No matter where you are in NEPA, this spectacular Christmas village is worth the drive into the rural countryside of Berks County.

All over Northeastern Pennsylvania, December is all about those extraordinary holiday lights. Whether you’re bundling up and walking through or cranking up the Christmas music and enjoying the holiday magic from the comfort of a warm car, nothing conjures the Christmas spirit quite like an evening at a local light display.

One of the most visited holiday attractions in Pennsylvania.

There is one holiday experience, however, just outside of NEPA, that’s become a nationally-recognized attraction. Throughout most of the year it’s a retired, 285-acre dairy farm with rolling meadows, a small pond, a farmhouse and a few out buildings. Come Thanksgiving and the unofficial start of the winter holiday season, this little farm in an otherwise non-descript valley in western Berks County comes just about as close to the North Pole as one can get.

It’s a sight to behold, a trip down memory lane, a visit to a simpler, easier time. For some, it’s a view into a heart-warming, tangible core memory powered by the soft glow of over a million twinkling lights. They call it Koziar’s Christmas Village. And if you didn’t already have this one on your holiday bucket list, I’m afraid you’re just Christmas-ing all wrong.

In 1948, William Koziar, with a simple plan to make Christmas special for his wife and four children, decided to adorn the family farmhouse in twinkling holiday string lights. At the time, the elaborate décor did just the trick. The family reveled in the festive glow as it shimmered across the glass surface of the pond. Though, soon enough, neighbors came investigating the odd glow just beyond the hill. And it worked on them, too. Before they knew it, the Koziar’s had cars slowing down and even parking on the road to see what was being called “the Christmas House.”

Gradually, the family allowed visitors onto the property for a closer look. Soon, though, as word spread, it became apparent that they had the beginnings of a legitimate tourist attraction on their hands. The display soon spread out from the farmhouse and barn and to the pond and outlying fields and buildings. They built walking paths and started creating displays from the family’s collection of Christmas décor. In a matter of decades, the old Koziar dairy farm had exploded into one of Pennsylvania’s most celebrated holiday experiences. In 2023, the family celebrates their 76th season of bringing Christmas cheer to thousands of visitors from all over the world.

Nostalgic Holiday Vibes Around Every Turn

Accessible within 1.5 to 3 hours from just about anywhere in NEPA.

Koziar’s Christmas Village is located roughly 80 miles south of Wilkes-Barre and Scranton. The walk-through attraction features over a million lights, glass building displays, indoor and outdoor train displays, a kissing bridge and more. Popular stops include Santa’s Post Office, The Old-Fashioned Bake Shop, the classic manger scene, Christmas Beneath the Sea and so much more. You can even get a glimpse of Christmas scenes from around the world.

Your self-guided tour of this winter wonderland will also bring you to 11 indoor displays. Among the indoor attractions, visitors will find a country kitchen featuring fresh-baked cookies and other treats. Santa’s Toy Shoppe offers a wide selection of souvenirs, ornaments and unique gifts. The indoor displays also feature the massive, handmade train platform with tunnels, trestles and so much more. And up to Saturday, December 23, Santa will be on-site for photos and visits with children.

Make a Stroll Through Koziar’s Christmas Village Part of Your New Holiday Tradition

Load up the car and make the trek to Bernville for one of Pennsylvania’s most beloved Christmastime experiences. Koziar’s is open (rain or shine) every evening through January 1, including all holidays.

Don’t feel like making the drive? Conect with Martz Trailways in Wilkes-Barre and purchase a round-trip ticket for their popular Koziar’s Bus Trip on Sunday, December 17.

Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Prime Nights (additional $4 per ticket)
Friday – 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday – 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday – 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

(Hours may be extended on busy weekend evenings as needed.)

The walk-through Christmas Village is ADA-accessible and features wide, paved, lighted walkways. They even offer a limited number of free wheelchair rentals. Koziar’s also offers plenty of free, on-site parking. Please plan ahead for potential traffic delays on weekends in December.

All tickets are purchased at the gate. No reservations necessary. Cash and credit cards accepted. There is an ATM on-site. Large groups of 10 or more must purchase tickets in advance via Koziar’s website.

Pricing:

Children (ages 3 & under) – free
Children (ages 4 – 10) — $11
Adults (ages 11-64) — $13
Seniors (65+) and Military — $12

For more information, visit Koziarschristmasvillage.com. And to keep up with Koziar’s Christmas Village all year round, be sure to follow along on social media.

Featured image (top) courtesy of Koziar’s Christmas Village.