Pennsylvania, December 12, 2025
Three iconic theme parks in Pennsylvania—Hersheypark, Dutch Wonderland, and Kennywood—have achieved national acclaim for their incredible holiday events as part of the 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Each park has managed to create a festive atmosphere that promotes community engagement and family-friendly activities, from Hersheypark’s stunning light displays to Kennywood’s enchanting Holiday Lights event. The recognition highlights the importance of local leadership in organizing events that bring joy and celebration to visitors during the holiday season.
Three Pennsylvania Theme Parks Among Top Holiday Events
Hersheypark, Dutch Wonderland, and Kennywood shine in USA TODAY Awards
PHILADELPHIA, PA — Three beloved Pennsylvania theme parks have received national recognition for their outstanding holiday events. Hersheypark, Dutch Wonderland, and Kennywood have made the cut in the 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, highlighting the creativity and initiative of local organizers. This accolade not only showcases the resilience of these parks but also underscores the benefits of local leadership in creating festive experiences that enhance community engagement.
In an era where citizens seek community-oriented experiences, these parks have successfully transformed their spaces into winter wonderlands. Each park’s approach exemplifies how minimal bureaucratic interference can allow for more dynamic event planning, fostering an environment where family-friendly fun flourishes during the holiday season.
Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane
Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane ranked 9th among national holiday events, offering a remarkable display of over 5 million lights. Visitors to this event can partake in family-friendly rides and thrilling attractions while enjoying special features like visits with Santa and his reindeer. Guests are treated to a synchronized light show paired with popular holiday music, complemented by the park’s signature hot chocolate, making it a quintessential holiday experience.
Dutch Winter Wonderland
Dutch Wonderland claimed the 6th spot with its Dutch Winter Wonderland event, which runs from mid-November through New Year’s Eve. The park features immersive light displays, themed rides, and delightful offerings such as “A Chris-Mouse Carol,” a charming puppet show. Live music performances and interactions with Santa enrich the family-friendly atmosphere, attracting visitors eager to celebrate the season.
Kennywood’s Holiday Lights
Kennywood’s Holiday Lights event earned the 10th position, illuminating the park with countless twinkling lights. The centerpiece of this event is a choreographed light show set over the lagoon, enhanced by community choir performances and festive treats. Photo opportunities with Santa and a giant Christmas tree provide additional attractions, ensuring that families have ample opportunities to create lasting memories.
Philadelphia’s Mummers Parade
Notably, Philadelphia’s Mummers Parade received recognition as the best holiday parade in the U.S. This longstanding tradition captivates audiences with its vibrant costumes, music, and performances, demonstrating the city’s commitment to celebrating its cultural heritage and inviting thousands of spectators every New Year’s Day.
Additional Recognitions for Hersheypark
Hersheypark has also garnered accolades in various categories beyond holiday events. The park was honored as the 8th Best Theme Park, and its Hotel Hershey was recognized as the 2nd Best Theme Park Hotel. Furthermore, The Chocolatier restaurant ranked 4th in its category, and the Wildcat’s Revenge coaster claimed the 4th spot for best roller coaster, showcasing the park’s diverse offerings throughout the year.
About the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards are determined through public voting, with nominees curated by a panel of experts. This process emphasizes local choices in celebrating top destinations, special events, and attractions in the community, highlighting diverse experiences chosen by participating readers.
Planning Your Visit
For those looking to enjoy these festive events, it’s essential to visit each park’s official website for the most up-to-date information on dates, ticketing, and health and safety guidelines. Events like these not only signify a collective holiday spirit but also bring vibrancy to Pennsylvania’s community life.
