So the massive winter storm that’s currently destroying half of America just forced Hersheypark to close multiple facilities for days, which honestly tells you everything you need to know about how bad conditions are in Pennsylvania right now.
The park posted on X that Hersheypark Supply Co., Ticketing, The Sweeterie, and The Chocolatier are all dark from January 25 through January 28, while ZooAmerica is getting shut down even longer from January 24 all the way through February 1.
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
That’s nine days with no zoo access because the weather is that brutal. This isn’t some rinky-dink roadside attraction making a big deal out of a little snow either. This is Hersheypark, a major destination that operates year-round events and maintains facilities even during winter months, deciding that conditions are too dangerous to keep anything open. The storm is hitting 40 states, affecting 245 million people, forcing emergency declarations in 24 states, knocking out power for over 700,000 customers, and canceling more than 15,000 flights. And here’s the kicker: Hersheypark was gearing up for its big 120th anniversary season in 2026 with a new hotel, new restaurant, water park upgrades, and patriotic summer celebrations, but right now Mother Nature has other plans. Let’s break down what’s happening and why everything chocolate-related in central Pennsylvania is currently frozen solid.
Hersheypark Shuts It All Down
The park’s announcement laid it out pretty clearly. Four days of closure for all the main retail and ticketing spots, nine days for the zoo. That’s not a typical winter closure schedule. Hersheypark keeps certain facilities running year-round for locals and die-hard visitors who want their chocolate fix even in January. Weather closures this long are rare, which should tell you how serious the situation is in central Pennsylvania.
ZooAmerica getting hit with the extended closure makes sense when you think about it. You’ve got animals that need constant care during extreme weather, staff who have to navigate outdoor exhibits in dangerous conditions, and infrastructure that needs to function properly to keep everything safe. Closing for over a week gives them time to deal with the storm, clean up the mess afterward, and make sure everything’s actually ready before reopening.
The retail and ticketing closure means anyone planning to show up and buy tickets on-site or grab some Hershey’s merchandise is out of luck until the 29th at the earliest. Not that many people are trying to visit theme parks during a historic blizzard, but still. The closure wipes out any potential business during that period.
This Storm Is Absolutely Catastrophic
Over 700,000 people without power, more than 15,000 flights canceled, and we’re talking about 245 million people across 40 states getting hit by this thing. Pennsylvania is right in the middle of it all, which explains why Hersheypark is taking no chances with keeping facilities open.
Twenty-four states issued emergency disaster declarations before the storm even finished dumping snow and ice everywhere. Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, all the states that send visitors to Hersheypark are dealing with their own local disasters. Even if Hersheypark could somehow operate safely, nobody can actually get there because the entire Northeast corridor is shut down.
The National Weather Service is warning about bitterly cold temperatures after the storm that will make cleanup take forever. So it’s not just the snow and ice causing problems. The aftermath is going to be brutal too, with dangerous conditions lasting well into next week at minimum. Infrastructure is getting hammered, roads are impassable, and everything takes longer to fix when it’s freezing cold outside.
Hershey sits in central Pennsylvania, maybe two hours from Philly, three hours from New York. That location is normally perfect for attracting visitors from major metro areas. Right now it means they’re directly in the path of the storm’s worst impacts. Heavy ice accumulation combined with frigid temps creates exactly the kind of conditions where operating any guest-facing facilities becomes impossible.
What This Means If You Had Plans
Anyone holding Hersheypark tickets or reservations for the closure dates needs to check the park’s official channels for refund or rescheduling info. Theme parks are usually pretty flexible about weather closures since nobody can control natural disasters, but you still need to follow their specific process for getting your money back or moving your visit to different dates.
The announcement specifically called out retail and ticketing operations, so if you were planning to show up and buy tickets at the window or hit up the chocolate shops, those plans are toast. ZooAmerica fans have an even longer wait since that facility won’t reopen until February 1, assuming conditions actually improve enough by then.
That extended ZooAmerica closure probably accounts for both the immediate storm damage and all the cleanup work needed afterward. Clearing paths, making sure animal facilities can operate properly in extreme cold, ensuring staff can safely access all areas of the zoo. All of that takes time, especially when you’re dealing with below-freezing temperatures that make every task harder.
Even people who don’t have plans during the closure dates should pay attention to this. The storm’s effects could linger, travel could remain difficult, and reopening dates might shift if cleanup takes longer than expected. The National Weather Service already warned that cold temps will slow down recovery efforts, so Hersheypark’s cautious timeline makes sense.
