Photo Credit: @koziarschristmasvillage

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Pennsylvania’s Americana region! November marks the start of many holiday activities and attractions including themed train rides, Christmas light displays, and more! Whether you’re looking for somewhere to take your kids to meet Santa, you want to start a new family tradition, or you want to shop for holiday crafts, you can find it all here. Head out with your friends, family, or solo to enjoy these awesome local events during the month of November!

Koziar’s Christmas Village

Ever wish you could walk through a Christmas village, decorated with more than one million Christmas lights? You can when you visit Koziar’s Christmas Village! Celebrate their historic 75th anniversary season and take in a magical scene that you’ll never forget! 

Opening night will be held on Nov. 5 and they will remain open through Jan. 1. 

Christmas Excursions on the Colebrookdale Railroad 

Start the holiday season with an enchanting train ride with Santa aboard the Colebrookdale Railroad. The beautifully decorated Victorian era railroad begins the Christmas excursions on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Santa’s Polar Bear Express and Twas the Night Before Christmas are magical adventures into holiday fun complete with hot cocoa, cookies and visits from Santa bearing gifts for the children. New this year, Colebrookdale is introducing, Ghost of Christmas Past, which is sure to be as just as wonderful an experience as all their excursions. 

Christmas Trains on the Strasburg Railroad

Christmas is all about tradition and the holiday excursions at the historic Strasburg Rail Road is a tradition many families adore. For over 60 years, families have climbed aboard the train for a magical journey. Beginning in November and running into December, Santa’s Paradise Express, Night Before Christmas Train, “Santa Claus Limited”, and the Christmas Tree Train will be going full steam ahead.

Whether you decide to ride the Christmas train with Santa Claus as a special guest, travel by authentic steam train to Leaman Place Grove, where you can choose a pre-cut Frasier Fir tree, or board the train and enjoy the reading of The Night Before Christmas, you’re sure to make memories you won’t forget.

Christmas Craft Show at Leesport Farmers Market

Get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping when you visit the Christmas Craft Show at Leesport Farmers Market on November 26 and 27. It’s important to shop local and support fellow artisans and this is a great way to do just that.

Browse through over 300 local and regional vendors and find a variety of arts and handmade crafts perfect for holiday gifts or decorating your home. 

Santander Performing Arts Center

The Santander Performing Arts Center has two holiday shows on the schedule that will debut in November.

November 27 - World Ballet Series: Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is a family favorite and a tradition many enjoy every holiday season. Purchase tickets to the show and watch the toys come to life.

November 30 - Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas

A show you may not be as familiar with as The Nutcracker but also a great one to watch with the family this year is Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas.

The story follows a young bird that is blown off course and ends up at the North Pole. It features timeless holiday hits, including Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey and Tchaikovsky and electroluminescent artistry.

With so many things to do in the Berks County area this November, you’ll never need to have a boring weekend! Get out there and enjoy the seasonal activities and events offered this year to make spirits bright!