For over seventy years visitors come to Koziar’s Christmas Village in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in search of the magic of Christmas. Many made this trip a family tradition. They travel to experience the greatest Christmas lights display in the USA. Located just outside Lehigh Valley, PA, the village is a unique place to entertain children and adults alike during the holiday season. In this post, you will learn practical tips on how to make your own trip a success.
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KOZIAR’S CHRISTMAS VILLAGE IN PENNSYLVANIA – TIPS ON HOW TO VISIT
So far, I visited Koziar’s Christmas Village three times. The first time, I was in my twenties and just immigrated from Poland where Christmas outdoor decorations were nonexistent. I immediately fell in love with the vibrant display of lights at Koziar’s.
During my second visit, I watched my six years old son taking all the magic in, and that remains one of my best Christmas memories. The third time, after a long break, I was just looking to find a holiday spirit, and once again, I found it. To my surprise, the village almost doubled in size! It was definitely worth a two-hour drive.
Over 70 Years tradition and still going strong
In 1948, William Koziar began decorating his farm for the enjoyment of his family. It did not take too long for the local people to notice. Eventually, they began knocking on the farmhouse door and asking to get a closer look. As the display started to grow from the house and barn to the surrounding fields, Koziar decided to open it up to visitors for a small fee.
Now celebrating 72 years of Season’s Greetings, Koziar’s Christmas Village has grown to a well known seasonal attraction drawing visitors from great distances as well as local families who have made Koziar’s part of their Christmas tradition for three generations.
Koziar’s has been awarded the Best Outdoor Christmas Display in the World by Display World Magazine, and the American Bus Association has honored it with their 2018 Best of the Best Award.
Hours of Operations 2020
DUE TO COVID-19, THE FOLLOWING PRIME NIGHTS REQUIRE TIMED ENTRY PASSES
ALL Saturdays | Black Friday | Sundays After Thanksgiving |
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Open ALL major holidays!
NOV. 7 TO THANKSGIVING:
FRI. 6 PM – 9 PM
*SAT. 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
SUN. 5:30 PM – 9 PM
THANKSGIVING THRU JAN. 2ND:
MON. – FRI. 6 PM – 9 PM
*SAT. 5 PM – 9:30 PM
*SUN. 5 PM – 9 PM
*Timed passes + additional $5 per ticket on Prime Nights
Pricing
Payments Accepted: Cash or CC (Visa, Mastercard & Discover Only)
STANDARD PRICING:
3 & UNDER – FREE | 4 TO 10 – $10.00
11 TO 64 – $12.00 | SENIORS (65+) – $11.00
PRIME NIGHTS PRICING:
Due to Covid restrictions on capacity, there is a $5 premium for PRIME NIGHTS
Parking is free.
Directions to Koziar’s Christmas Village, Berks County
Koziar’s Christmas Village Address: 782 Christmas Village Rd, Bernville, PA.
Best time to Visit Koziar’s Christmas Village
With just one country road leading to the Koziar’s winter wonderland, expect a long line on weekends to drive in. It could be hours! On weekdays, things are looking much better. During my last visit, I arrived way over an hour before 5 P.M. to find the parking lot still being closed.
I had to park on the side of the road and wait. About an hour before opening, the parking opened its doors. No crowds at all that night.
When visiting on the weekend, instead of standing in a long line before opening hours, come closer to closing hours and make it an overnight trip. Stay in one of many hotels nearby Koziar’s Christmas Village.
Hotels near Koziar’s Christmas Village
Most people come to Koziar’s Christmas Village for a day trip, but the area offers many hotels nearby for those wishing to stay overnight.
For families, I recommend:
Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Reading
Homewood Suites by Hilton Reading
Best Western Plus Reading Inn & Suites
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Reading Wyomissing
Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts Reading
How to Visit Koziar’s Christmas Village
To find your Christmas spirit, you will follow a one-way paved trail which makes it easy to get through even when there are a lot of people. But a word of advice here, do not follow the arrows to the right immediately. Turn left first to see the light reflecting in the pond.
Many people miss this beautiful spot. Then continue a marked walk to see a great indoor train display and every imaginable Christmas decoration. It takes only about an hour to see it all, but for those who like to take a lot of photos, it will be more like two hours.
Christmas Spirit at Koziar’s Village is alive with holiday music and many attractions like Santa’s Post Office, Old-fashioned Bakery Shop, The Night Before Christmas, The Kissing Bridge, Toy Maker, and His Toy Shop, and more.
Little ones enjoy photos with Santa, and they have a chance to tell him their Christmas wishes. Do not expect any light extravaganza. What you find in the village is an old fashion holiday display.
Where to find the best view of the village
When you exit the village turn right, then slowly follow the road. You will see the trees blocking the view, go farther, and stop at the area that says, road closed on your right.
Watch the side of the road closely before you make a stop. I noticed a deep ditch in a few spots. You will get a complete view from there of the village reflecting in the pond.
What to Wear
Most of the attractions are located outside, so most likely you will get cold. Check the forecast before your visit. On a really cold day, hand and foot warmers may help. You can take a break in one of many shops and get warmer with a hot drink.
The food at Koziar’s Christmas Village
According to Koziar’s website, the village offers “fast food with items such as hot dogs, burgers, pizza, nachos, and more. In addition to our refreshment barn, you will be able to purchase snacks: hot chocolate, pretzels, popcorn, and cookies at two different locations along the pathways”, but this is not what I saw.
I got hungry during my visit and did not find anything but popcorn or cookies. Even on a weekday, the lines were long for cookies and small snacks. I suggest eating before you visit.
Restaurants near Koziar’s Christmas Village:
There are many places to eat around the village. Here are some of the closest:
Blue Mountain Family Restaurant
For more choices, click here.
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