FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What exactly happens at your event?

New Year's Eve in Hershey is a community, family-oriented event supported by area business, government, and community organizations. Our event features both entertainers, children's activities, and food vendors.

Is your event an operation or program of Hersheypark or Hershey Entertainment & Resorts?

Although Hershey Entertainment & Resorts is a Platinum Sponsor of our event and contributes significantly as to make it such a success, we are still a community event. For a wealth of separate events sponsored by HE&R, go to www.HersheyPA.com.

Where is the event held?

The event is held outside in ChocolateTown Square, located at the intersection of Chocolate and Cocoa Avenues in Hershey, PA.

What is the address of the event?

For your GPS or Google Maps, use: 1 West Chocolate Avenue, Hershey PA 17033

Note that the stage is set up slightly north of Chocolate Avenue on Park Avenue.  

Is there any type of shuttle service or transportation to the venue?

Hershey Entertainment & Resorts operates their own shuttle service between their various hotels and venues. Their service; however, typically ends on December 31 at 6:00 pm. If you need to get to the venue, you will have to provide your own transportation.

Can I save my space by the stage?

If you arrive early, you will not be able to camp or hold your place as the stage is setup right on the street.

Is there an admission fee to the event?

No, the event is FREE!

Are tickets required?

Not at all! This is a free event! No reservations or tickets required.

What seating options are available?

This is a festival-style event, so attendees stand. There are no seats or tables provided. You can bring chairs, but they are only allowed in ChocolateTown Square. Chairs are not allowed in the street or other event spaces.

What if it rains or snows?

The event will be held regardless of the weather. There are NO “rain” dates. Please come prepared.

What about restrooms?

There will be plenty of portable restrooms, including handicap accessible restrooms, placed throughout the venue for your use.

What about accessibility?

Handicapped parking is available in the parking garage attached to the Hershey Press Building. (This is the building where Houlihan’s is located.) Additional spaces are also available near the Hershey Theatre. Please be mindful of the road closures (information appears below).

There will be a fenced-in, wheelchair-accessible area near the main stage area. It is located west of the old Northwest Savings Bank (1 Chocolate Avenue, Hershey PA 17033).

If you have a special need that you wish to discuss, contact us at HersheyNewYearsEve@gmail.com. We will do our best to accommodate you.

How loud will the music be?

The event will contain live music that may exceed 85dB.

Will there be special effects?

Special effects, including strobes and flashing lights, may be used during the event. Please keep this in mind if you or a family member has a sensitivity to flashing lights.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are permitted as long as the owners conform to Pennsylvania animal control laws, which call for pets to be under your control at all times. Because of the crowd, leashes are highly recommended.

Will alcohol be available at the event?

No alcohol will be sold at the event. However, there are several restaurants within very short walking distance of the event.

Will food be served?

There will be a mix of vendors selling food at the event. Don’t forget the amazing restaurants in the downtown Hershey area!

Where can I see the midnight display?

Anyone in the downtown area (view map) will enjoy an immersive display – even if it’s foggy. However, we cannot guarantee that this year’s display will be visible throughout the area, as it has been in prior years.

What if I have a safety concern?

Derry Township Police Department will be present at the event to assist with public safety concerns.

When will the streets be closed?

  • Park Avenue between Chocolate Avenue and East Derry Road will close at 10:00 am on December 31.

  • Chocolate Avenue will close from Linden Road to Homestead Road at 7:00 pm.

Roads will re-open after event cleanup has been completed.

Where can we park?

There are plenty of free parking options; however, they will go quickly.

  • Hershey Theatre parking lot

  • Intermodal Parking Facility

  • Street parking throughout the downtown area

Click here to check out this map of the event area for details.

Where can I find accommodations?

There are many options for accommodations, including:

What is nearby?

There are plenty of restaurants and shops in the downtown area. Learn more here: