As the days get shorter and chillier, there’s no denying the festive cheer of the holidays in Berks County. It’s the perfect time of year to keep cozy with loved ones and discover the best yuletide events to help you get into the seasonal spirit. From beautiful Christmas lights to nativity scenes to local holiday tours, there’s plenty to delight the whole family before the new year. Let’s take a closer look at just a few of the great seasonal destinations that help make Berks County the perfect winter wonderland.
Holiday Glow on Penn Avenue
There's no place like West Reading during the holiday season! West Reading's main thoroughfare, Penn Avenue, takes center stage in December with its Holiday Glow Celebrations. Along the Avenue, shops and restaurants sparkle and shine with festive decorations, special holiday hours, in-store specials, and personalized service. Enjoy carolers, holiday music, and a horse-drawn carriage ride for a memorable evening to share with friends and family.
Koziar's Christmas Village
Cozily located on Berks farmland, visiting Koziar’s during the holidays is like taking a trip to the North Pole. Every year, beautiful Christmas light designs welcome visitors with vibrant cheer. In fact, the Koziar family has entertained thousands of guests for a remarkable 75 holiday seasons. You can casually explore the grounds with the whole family, taking in the winding paved walkways and hundreds of holiday displays, illuminated decorations, and festive scenes. You can even experience the two huge outdoor train setups that chug through a small festive village and farm scenes. Miniature buildings you can see during the ride house scenes of holiday traditions. Take a look through the giant windows to catch a view of Santa’s Post Office, an old-fashioned bakery, a candy shop and Santa’s Toy Shop plus beautiful Nativity scenes.
Gring's Mill
Park attendees can tour the beautiful grounds of Gring’s Mill park to behold the amazing light display illuminating the historic buildings and landscape around the park. When you enjoy the outdoor festivities at Gring’s Mill, you’ll create cherished holiday memories. Take a walk through the Mill’s signature light display while enjoying a warm seasonal beverage, snacks from local food trucks, and engaging entertainment in the pavilion. And don’t miss out on Santa strolling the grounds, in addition to seeing Belsnickel or even King Winter as he makes his holiday return! Be sure to check each day for the great series of entertainment performances happening during the evening. Everyone can enjoy their Christmas songs, bluegrass, gospel, and more.
Centre Park Historic District
Take a stroll in the Centre Park Historic District this season to admire the beautifully decorated houses and Christmas lights! The Centre Park Historic District comprises 840 structures, with more than half of the homes being constructed between 1900 and 1910. Many residences featured large, freestanding “country” mansions with carriage houses or Victorian-era architecture. Visitors will be able to marvel at the holiday lights, impressive home decorations, and storied history of the District.
Festival of Trees at the Reading Public Museum
Start the Christmas season off right by visiting the Reading Public Museum’s Festival of Trees! Visitors will have the opportunity to both celebrate and learn how other cultures celebrate the festive season! This exhibition offers amazing holiday trees and displays decorated by community organizations inspired by the customs and traditions of their heritage. Join the fun and learn about how different countries, cultures, and religions celebrate the yuletide season in the galleries!
Murdough's Christmas Barn
One of the most anticipated holiday destinations in Berks County is Murdough’s Christmas Barn, which provides an enormous collection of Christmas decorations, all housed in a century-old barn. In fact, basically every day since opening in 1953 has been Christmas at Murdough’s Christmas Barn. The barn’s festive cheer includes everything you could want for the holidays, featuring German nutcrackers and smokers, Annalee dolls, Byers’ Choice Caroler figurines, Old World Christmas, and Christopher Radko glass pieces. Murdough’s also exhibits delightful nativity scenes and provides advent calendars, light sets, artificial trees, wreaths, garlands, stockings, tree skirts, cards, candles, cookie cutters, and a vast assortment of ornaments to make your season bright!