Central Pennsylvania's premier amusement destination faces an unusual multi-day shutdown as a massive winter storm system disrupts operations across the eastern United States.
Hersheypark announced via social media that several guest-facing facilities including retail locations and the on-site zoo will remain closed through the end of January and into early February as the region contends with heavy snow, freezing rain, and dangerous temperatures. The closure affects Hersheypark Supply Co., Ticketing operations, The Sweeterie, and The Chocolatier from January 25 through January 28, while ZooAmerica faces an extended closure from January 24 through February 1.
This weather-related shutdown occurs as the historic storm impacts approximately 245 million people across 40 states, prompting emergency declarations in 24 states and causing over 700,000 power outages and more than 15,000 flight cancellations nationwide.
The timing presents an ironic contrast to Hersheypark's preparations for its milestone 120th operating season in 2026, which promises significant additions including new accommodations, dining options, and water park enhancements designed to attract visitors from across the Northeast corridor.
Facility Closure Timeline
Hersheypark's operations update, shared on the platform X, outlined specific closure dates for various facilities within the destination. Retail operations including Hersheypark Supply Co., The Sweeterie, and The Chocolatier will suspend operations from January 25 through January 28. Ticketing services will follow the same closure schedule, preventing on-site ticket purchases during this four-day period.
OPERATIONS UPDATE: Given the upcoming forecast, #Hersheypark Supply Co., Ticketing, The Sweeterie and The Chocolatier will be closed from Jan. 25 through Jan. 28: https://t.co/18abxi8zUS#ZooAmerica will be closed from Jan. 24 through Feb. 1. pic.twitter.com/RorWz9T1Ju
— Hersheypark (@Hersheypark) January 24, 2026
ZooAmerica, the 11-acre walk-through zoo featuring North American wildlife, faces a longer closure extending from January 24 through February 1. This nine-day shutdown represents one of the longest weather-related closures the facility has experienced, reflecting both the storm's severity and the additional considerations required for maintaining animal welfare during extreme weather conditions.
While Hersheypark's main amusement park does not operate rides during January, the destination typically maintains year-round access to retail locations and the zoo for visitors and local residents. Weather-related closures of this duration remain relatively uncommon, indicating the exceptional nature of current conditions affecting central Pennsylvania.
Storm System Creates Widespread Impact
The winter storm affecting Hersheypark operations represents one of the most significant weather events to impact the eastern United States in recent years. More than 700,000 customers have lost electrical service across affected regions, while airlines have canceled over 15,000 flights as the system continues moving through densely populated areas.
The storm's geographic reach extends from New Mexico and Texas eastward to New England and southward through multiple states, creating what meteorologists describe as a potentially historic weather event. Pennsylvania issued an emergency disaster declaration ahead of the storm, joining 23 other states and Washington, D.C., in preparing for significant impacts to infrastructure and public safety.
The National Weather Service warned that snow and ice impacts would cause power outages, widespread travel shutdowns, and school closures throughout affected regions. Weather service forecasts indicated that bitterly cold temperatures following the storm would hamper cleanup efforts, prolonging infrastructure impacts and hazardous travel conditions into at least early next week.
Hershey's location in central Pennsylvania places the destination directly within the storm's path. The region typically experiences winter weather, but the intensity and duration of this particular system create conditions that make operating guest facilities unsafe and inadvisable.
Considerations for Visitors
Guests holding tickets or reservations for Hersheypark facilities during the closure period should monitor official communication channels for information regarding refunds, exchanges, or rescheduling options. Theme park destinations typically implement flexible policies for weather-related closures, recognizing that guests cannot control natural events preventing travel or facility operations.
The closure announcement specifically addressed retail and ticketing operations, indicating that guests planning to purchase tickets on-site or visit chocolate-themed retail locations during the affected dates will need to adjust their plans. ZooAmerica visitors face a longer wait, with the facility not scheduled to reopen until February 1 according to current projections.
ZooAmerica's extended closure likely reflects multiple factors including the storm's immediate impact, necessary cleanup operations, and the additional time required to ensure all animal care facilities can resume normal operations safely. Extreme cold weather requires enhanced protocols for animal welfare while also creating hazardous conditions for zoo staff managing outdoor exhibits.
Travel disruptions extend beyond Hersheypark's immediate vicinity. Emergency declarations in neighboring states including New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware mean potential visitors from Hersheypark's primary market areas face their own local travel restrictions and dangerous road conditions. Even if Hersheypark facilities could operate safely, the regional travel disruptions would prevent most guests from reaching the destination.
