With the holidays and the end of the semester fast approaching, many students may be looking for ways to have fun with their friends before winter break. Although movies, card and board game nights and other activities are a great way to spend time with friends, what could be better than a holiday-themed activity to wrap up the fall semester? By venturing off-campus for some winter fun, students can get away from the stresses of schoolwork pileups and have some much-needed quality time with others.

One local and very popular option for students seeking an activity to put them in the holiday spirit is Hersheypark’s Sweet Lights display. On select days from Nov. 12 to Jan. 2, Hersheypark will be offering tickets for cars to drive through their two-mile long trails decorated with hundreds of lights and displays. This is a great option to get a larger group of friends together for a cheaper price—a car of eight people or less costs anywhere from $22.15 to $39.15 depending on the date, which can be split among the group. Until Sunday, Nov. 20, there is also an online sale for 40 percent off tickets, which can further reduce costs (an important factor for college students).

For those who don’t mind spending a bit more money and travel time, the Longwood Gardens Christmas display is another great option for a holiday adventure. When they reopen on Nov. 19, Longwood Gardens will be decorated with brand-new displays of lights and flowers perfect for the holidays. It may be getting colder, but students who dress warmly are sure to have a wonderful time walking around the gardens and seeing a carefully cultivated collection of plant life. Students can grab hot chocolate and cookies to eat while they wander and enjoy the company of their friends. However, the downside to this option is the price, which for college students who show I.D. at the door is $27 each. For that reason, this may be an outing suited for a smaller group of friends or couples looking to enjoy the quieter ambiance of the gardens. The price may be cheaper still for students who have a family member with a membership to Longwood Gardens and is able to come and bring the students along as guests, though there is a limited number of guests who would be allowed to attend on one member’s pass.

Either way, it’s obvious the holiday season and end of the semester is quickly approaching. While this time of year is a favorite to many, it can also be hard to leave friends over winter break. Holiday outings like those advertised by Hersheypark and Longwood Gardens may be expensive, but the memories made during these trips are well-worth the cost!