Hersheypark’s Big 2026 Plans Still On Track
Despite this weather nightmare, Hersheypark has huge plans for 2026 as they celebrate 120 years of operation. The park opens for the season on April 3, which hopefully gives them plenty of time to recover from this storm and prep for what’s supposed to be a banner year.
Hershey Inn & Suites is opening in spring 2026, bringing 130 rooms including family suites with bunk beds to the resort lineup. It’ll be the first select-service hotel option for Hersheypark, joining the luxury Hotel Hershey, family-focused Hershey Lodge, and Hersheypark Camping Resort. The family suites sleep six people with bunk beds, a queen bed, sleeper sofa, and separate living space, which is a first for Hersheypark properties.
Hershey Social Restaurant + Bar opens spring 2026 near Cocoa and Chocolate Avenue downtown. The restaurant promises bold flavors, shareable apps, signature cocktails, and over-the-top desserts inspired by Hershey’s chocolate roots. Casual setting, expanded bar, perfect for families and groups to hang out. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.
Summer 2026 brings water park enhancements with two new play areas at The Boardwalk At Hersheypark featuring 45 aquatic elements total. The Inlet at Bayside Pier gets water-spouting dolphins and fish plus spray features under shade canopies. The Island at Bayside Pier adds 10-foot-tall palm trees that tip water buckets on everyone. Both areas feature rubberized decking so you can actually sit comfortably while getting soaked.
Hersheypark is also doing America’s 250th anniversary celebrations from June to July with special entertainment, ride overlays, and fireworks. Hersheypark Stadium continues its Summer Concert Series with acts from Guns ‘N Roses and Chris Stapleton to Pitbull, plus they’re adding a second Premium Viewing Deck with exclusive food, drinks, dedicated restrooms, and special parking and entrance access.
Building Off 2025’s Success
These 2026 additions follow a strong 2025 that saw Twizzlers Twisted Gravity debut as the world’s tallest Screamin’ Swing at 137 feet. The ride hits 68 mph and delivers multiple zero-gravity moments while swinging high above Spring Creek. The Hotel Hershey also expanded The Villas At The Hotel Hershey, doubling luxury accommodations with 98 new premium rooms across 19 villas.
1933 Restaurant & Tavern opened at The Hotel Hershey in April 2025, offering steakhouse menu items, elevated pub fare, and craft cocktails. The name honors the hotel’s 1933 opening year, with historical photos and a cocktail menu celebrating the end of Prohibition.
All these investments show Hersheypark is betting big on continued growth and visitor interest. The central Pennsylvania location gives them access to five major metro areas in the Northeast, and the unique chocolate theme combined with world-class rides creates an experience you can’t get anywhere else.
Weather’s Impact on Theme Parks
This closure shows how even major year-round destinations have to shut down when weather gets extreme enough. Hersheypark doesn’t run rides in January anyway, but closing retail, ticketing, and the zoo demonstrates how severe conditions can impact every single aspect of operations.
The park made the smart call to close proactively rather than trying to stay open and risking staff or visitor safety. When 245 million people across 40 states are dealing with the same storm system, you can’t just tough it out and hope for the best. Safety has to come first even if it means losing revenue from winter visitors.
Pennsylvania’s location right in the storm’s path means Hersheypark is dealing with both immediate weather impacts and all the secondary problems from regional travel chaos. Even after Hershey itself clears up, visitors from New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware might still be stuck dealing with their own local road closures and dangerous conditions.
When Things Actually Reopen
Hersheypark says January 29 for retail and ticketing, February 1 for ZooAmerica, but those dates depend on actual conditions on the ground. Theme parks can’t just flip a switch and reopen. They need parking lots cleared, walkways safe, all facilities functioning normally before bringing guests back.
The weather service warning about cold temps slowing cleanup means recovery could take longer than normal winter storms. Infrastructure damage, travel hazards, all of that might persist into next week or beyond, which could push reopening dates back if Hersheypark decides conditions still aren’t safe.
Better to reopen late and have everything actually ready than rush it and deal with safety problems or disappointed guests who show up to find half the facilities still aren’t operational. Hersheypark’s being smart about giving themselves enough buffer time to handle both the storm and the cleanup properly.
Were you planning to visit Hersheypark during the closure or do you have upcoming reservations you’re worried about? Drop a comment and tell us what’s happening with your plans. Are you dealing with rescheduling headaches or just waiting to see when things get back to normal? Let us know because honestly, a lot of people are probably in the same situation trying to figure out their Hersheypark trips right now.