Looking Forward to 2026 Season
Despite current weather challenges, Hersheypark maintains ambitious expansion plans for 2026 as the destination celebrates its 120th operating season. The park is scheduled to begin operations on April 3, 2026, with several major additions already announced and under development.
Hershey Inn & Suites represents the destination's newest accommodation option, currently accepting reservations for its spring 2026 opening. The four-story, 130-room property will serve as the first select-service hotel among The Official Resorts of Hersheypark, complementing existing options including The Hotel Hershey luxury accommodation, Hershey Lodge family resort, and Hersheypark Camping Resort campground. Family suites will accommodate groups of six with innovative room configurations including bunk beds, marking a first for Hersheypark properties.
Hershey Social Restaurant + Bar will debut in spring 2026 near the intersection of Cocoa and Chocolate Avenue in downtown Hershey. The new dining venue will feature bold flavors, shareable appetizers, signature cocktails, and chocolate-inspired desserts in a casual atmosphere designed for families and social gatherings. The restaurant will operate seven days per week for lunch and dinner service.
Summer 2026 brings enhancements to The Boardwalk At Hersheypark water park, with two new water play areas featuring 45 combined aquatic elements. The Inlet at Bayside Pier will provide a shaded play zone with water-spouting dolphins, fish, and spray features, while The Island at Bayside Pier will feature 10-foot-tall palm trees that tip water buckets. Both areas will include rubberized decking and shaded canopies for enhanced guest comfort during summer operating periods.
Hersheypark will host themed activities celebrating America's 250th anniversary from June through July 2026, featuring special entertainment, ride overlays, and fireworks displays. Additional details regarding these patriotic celebrations will be released in spring 2026.
Recent Investments and Momentum
The 2026 additions build upon significant investments made during 2025. Twizzlers Twisted Gravity opened in May 2025 as the world's tallest Screamin' Swing attraction, reaching heights of 137 feet and speeds of 68 miles per hour while delivering multiple zero-gravity experiences for riders.
The Hotel Hershey completed a major expansion of The Villas At The Hotel Hershey in late summer 2025, adding 98 new luxury rooms across 19 villas. This expansion represented the second-largest investment in the historic hotel's 90-year history, doubling the available luxury accommodations and offering premium Hersheypark experiences including daily park tickets and Fast Track passes for villa guests.
1933 Restaurant & Tavern opened at The Hotel Hershey in April 2025, offering an approachable steakhouse menu, elevated pub fare, and curated beverage selections. The restaurant's name honors The Hotel Hershey's 1933 opening year, with entry artwork featuring historical photographs and a cocktail menu celebrating the end of Prohibition.
These investments demonstrate continued confidence in Hersheypark's appeal to visitors from major metropolitan areas across the Northeast corridor. The destination's central location provides convenient access from five major metropolitan regions, supporting its unique positioning as a chocolate-themed amusement destination.
Weather Impact on Theme Park Industry
Hersheypark's closure illustrates how extreme weather events can disrupt even well-established year-round destinations. While the main amusement park does not typically operate rides during January, the closure of retail, ticketing, and zoo facilities demonstrates how severe weather can impact all aspects of destination operations.
The park's proactive closure decision prioritizes staff and potential guest safety over revenue generation from winter visitors. With 245 million people across 40 states affected by the storm system, even destinations in moderate climates must prepare for unprecedented weather conditions.
Pennsylvania's position within the storm's primary path means Hersheypark faces both immediate weather impacts and secondary effects from regional travel disruptions. Even after local conditions improve, visitors from surrounding states may continue facing travel restrictions or dangerous road conditions preventing them from reaching the destination.
Reopening Considerations
Hersheypark's stated reopening dates of January 29 for retail and ticketing operations and February 1 for ZooAmerica remain contingent upon actual weather conditions and cleanup progress. Theme park destinations must ensure parking areas are cleared, walkways are safe, and all facilities can operate normally before resuming guest services.
The National Weather Service's forecast regarding bitterly cold temperatures hampering cleanup efforts suggests the recovery period may extend longer than typical winter weather events. Infrastructure impacts and hazardous travel conditions persisting into early next week could potentially affect planned reopening timelines if conditions remain unsafe for staff or potential visitors.
Theme park operators must balance the desire to resume normal operations with the imperative to maintain safe conditions for employees and guests. Hersheypark's conservative approach to closure timing reflects this priority, allowing adequate time for both immediate storm impacts and subsequent cleanup efforts.
Have you been affected by Hersheypark's weather closure or do you have upcoming plans to visit the destination? Share your experience in the comments and let us know how you're handling the situation. Your insights may help other visitors navigate similar circumstances.