Weather Forecasts for Event Locations
Here are the upcoming weather forecasts for the event locations:
Hershey, PA
## Weather for Hershey, PA: Current Conditions: Partly sunny, 26°F (-4°C) Daily Forecast: * Friday, December 12: Low: 19°F (-7°C), High: 36°F (2°C), Description: Sunshine and a few clouds * Saturday, December 13: Low: 26°F (-3°C), High: 39°F (4°C), Description: Cloudy; breezy in the afternoon * Sunday, December 14: Low: 18°F (-8°C), High: 29°F (-2°C), Description: Mostly cloudy, windy and colder * Monday, December 15: Low: 19°F (-7°C), High: 31°F (0°C), Description: Breezy in the morning; otherwise, cold with times of clouds and sun * Tuesday, December 16: Low: 27°F (-3°C), High: 36°F (2°C), Description: Mostly sunny * Wednesday, December 17: Low: 33°F (1°C), High: 43°F (6°C), Description: Variable cloudiness * Thursday, December 18: Low: 38°F (3°C), High: 47°F (8°C), Description: Cloudy with afternoon rain
Kennywood Park, PA
## Weather for Kennywood Park, PA: Current Conditions: Clear, 20°F (-6°C) Daily Forecast: * Friday, December 12: Low: 24°F (-5°C), High: 31°F (0°C), Description: Cold with a flurry; considerable cloudiness this morning, then times of clouds and sun this afternoon * Saturday, December 13: Low: 12°F (-11°C), High: 33°F (1°C), Description: Breezy in the morning; otherwise, low clouds with 2-4 cm of snow in the afternoon * Sunday, December 14: Low: 15°F (-10°C), High: 19°F (-7°C), Description: Brisk and bitterly cold with low clouds * Monday, December 15: Low: 15°F (-9°C), High: 22°F (-6°C), Description: Low clouds and very cold * Tuesday, December 16: Low: 30°F (-1°C), High: 36°F (2°C), Description: Not as cold; mostly cloudy in the morning followed by sun through high clouds * Wednesday, December 17: Low: 40°F (5°C), High: 42°F (6°C), Description: Cloudy with a little rain in the afternoon * Thursday, December 18: Low: 34°F (1°C), High: 51°F (11°C), Description: Periods of rain
Dorney Park, PA
## Weather for Dorney Park, PA: Current Conditions: Sunny, 23°F (-5°C) Daily Forecast: * Friday, December 12: Low: 20°F (-6°C), High: 34°F (1°C), Description: Mostly sunny and cold * Saturday, December 13: Low: 25°F (-4°C), High: 38°F (4°C), Description: Cloudy; snow and deteriorating travel conditions at night * Sunday, December 14: Low: 17°F (-9°C), High: 27°F (-3°C), Description: Considerable cloudiness, breezy and quite cold * Monday, December 15: Low: 20°F (-7°C), High: 29°F (-2°C), Description: Breezy in the morning; otherwise, cold with intervals of clouds and sunshine * Tuesday, December 16: Low: 24°F (-5°C), High: 35°F (2°C), Description: Partly sunny * Wednesday, December 17: Low: 31°F (-1°C), High: 43°F (6°C), Description: Times of clouds and sun * Thursday, December 18: Low: 35°F (2°C), High: 46°F (8°C), Description: Cloudy with a little rain in the afternoon
Please note that weather conditions can change, so it’s recommended to check the latest forecasts before planning your visit.
FAQ
What theme parks were recognized in the 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards?
Three Pennsylvania theme parks—Hersheypark, Dutch Wonderland, and Kennywood—have been recognized among the nation’s top holiday events.
What did Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane offer?
Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane features over 5 million lights transforming the park into a festive wonderland, family-friendly rides, visits with Santa, and a light show synchronized to popular holiday tunes.
What are some key features of Dutch Wonderland’s Dutch Winter Wonderland event?
Dutch Wonderland includes immersive light shows, themed rides, and live music performances from mid-November through New Year’s Eve.
Which event ranked 10th in the USA TODAY awards?
Kennywood’s Holiday Lights event earned the 10th position, featuring millions of lights, local choir performances, and festive treats.
What was the best holiday parade according to USA TODAY readers?
Philadelphia’s Mummers Parade was named the best holiday parade in the U.S., showcasing vibrant costumes, music, and performances.
Key Features of Pennsylvania Holiday Events
| Event | Theme Park | Rank | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas Candylane | Hersheypark | 9th | Over 5 million lights, family rides, visits with Santa |
| Dutch Winter Wonderland | Dutch Wonderland | 6th | Immersive light shows, themed rides, live music |
| Holiday Lights | Kennywood | 10th | Millions of lights, choir performances, festive treats |
| Mummers Parade | Philadelphia | Best Parade | Vibrant costumes, music, traditional performances |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Governors Unite to Tackle Political Violence in Philadelphia
Discover Langhorne, Pennsylvania: Attractions and Activities
Experience the Joy of Pennsylvania’s Winter Festivals
Mount Vernon Unveils New Luxury RV Resort
Philadelphia Faces Disturbing Events Amid Cultural Gatherings
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
