Merry and bright: These local displays take 'holiday lights' to the next level
Dec. 14—Christmas lights have come a long way since the practice of using candles to illuminate Christmas tree ornaments began in 17th-century Germany. With the advent of electricity and the light bulb in the 19th century, "holiday lights" took on a whole new meaning.
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Tell us where the best residential holiday light displays are in Berks this year
In 1882, the first Christmas tree to be lit by electric lights was seen in New York. This led to the creation of the first string of Christmas lights around 1890. And before too long, holiday lights took on a life of their own, with homeowners illuminating their homes' exteriors to share the joy of the season.
Nothing beats a leisurely drive around the neighborhood to take in the splendor of residential light displays, with the possible exception of traveling a little farther down the road to enjoy some of these over-the-top holiday light spectacles in and around Berks County:
Koziar's Christmas Village
Celebrating its 75th season, Koziar's Christmas Village is back to light up the night in Jefferson Township, boasting more than 1 million Christmas lights adorning buildings, gift barns and the landscape.
The Winter Wonderland self-guided tour includes Santa's Post Office, the Old Fashioned Bakery Shop, The Night Before Christmas, The Kissing Bridge, the Manger Scene, the Toy Maker & His Toy Shop, Christmas Beneath the Sea and Christmas in Other Lands.
In addition to the outdoor lights, there are 11 indoor buildings with displays, shopping, food and indoor and outdoor train displays.
Enjoy freshly baked cookies and other treats in the country kitchen and browse in Santa's Toy Shoppe for gifts, ornaments, toys and souvenirs.
Christmas Village is open nightly through New Year's Day, with hours of 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 5 to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 5 to 9 p.m. Sundays.
Tickets cost $10 for ages 4 to 10, $12 for ages 11 to 64 and $11 for ages 65 and up. Prime nights (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and Dec. 20-26) cost $5 more.
For more information and tickets, visit koziarschristmasvillage.com.
Gring's Mill Holiday Lights
The Holiday Lights display at Gring's Mill offers a sensory friendly night with no music tonight and then it continues nightly from Friday through Dec. 23, with free parking and admission. Visitors can walk around the grounds to view the light display highlighting the historic buildings and landscaping around the park. On all dates, the park will be open from 5:30 to 8:30 pm.
Visitors can enjoy food and beverages from local food trucks, a fire pit and live music in the heated outdoor pavilion each night. Santa will make appearances throughout the month. A model train display is set up in the former generator station building on the bridge.
Here is a list of the live entertainment and food trucks:
Friday: Ken Gehret — Perk Up Truck — Wich Way Sandwiches — Funnel Cake Factory
Saturday: Steve Pullara & His Cool Beans Band — Perk Up Truck — Lio Colon Food Bus
Sunday: Brass Menangerie — Perk Up Truck — Funnel Cake Factory — Lio Colon Food Bus
Monday: Stephanie Grace — Perk Up Truck — Pip and Lily's Loaded Tots
Tuesday: Polished Brass — Perk Up Truck — Lio Colon Food Bus
Dec. 21: Solstice Celebration — Emme Ryan — Perk Up Truck — Lio Colon Food Bus
Dec. 22: Crow Hill — Perk Up Truck — Wich Way Sandwiches
Dec. 23: Dave Kline — Perk Up Truck — Funnel Cake Factor
For more information, see countyofberks.com/parks.
Christmas on the Mountain
Reading's Hillside Playground, 459 N. 14th St., has once again been transformed into a Christmas wonderland for its Christmas on the Mountain display, which runs through Dec. 23 with hours of 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday through next Thursday.
Now in its 31st year, the dazzling display features over 5 million LED lights, inflatables and vintage and modern decorations. It underwent a major overhaul for 2022. Highlights include classic and immersive light shows set to holiday music and new character meet-and-greets.
The Reading High School Marine Corps JROTC cadets have run the event for eight years. They and other volunteers began preparing in October.
Free to attend, the display is supported by donations from local businesses.
For more information, see readingschristmasonthemountain.com.
Carnival of Lights
The Annual Carnival of Lights at Norco Fire Company, North Coventry Township, is open through New Year's Day and is three times bigger than ever, with more lights, special effects, rides and things to do. It includes over 250,000 holiday lights, holiday decorated amusement rides, food, carnival games, holiday crafts and gifts, pictures with Santa Fritz, Santa's Pub (open Thursdays through Saturdays) and fireworks on Dec. 30.
Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. today and Thursday, then 6 to 10 p.m. for the remainder of the season. The price of admission includes the Holiday Lights walk-through, unlimited amusement rides, visit with Santa and parking. Tickets cost $19 for adults, $14 for ages 4 to 12 and free for children 3 and younger.
Tickets may be purchased in advance at carnival-of-lights.com or at the gate.
Tinseltown
A little farther on down the road, Tinseltown has returned to The Fairgrounds at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, continuing through Dec. 31.
Tinseltown once again offers an immersive event where guests can stroll through a winter wonderland of lights, check off their holiday shopping list, dine on festive treats and beverages, meet Santa Claus, and much more. Larger-than-life sculptures include a 60-foot light tunnel, glowing baubles, Santa's sleigh, a walk-through Liberty Bell and illuminations representing Philly sports teams.
Guests have the opportunity to enjoy two brand-new winter experiences: ice-skating and a two-lane ice slide. Mistletoe Marketplace will offer unique holiday gifts such as hand-crafted ornaments, custom artwork, wintertime clothing and decor.
Tickets start at $19.99 for adults and $14.99 for children 5 to13 at TinseltownHoliday.com. Admission is free for children 4 and under. All ticket buyers will be required to select a designated arrival window when purchasing.
