A Foodie's Holiday Celebration at Hershey Lodge

Our family has always loved the winter holidays! Not only do we enjoy traditional holiday celebrations, but we also have a birthday on December 25th to celebrate. And this year, my Christmas baby turned 16. 

As special as it seems, it's actually hard to have a birthday on Christmas day. Friends are spending time with their own family and very little is open. Luckily hotels and resorts are usually bustling, as this is one of their busiest times of the year. So as our children have grown older, we look forward to traveling over Christmas. 

Miraculously, neither one of our teenagers have outgrown the resorts in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Of course, who doesn't love taking a vacation centered around chocolate?! This year, we decided to see the new features brought to the Hershey Lodge since we last visited. Hershey Lodge has expanded their smaller, indoor pool to an indoor water park, along with an ample family arcade area. Restaurants have been revitalized and updated with new ambience and culinary selections. But the familiar excellent service, upscale food and accommodations, and gorgeous extravagant holiday decor is still thriving. 

Hershey Lodge In Hershey, Pennsylvania

As the name suggests, Hershey Lodge is reminiscent of a stunning lodge built with stone and dark wood. A large stone fireplace has a cozy roaring fire on each of the four sides for guests to enjoy. 

You won't find a more hospitable welcome than when you check-in to Hershey Lodge. Greeted with a friendly smile, we were given a list of activities, map of the resort, complimentary tickets for Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story for everyone in our family, and of course - a Hershey's chocolate bar! 

Another welcoming touch was the house made chocolate chip cookies awaiting our arrival. SO fresh and delicious!

In our room, we loved everything from the chocolate scented bath amenities to the beautiful Hershey's Kisses themed wallpaper and bed sheets, and subtle candy bar paintings. 

After all of the excitement of arriving, we were hungry! Where is the food?

The Bears' Den

Named for Hershey's own ice hockey team, Hershey Bears, The Bears' Den is a fantastic sports restaurant and bar right off of the main lobby. With 28 televisions, each broadcasting a sporting event at the same time, you can watch your favorite game while enjoying some of the best twists on classic American food you've ever had. 

Bavarian Hot Pretzels with Warm Cheese Dip and Honey Mustard

Mac and Cheese Burger

Wings with Sweet Fire Sauce

The Forebay

Located at the top of the grand staircase, The Forebay is a spectacular upscale restaurant featuring cosmopolitan dining in a comfortably elegant setting. Ask for a window seat and you can dine overlooking the front of the hotel. It's lit up beautifully at night during the holidays and creates a festive glow. This is hands down one of my favorite restaurants in Hershey.  Not to worry, they also offer a children's menu! 

Chilled Shrimp Cocktail

Burrata and Pesto

On the Holiday Menu - Italian Sausage Stuffed Braciole

5 oz Filet Mignon with Chocolate Stout Steak Sauce

Molten Chocolate Cake

Pumpkin Goat Cheese Cheesecake

Other Places to Eat 

Conveniently located right in the lobby, Fire & Grain is a vibrant restaurant open for a gourmet breakfast, including a delicious breakfast buffet with a huge selection. It also serves lunch, dinner, and unique drinks.  

For a quick breakfast, lunch or snack, step into the Cocoa Beanery and grab a savory or sweet bite to-go or relax at one of the spacious tables. Afterwards, take a minute to browse in the wonderful gift shop for a fun Hershey souvenir.  

What were our favorite drinks? Of course, anything made with chocolate! Although any cocktail you order is going to be spectacular. Hershey Lodge bartenders truly know how to make delicious drinks. 

Winter White Cosmopolitan and (background) Hershey's Special Dark Martini

Hershey's Chocolate Caramel Martini

What's There to Do?

Don't forget your swimsuit! The exciting and innovative Hershey Water Works indoor water park boasts a waterslide that takes you indoors AND outdoors, an enormous spray and splash area, and many other interactive features. Themed in Hershey's famous candy, it's a surprising water adventure for all ages. And YES, there is even a snack bar for drinks and food available poolside.

Take a short drive to Hershey's Chocolate World and you'll be amazed with the vast selection of your favorite Hershey products. There is also a free indoor ride which explains the history and process of making chocolate, a 4D Chocolate Mystery, and an opportunity to Create Your Own Candy Bar. 

Candy Bar Cupcakes

My Personal Favorites!

Hershey Lodge is a sweet stay for the holidays or any time of year. Even my teenagers can't wait to  explore more and sample the chocolate surprises that await us the next time.