So many events and activities are happening this December in Pennsylvania's Americana Region. It was hard to narrow it down to just 10! This month brings holiday lights, themed train excursions, candlelit tours, and a little pinch of magic as Berks County transforms into a winter wonderland. A combination of tradition and celebration will make this holiday season incredibly special. Consider spending it with us!
1. Koziar's Christmas Village
It's that time of year! Visit the Greatest Christmas Display in the USA. With over a million lights adorning buildings, gift barns, walkways, and landscapes, a trip through Koziar's Christmas Village is like walking through the North Pole. Open every day through January 1st, 2024, this is a can't-miss destination in Pennsylvania's Americana Region this holiday season.
2. Holiday Lights at Gring's Mill
The 35th year of Holiday Lights at Gring's Mill starts December 1st, featuring new light displays and musical acts every night. Visitors can stroll the grounds to view a glistening light display that highlights the historic buildings and landscape of Gring’s Mill. Holiday Lights at Gring’s Mill will be open Fridays through Sundays, December 1 to December 17, and from Monday, December 18 to Saturday, December 23, and will continue after Christmas with three additional nights, including music, food, and lights- December 28th to 30th. Open hours are 5:30 to 8:30, with free parking and admission!
3. Holiday Shopping
There’s no place like West Reading for the holidays! Enjoy the charm of West Reading’s independently-owned boutiques and restaurants with special holiday hours, in-store specials, and personalized service. Although there will not be carriage rides this year, it will still be a great time on the Avenue!
4. Yuletide Around the World
Walk through the galleries to find all of the decorated Yuletide trees at the Reading Public Museum! Each tree is decorated by a different organization and reflects different holiday traditions from cultures around the world as well as important aspects of the Berks County and RPM communities. Trees are on display now through January 7th, 2024.
5. Themed Rides on Pennsylvania's Americana Region Railroads
Colebrookdale Railroad
Join Colebrookdale Railroad for their holiday-themed train excursions! They offer two rides this year: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and Santa's Polar Bear Express. Put on your Christmas pajamas, enjoy hot cocoa, and spend time with Santa!
Allentown and Auburn Railroad
Take a trip with the big man in red himself on the Allentown & Auburn Railroad. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on the railroad this holiday season, checking on all the children and ensuring Santa has his list straight. All the good children may even get a candy cane!
Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad - Passenger
Santa and his train will be visiting Reading this holiday season! Enjoy listening to holiday music while riding in our toasty, warm coaches as Santa visits each child and the young at heart. Get your cameras ready to capture that special moment you will cherish forever! All train rides are 80-minutes round trip.
Strasburg Railroad
This year, Strasburg Railroad is offering 5 different holiday-themed rides. Breakfast with Mrs. Claus, Christmas Tree Train, and Santa's Paradise Express, to name a few.
Check their websites for dates and times of excursions.
6. Reading Liederkranz Christkindlmarkt: December 1-3
Experience a German Christmas Tradition right here in Berks County! Join the Reading Liederkranz from December 1st through December 3rd for authentic German food and drinks, crafts, holiday goodies, and more. Admission is $5.00 for ages 12-80 and free for everyone else.
7. Handcrafted Holiday Market: December 2nd
This one-day pop-up shop is open at GoggleWorks from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. and centers around artists and makers selling high-quality handmade gifts for the holiday season. The event will be a pay-what-you-can admission fee. Come join in on the festivities and celebrate the holidays. The market will feature workshops, live demonstrations, family activities, holiday movie screenings, and much more.
8. 38th Annual Centre Park Historic District Christmas House Tour & Champagne Brunch: December 10th
Enjoy brunch at one of Centre Park's elegant bed and breakfasts. Afterward, tour the properties decorated for the holidays. As you stroll the neighborhood, take notice of the architectural beauty and craftsmanship of the Victorian and early 20th-century buildings. Free park and ride at FirstEnergy Stadium.
9. Skate with Santa: December 16th
Santa is coming to Body Zone, and he's bringing his skates. Join Santa and his elves for a fun afternoon featuring holiday music, photos with Santa, free hot cocoa and other festive treats, a free holiday coloring contest, and more!
10. Holiday Performances at Santander Performing Arts Center
Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas: December 17th
Follow the story of a young bird named Max and his family as they begin their journey south for the winter. When Max gets blown off course and ends up at the North Pole…..his adventure begins! Tickets starting at $25.00.
World Ballet Series: Nutcracker 2023: December 21st
Step into the whimsical magic of one of the world’s most beloved fairy tales performed by a multinational cast of 50 professional ballet dancers. Tickets starting at $35.00.
All of us at Pennsylvania's Americana Region wish you and your family a very happy holiday season! Take advantage of everything Berks County has to offer this December.