Our family loves 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, PennsylvaniaAs 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's the food? The Bears' DenNamed 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. The ForebayLocated 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! Other Places to EatConveniently 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. 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. 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.
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My Virtual Vacations BlogAbout the AuthorThanks for cruising by!
I'm the creator behind this blog, where I share our family’s love for travel, especially cruising. By day, I work full-time in an office—and all the time, I'm a proud mom to two amazing young men. We took our first cruise when they were energetic little boys, and I’ve included plenty of tips for traveling with kids in tow. With our packed work and school schedules, we cherish every holiday break and make the most of our time off. We gravitate toward cruises and luxury hotel stays, always on the lookout for family-friendly experiences that offer comfort, elegance, and a touch of indulgence—think spacious suites, gorgeous décor, excellent service, and memorable dining. When we're not traveling, you’ll find me enjoying local restaurants or getting creative in my own kitchen with cooking and baking. Start dreaming—and planning—your next luxurious getaway, whether by sea or on land, with My Virtual Vacations. I'm always happy to answer questions or offer personalized recommendations to help you make the most of your travels. Be sure to check back often for new blog posts, travel tips, and inspiration—there are always more family adventures on the horizon!
About the PhotosOur beautiful photographs are creatively captured by my talented freelance husband/photographer located in Baltimore, MD. Click here to explore more of his work.
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Upcoming Adventures...I’m beyond excited to share that we’ll be sailing on the Celebrity Beyond again this summer! We'll be staying in The Retreat, enjoying a stunning suite and all the elevated perks that come with it. I can't wait to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the experience—so if you’ve ever considered booking a suite, stay tuned for plenty of insights and tips!
We’re also heading to one of our favorite places--Boca Raton, Florida—for a relaxing land vacation. It’s truly our happy place, and I’ll be sharing highlights from our stay there as well. If you have any questions about our upcoming or past travels, don’t hesitate to reach out. I love helping others plan their dream getaways! If you have suggestions of places My Virtual Vacations would love, reach out to us on our Submission Form. We are always looking for new spots to showcase!
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