As the sun sets on Thanksgiving, many people start the Christmas season by braving the crowds at the malls. Others, however, get into the holiday spirit amidst the warm glow of nearly 800,000 twinkling lights, as well as mechanical displays and cozy shops.

Koziar’s Christmas Village came to life in 1948, when William Koziar began decorating the buildings on his farm to the delight of his wife and children. It’s hard to imagine that the Berks County farmer could predict that visits by curious neighbors would one day turn into an annual family tradition spanning generations. Today, it’s not uncommon to see three generations of families enjoying the Christmas fantasyland together. Experiencing the holiday through the eyes of children as they recite their Christmas hopes to Santa evokes nostalgia for many parents and grandparents.

It has been said there is only one chance to make a first impression, and there’s not a better example of a great first impression than at Koziar’s Christmas Village. When guests come up over the hill on Christmas Village Road, the sight ahead is spectacular. In the distance, hundreds of thousands of lights welcome visitors to an enchanting holiday experience.

The 10-acre property is filled with festive displays and buildings such as Santa’s Toy Shoppe and the Old-Fashioned Bakery. Children of any age will love the indoor train display in the large refreshment barn, where visitors may enjoy freshly baked cookies and hot chocolate to help warm them inside and out.

Christmas carols will fill the air as guests stroll past iconic holiday scenes such as the Nativity and “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” The Kissing Bridge offers a dazzling view of the lights reflecting on the lake. Over the years, many couples have become engaged or have been married on the bridge, where the toll to cross is a kiss.

Dubbed as the “Christmas House” by locals 67 years ago, Koziar’s has received many awards, including “Best Outdoor Christmas Display in the World” by Display World Magazine.

IF YOU GO:

Address: 782 Christmas Village Road, Bernville, PA 19506
Phone: 610-488-1110

Open:  November 1 – Thanksgiving, (Fri-Sun)
Thanksgiving – January 1, 2015, (7 days a week)

*Open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day

Cost: Age 3 and under – free, ages 4 to 10 – $7.00, ages 11 to 64 – $9.00, Seniors (65 and up) – $8.00

Website: koziarschristmasvillage.com