Hershey Gardens

The Christmas Tree Showcase
2023-12-22 09:00 - 18:00, 2023-12-23 09:00 - 18:00, 2023-12-29 09:00 - 18:00, 2023-12-30 09:00 - 18:00, 2024-01-01 09:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Friday, November 24 through Monday, January 1 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
The annual Christmas Tree Showcase returns – reimagined! Enjoy a dreamscape of 11 gorgeous trees, filled with color and twinkling lights. The 14-foot white poinsettia tree will be the perfect backdrop for your holiday photo! The Welcome Pavilion and Butterfly Atrium will also be festively decorated for the holidays.

New extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays in December until 6 p.m.
Save $3 on admission from 4 – 6 p.m. (Fridays and Saturdays in December only.)
Enjoy the twinkling lights of the indoor Christmas Tree Showcase and live holiday music from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. on select evenings:
Appalachian Breeze: December 1, 8 & 15
Segno Duet: December 22
Jake Nguyen: December 29
PLEASE NOTE: the outdoor Gardens will close at 5 p.m.
All events are included in admission; free for members.

Sponsor
Poinsettia Tree sponsored by
Dr. Thomas Davis

Crafty Christmas Creations
2023-12-23 09:30 - 13:00, 2023-12-24 09:30 - 13:00, 2023-12-30 09:30 - 13:00, 2023-12-31 09:30 - 13:00
November 25, 26, December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31
from 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Kids, stop by the Education Center in The Children’s Garden to create your own holiday craft, inspired by nature!
Included in admission; free for members.

Guided Walk
2023-12-23 10:00 - 11:00, 2023-12-30 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-02-17 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-02-24 10:00 - 11:00
Join Dr. Ray Barbehenn, a biologist with an expertise in plant ecology, for an hour-long adventure through the gardens as you learn about plants and trees. Bring your curiosity!
Included with admission, free for members.

The Christmas Tree Showcase
2023-12-24 09:00 - 15:00
Friday, November 24 through Monday, January 1 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
The annual Christmas Tree Showcase returns – reimagined! Enjoy a dreamscape of 11 gorgeous trees, filled with color and twinkling lights. The 14-foot white poinsettia tree will be the perfect backdrop for your holiday photo! The Welcome Pavilion and Butterfly Atrium will also be festively decorated for the holidays.

New! Friday Night Lights!
Every Friday in December from 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Enjoy the twinkling lights of the indoor Christmas Tree Showcase and live holiday music from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Music schedule:
Appalachian Breeze: December 1, 8 & 15
Segno Duet: December 22
Jake Nguyen: December 29
All events are included in admission; free for members.

Hershey Gardens is open 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
2023-12-24 09:00 - 15:00

Hershey Gardens is CLOSED.
2023-12-25 08:00 - 20:00

Hershey Gardens is CLOSED.
2024-01-02 09:00 - 17:00
Hershey Gardens (and the indoor Butterfly Atrium) will be closed Tuesday, January 2 through Friday, January 5, so staff can perform necessary maintenance. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Guided Walk: CANCELLED
2024-01-06 10:00 - 11:00

Winter Highlights Walk CANCELLED
2024-01-06 11:30 - 12:30
Saturday, January 6 and January 13
Saturday, March 2 and March 9
from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Guests are invited to participate in guided walks to observe and enjoy the gardens in the winter months and witness changes in nature during our colder months. Guests can attend one or more walks; registration is not required. Weather permitting.

Included in admission, free for members.

Guided Walk - CANCELLED
2024-01-13 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-03-09 10:00 - 11:00

Winter Highlights Walk
2024-01-13 11:30 - 12:30

Member Preview: Annual Orchid Show and Sale
2024-02-01 14:00 - 17:00
For the Love of Orchids, Annual Orchid Show and Sale
Susquehanna Orchid Society
Member-Only Preview: Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Open to the Public: Friday, February 2 to Sunday, February 4, 2024 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Susquehanna Orchid Society presents its 40th annual orchid show and sale in the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory. More than 1,000 orchids representing dozens of varieties will be on display, including rare species and unique hybrids. Daily orchid show tours and informational sessions will take place in the exhibition and Garden Cottage. In addition, vendors will have orchids for sale; various orchid societies will have showy displays that will be judged onsite and presented with national awards.
Included in admission; free for members.

