Before you see Koziar's Christmas Village, you see its glow. Drive the dark country roads of northern Berks County on a late-fall evening, crest the hill on Christmas Village Road, and the valley below ignites — more than a million lights spilling over barns, farmhouses, gift shops and hillside. The 79th season opened Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, and runs through Saturday, Jan. 2, 2027.
Unlike a drive-through light display, Koziar's is walked. Guests park in the village lots, buy tickets at the gate, and follow illuminated paved paths on a self-guided loop that easily fills 60 to 90 minutes — past glowing dioramas, model trains, Santa's headquarters and shop after shop of ornaments. It's a tradition that keeps families returning from around the world, and this year the village carries an extra thread: the nation's 250th anniversary, woven through special touches across the grounds.
A Family Farm That Became a Fairyland
The story starts at the Koziar family farm in Bernville. Owned and operated by the family since 1948, what began as a family celebration grew season by season into one of Pennsylvania's premiere holiday attractions — now four generations in, with a dazzling walk-through village that draws visitors from around the world. Santa's helpers spend the off-season refreshing displays, expanding lots and painting, and the 2026 season adds USA 250th anniversary accents to the classic scenes.
Inside the Village: Trains, Santa and a Kissing Bridge
The one-million-plus lights are the headline, but the village is packed with stops along the loop. Model train displays run both indoors and out. Eleven indoor buildings hold holiday displays, gift shops and refreshment stands — welcome warm-up stops on a cold night. Santa holds court at his headquarters for visits and photos through Dec. 23. The gift barns are stocked with ornaments, vintage-style decorations and souvenirs, and the seasonal stands pour hot chocolate and hand out cookies. Don't skip the Kissing Bridge, where the light show doubles in the water below.
2026 Season: Dates, Hours & Admission
The season opened Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 — the first Saturday in November, as has been the tradition for decades. Through Thanksgiving, the village is open weekends only: Friday 6–9 p.m., Saturday 5–10 p.m. and Sunday 5–9 p.m. From Thanksgiving through Jan. 2, 2027, it opens every night — Monday through Thursday 6–9 p.m., Friday 6–9 p.m., Saturday 5–10 p.m. and Sunday 5–9 p.m. — including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Admission runs ages 3 and under free, ages 4–10 $12, ages 11–64 $14, and seniors 65+ and military $13. Scheduled Prime Nights carry an additional $5 per ticket, and parking is free. Tickets are sold at the gate — no advance purchase needed — and groups of 10 or more should register ahead. The village operates rain or shine except in rare severe weather.
Tips for a Magical (and Warm) Visit
Most of the experience is outdoors, so dress for a Pennsylvania winter: warm coat, hat, gloves and comfortable walking shoes. Weekday evenings after Thanksgiving are the quietest — Saturday nights in December draw the biggest crowds, heaviest between 5 and 8 p.m. Plan an hour to an hour and a half on site and extra time for traffic on busy weekends. The paved, illuminated walkways accommodate strollers and wheelchairs, and a limited number of wheelchairs are available on a first-come basis. Before heading out, check traffic updates — nearby Grand View Road is currently closed due to a bridge outage.
Make It a Berks County Getaway
The village sits at 782 Christmas Village Road in Bernville, roughly 10 miles north of Reading. Pair the glow with a full holiday weekend in Reading & Berks County: downtown shops, seasonal dining and holiday train rides across the region make an easy overnight trip. For the full roster of 2026 dates, hours and Prime Night schedules, check the official website at koziarschristmasvillage.com.
