hersheypark

During the Halloween season, guests can extend their stay in Hershey, Pa., at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark: The Hotel Hershey luxury accommodation, including the all-new The Villas at The Hotel Hershey experience, Hershey Lodge resort and Hersheypark Camping Resort campground. Rates are available at www.Hersheypark.com/official-resorts/.

The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge will offer three packages, including a Dark Nights 2-Night Package featuring two nights of deluxe accommodations, breakfast each morning, a two-day Hersheypark ticket, a Dark Nights Tasting Pass and Dark Nights Haunted House Fast Track Passes for each guest. All guests receive Free Resort Benefits like free front gate shuttle service and preview hours. Overnight guests of Hershey Lodge receive exclusive access to Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge indoor pool complex. 


Join Our Halloween Team

Join our team as a scare actor, specialty performer, Dark Nights Attendant, Ride Operator or Food & Beverage team member, and enjoy sweet perks including FREE admission to Hersheypark Halloween, FREE parking to Hersheypark Entertainment Complex events, discounts around town and so much more! 

Visit www.Hersheypark.com/Jobs for more information and to apply online.