Guide to the Amazing Light Display at Koziar’s Christmas Village

In the dark hills of Bernville west of Reading, Koziar’s Christmas Village lights up the night. It has been described by various magazines and TV shows as the “greatest Christmas display in America.” That’s a lot of hype to live up to, but there’s no denying that Koziar’s is something special.

Visiting this magical lit up village is a winter tradition for many families and draws people from all around. It’s not unusual for there to be significant crowds and long lines to park. We timed our visit for a Friday before Thanksgiving in hopes of missing the biggest groups of people. It was busy but manageable at that time.

Seeing the display

In the era of drive-through Christmas displays or attractions filled with blinding-but-generic prefabricated LED displays, Koziar’s is different. It is a walk-through display laid out like an actual village. Visitors of all ages get to see various Christmas settings ranging from a community church and fire station to the Valley Forge encampment.

Celebrating its 77th season this year, Koziar’s feels old school…and in a good way. It is completely authentic. If you’re over 40, the screw-in light bulbs are likely the ones you grew up with. And there are a lot of them! Over a million lights throughout the 8-acre property make this one of the best light displays in greater Philly, especially if you’re visiting with kids.

Before we even entered the main gates, we were struck by all the places to take photos. They certainly make sure that there is entertainment available if you do end up in line for a while. Once we entered, there were characters shaking hands, hugging kids, and posing for family photos with anyone who wanted them.

As we followed the arrows along the prescribed path, we enjoyed watching the miniature train snake along its path beside the old barn. We walked by the kissing bridge–one of the most popular spots on the property–plus a wishing well and a house covered in lights with cartoon characters peering out the windows. From figurines to light sculptures, The Flintstones, nursery rhymes, and lots of elves were there to accompany us as we explored.

The glass-enclosed buildings were particularly interesting, showing snapshots of village life in the winter like sleigh rides, cozy living rooms scenes, and caroling. They’re unlike any other Christmas display we’ve seen.

Food and drink

There are a couple of places to get food and drinks. As you walk through the village, the first refreshment station (the Olde Village Store and Snack Shoppe) serves popcorn, the famous chocolate chip cookies, and hot chocolate. Later, there is a second building near the bridge and central square selling popcorn and hot chocolate.

The final refreshment station is in the red barn building, which is the last stop before the exit. Here, you’ll be able to buy a range of food, including pizza, burgers, and hot dogs as well as popcorn, cookies, and hot chocolate. A word of caution: our hot chocolate came out nearly boiling. Check the temperature before you drink it yourself or give it to children.

Most of the food offerings are more like snacks than a full meal. We recommend eating dinner either before or after you visit. If you are looking for a restaurant, there are a number of options off the Broadcasting Road exit of Route 222 in Reading (15-20 minutes away).

Visiting tips

If you don’t like crowds, try going early in November or during a weeknight early in December. Go early and get there right when the village opens for fewer crowds. OR, go late and get there closer to closing time.

Bring your patience. On weekends in December, it can take over an hour to drive the 1.9 miles from the Route 183 turnoff to the village. During peak times, the local sheriff also manages traffic so it doesn’t get too crazy.

The parking lot is MASSIVE. Remember where you parked! Count row numbers and use the light poles as a reference point. Knowing where your car is in relation to the white fence can also be helpful.

If you need an ATM, there is one located just outside the entrance. Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards are accepted for admission as well as forfood and beverages.

Allow about 90 minutes to walk through Koziar’s Village and about 2 hours in total with parking, paying for admission, etc. If you plan to visit Santa or take a lot of pictures, you’ll want at least 2 hours or longer.

Dress warmly! You will be out in the elements for nearly the entire time. It can be very cold and windy. Also, Koziar’s is open if it rains or snows, so bring weather appropriate gear for you AND your kids!

The bathroom is located right near the entrance. There are a couple of porta potties in the village, mostly in the second half as you follow the pathway (including one located just after the transportation building).

If you are looking for the postcard perfect view of the village, it’s actually taken from outside of Koziar’s along Christmas Village Road. As you leave Koziar’s farm and turn right, you’ll go about 100 yards, cross a small bridge and there is a small pull-out on the right side of the road (with a giant Road Closed sign). Make sure you are pulled completely off the road and not blocking traffic. There’s room for about 2 cars. There is a pretty significant ditch, so be very careful pulling off the road and where you walk. From here, you can take the perfect photo of the property. If you are lucky and there is no wind, the pond can serve as a reflecting pool.

Prices

As Koziar’s is a walk-thru display, prices are per person (not per car). Prices for ages 11-64 are $13.00, children age 4-10 are $11.00, children ages 3 and under are free, and seniors (65+ and active military) are $12.00.

They operate a peak pricing model, or what they call “Prime Nights,” which adds $5 per ticket. Prime Nights are all weekend evenings (Friday-Sunday) as well as the week before Christmas and Christmas Day. Parking is free every night.

Location

Koziar’s Christmas Village makes a nice outing from the greater Philadelphia area. It is located about 15 miles northwest of Reading and Blue Marsh Lake in the heart of Berks County. The Christmas Village is well marked in Waze, Google Maps. and all navigational apps.

If you are planning to visit from Philadelphia, plan on a drive of about 90 minutes, then another 2 hours to visit and another 90 minutes home. Our trip was about 6 ½ hours, which included stopping for a brief dinner and hot chocolate along the way.