Annual Orchid Show and Sale
2024-02-02 09:00 - 17:00
For the Love of Orchids, Annual Orchid Show and Sale
Susquehanna Orchid Society
Member-Only Preview: Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Open to the Public: Friday, February 2 to Sunday, February 4, 2024 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Susquehanna Orchid Society presents its 40th annual orchid show and sale in the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory. More than 1,000 orchids representing dozens of varieties will be on display, including rare species and unique hybrids. Daily orchid show tours and informational sessions will take place in the exhibition and Garden Cottage. In addition, vendors will have orchids for sale; various orchid societies will have showy displays that will be judged onsite and presented with national awards.
Included in admission; free for members. See admission prices here.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Friday, February 2 through Sunday, February 4
Registration for informational sessions below is not necessary; sessions are approximately 30 minutes.
Enjoy a Food Truck!
Saturday: Hitch Coffee, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting
Sunday: Lynn & Gray Coffee Co, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting
Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Susquehanna Orchid Society Informational Table, Conservatory
Repot Spot – Bring your orchid from home that needs to be divided and repotted; supplies can be purchased from Kelley’s Corner in the vendor area.
Ask the Experts – Have an orchid question? Bring photos or actual orchids from home and get advice from expert growers. All orchids brought from home can stay in a designated area at the admissions desk.
Friday, February 2, Located in the Garden Cottage
10 a.m. – “Growing Vandas in Your Home” by Walt Meshaka
11 a.m. – “How Not to Kill Your Orchid” by John Stoner
12 p.m. – “Growing Media – How to Choose” by PK Dennis
2 p.m. – “Growing Cattleya Orchids” by Amanda Troy
3 p.m. – “What Pot to Use – How to Choose” by John Whiting
Saturday, February 3, Located in the Garden Cottage
10 a.m. – “The Secret to Successfully Growing Orchids” by Ken Meier
11 a.m. – “Growing Media – How to Choose” by PK Dennis
12 p.m. – “Creative Ways to Grow Orchids” by Amanda Troy
1 p.m. – “Treating Orchid Pests & Diseases” by Walt Meshaka
2 p.m. – “Your Orchid Questions Answered” by Steve Male & Walt Meshaka
3 p.m. – “How to Buy the Best Orchid for You” by John Whiting
Saturday, February 3 at 11 a.m.
Tour of the Butterfly Atrium, Orchid Highlights
Please meet at the designated sign in the Welcome Pavilion. View orchid species on exhibit while walking among hundreds of butterflies in the Butterfly Atrium with tour guide, Sarah Neighbors, Butterfly Atrium Associate.
Sunday, February 4, Located in the Garden Cottage
10 a.m. – “Growing & Blooming Tolumnia Orchids” by John Stoner
11 a.m. – “Slipper Orchid Culture & Care” by Wade Hollenbach
12 p.m. – “How to Divide & Repot Orchids” by Walt Meshaka
1 p.m. – “Growing Media – How to Choose” by PK Dennis
2 p.m. – “Growing Cymbidium Orchids” by Jay Holcomb

Eco-Fiction Book Club
2024-02-09 10:00 - 11:30
Join the Hershey Gardens Eco-Fiction Book Club! This group explores works of eco-fiction which could be nature-oriented (non-human oriented) or environment-oriented (human impacts on nature). Participants are encouraged to read each month’s selection (see below) prior to the gathering to fully share in the discussion. Attend one, two, three or all four meetings!
Friday, February 9 – Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver
Friday, May 10 – California by Edan Lepucki
Friday, August 9 – Bewilderment: A Novel by Richard Powers
Friday, November 8 – The Botanist’s Daughter by Kayte Nunn
Book selections for each month can be found at your local public library or at any major retailer. Meetings will be held in the Garden Cottage. Light refreshments will be provided.
Included with admission, free for members. Please contact Vera Kolstrom to register: 717-508-5970, velkolstrom@hersheygardens.org.

Hershey Area Art Association Exhibition & Sale
2024-02-16 09:00 - 17:00
“For the Love of Art”
Hershey Area Art Association Exhibition & Sale
This year’s show will feature works of art from its members, including watercolors, oils, porcelain, and woodworking.
Located in the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory.
Included with admission; free for Hershey Gardens members.

Keiki, “Baby” Orchid Mounting Workshop
2024-02-17 10:00 - 12:00
Many orchids grow on trees and receive nutrients from the air and water. In this two-hour class, you’ll learn how to mount an orchid to a wood slab and leave the workshop with a mounted Keiki “Baby” orchid to hang in your home. Learn best practices for watering, misting, light and nutrient needs. Additionally, take a tour of the Butterfly Atrium and view various orchid species. All supplies are provided. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing as you’ll be standing and working with plant material. Includes admission to Hershey Gardens and the Butterfly Atrium.
$35 Hershey Gardens Members, $45 Non-members
Pre-registration is required here.
Class will be located in the Garden Cottage.
Instructor: Sarah Neighbors, Butterfly Atrium Associate

Manada Conservancy Program: Woodland Vernal Ponds
2024-02-22 19:00 - 20:00
Manada Conservancy Free Program:
Woodland Vernal Ponds, with Gene Wingert
Located in the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory at Hershey Gardens
Vernal ponds are an integral part of the forest community. These small wetlands typically fill with water during the fall, then dry in late spring. The organisms that breed in these ponds are important to the forest ecosystem. In this free education program, you can follow the ecology of a vernal pond through a single year and investigate the migrations and breeding behaviors of amphibians that use these special wetlands. Dickinson College Environmental Science instructor Gene Wingert will share his expertise.
To register for this free educational programs, email Manada Conservancy at office@manada.org, call at 717-566-4122.

Guided Walk CANCELLED
2024-03-02 10:00 - 11:00

Winter Highlights Walk - CANCELLED
2024-03-02 11:30 - 12:30
