Koziar’s Christmas Village: Planning Your Magical Family Trip
Last Updated 11.22.2024
Are you planning to Visit Koziar’s Christmas Village? Get ready to enter the magical winter wonderland! In this post, I share everything you need to know before visiting: the best time to visit, the best hotel to stay nearby, and how to make the most of your trip.
Koziar’s Christmas Village is a magical place with over one million twinkling lights and festive decorations in Berks County, Pennsylvania.
Imagine walking through a winter wonderland where you can see charming little houses, sparkling trees, and even Santa Claus! There are fun displays, friendly animals, and lots of holiday cheer.
We have visited Koziar’s Village multiple times. While beautiful, arriving at the wrong time can be hectic and overwhelming. So, I wanted to share our experience and tips to help you plan your perfect holiday trip stress-free.
Please note that this post may contain affiliate links, and I will earn a small commission for any sales made through such links – at no extra cost to you.
History of Koziar’s Christmas Village
Can you picture over a million Christmas lights dazzling in a small town? That is what Koziar’s Christmas Village looks like during the holiday season. The buildings, gift barns, trees, and landscape are all covered with colorful lights. Simply a fairytale!
Starting on the first Saturday in November, Koziar’s Christmas Village sparkles Fridays through Sundays until Thanksgiving. After Thanksgiving, you can visit daily until January 1st, giving you plenty of time to experience the magic.
Location and Hours
Koziar’s Christmas Villageย is located at 782 Christmas Village Road, Bernville, PA 19506, a little over two hours drive from New York City.
The village is open on Fridays through weekends from early November through Thanksgiving. After Thanksgiving, it’s open nightly until January 1st. Check here for hours of operation.
Best Time to Visit
Koziar’s Christmas Village gets very busy during the holiday season, especially on Saturdays in December. We recently visited it on Friday in November; the crowd was much lighter than in December.
If your schedule allows, weekdays are an ideal time to visit, as there will be fewer crowds and shorter wait times than weekends.
As for the time of day, arriving at the village at least 30 minutes before the official opening time can save you from getting stuck in traffic.
Remember that busloads of people and thousands of cars might contribute to traffic jams during peak hours.
Tickets
Ticket prices at Koziar’s are reasonable, especially compared to other holiday attractions. Adults pay $12 on non-peak days, and children ages 4-10 pay $10. Prices may be slightly higher during peak times.
You can purchase tickets on-site; no reservations are required. Cash and credit cards are accepted.
Parking is free, which is a nice bonus compared to other attractions.
Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Contact the village directly for group pricing and arrangements.
Displays and Lights
The main attraction at Koziar’s is the breathtaking display of over one million Christmas lights. As you stroll through the village, you’ll be surrounded by twinkling lights adorning buildings, trees, and landscapes.
Some highlights include Santa’s Post Office, indoor and outdoor train displays, and illuminated bridges and walkways.
You can take a self-guided tour at your own pace, allowing ample time to admire the intricate details and snap photos of your favorite scenes. The lights create a warm, festive atmosphere perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.
Navigating Through Village
As you arrive at Koziar’s Christmas Village, your first task will be to find a parking spot. Luckily, parking is free in the village, making it one less thing to worry about.
Once you’ve parked your car, follow the pathways into the magical village. These walkways are designed to be easy to navigate, even on busy nights with large crowds. To make it even more enjoyable, the pathways are illuminated with sparkling lights, immediately immersing you in the festive atmosphere.
How Long Does it Take to Go Through Koziar’s Christmas Village?
You can explore all parts of the village at your own pace. Plan to spend about one to two hours. During our recent visit (November), the weather was much friendlier and enjoyable than in December, so we spent about two hours strolling around without rushing anywhere or being uncomfortable with the weather.
The village is a wheel-chair and stroller-friendly, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful experience comfortably.
As you wander through Koziar’s Christmas Village, prepare to be immersed in a wonderland of festive delights.
As you explore the village, look for arrows and signs that guide you through various attractions and displays. These helpful indicators ensure you don’t miss any beautiful experiences Koziar’s Christmas Village offers.
We strolled around the tiny, bright streets surrounded by beautiful Christmas lights, visited Santa’s shops, and drank hot chocolate.
Shopping and Crafts
Koziar’s Christmas Village isn’t just about lights – it’s also a great place to find unique gifts and holiday decorations. You’ll discover a variety of shops offering:
- Handmade ornaments
- Local crafts
- Christmas-themed souvenirs
- Festive home decor
The toy shop is a delight for children and adults, featuring classic and modern toys. As you browse, you might find the perfect gift for a loved one or a special keepsake to remember your visit.
Food Options
I am not a big fan of the food offered, but you can find some hot dogs, burgers, pizza, nachos, soft pretzels, popcorn, and cookies around the village.
A short drive from the Christmas Village, you can find local gems to satisfy your food cravings. One popular spot is Sam’s Pizza and Pasta, known for its delicious pizza and Italian dishes. It’s a fantastic place to unwind from a busy day and savor a meal with your loved ones.
Tips and Recommendations
When planning your visit to the magical Koziar’s Christmas Village, several things should be considered for a fun and memorable experience. Here are a few friendly tips and recommendations for your weekend trip.
Plan Your Visit on Weekdays: If possible, try to visit on a weekday. This will help you avoid larger crowds and reduce wait times compared to weekends, making for a more enjoyable experience.
Bring Cash: The cash line is typically much faster than credit card transactions, saving you time when purchasing tickets or food.
Arrive Early: Arriving earlier than opening time ensures parking availability and allows you to get your tickets faster.
Dress for the weather: Since most of your time at the village will be spent outdoors, dressing appropriately for the weather ensures you’ll be comfortable throughout your visit. Bundle up in warm clothing, and don’t forget hats, gloves, and scarves, especially on chilly evenings.
Have an early dinner: While there are some food options in the village, you will be better off having an early dinner somewhere else and not worrying about dinner at a crowded place with long lines.
Following these tips will enhance your experience at Koziar’s Christmas Village and make the most of your visit!
Hotels Near Koziar’s Christmas Village
When we visit the Koz p.m. in the evening, Ally makes the weekend trip out of it. I highly recommend doing the same to maximize your adventure.
The village does not open until 6 p.m., and if you are like us, traveling from New York City or New Jersey, it will be a little challenging to enjoy your long journey without having a place to go back to relax after hours of exploring.
We regularly stay at the Doubletree by Hilton in Reading, PA, which is about 25 minutes away from the Koziars. This hotel is one of the best options in the area, especially for families with kids.
The hotel is very welcoming and offers everything you will need for a comfortable family stay: family rooms, a beautiful and clean pool, an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, and in-room service.
You certainly have plenty of options to enjoy before your visit to Koziars! We took advantage of the pool time and a very modern fitness center.
Book: Doubletree By Hilton Reading
Conclusion: Visiting Koziar’s Christmas Village
There you have it, your comprehensive travel guide to planning your magical family getaway to Koziar’s Christmas Village. I recommend making a weekend trip out of your visit and checking in at the nearest hotel to make the most of your visit stress-free. Also, if the schedule allows, try to visit during a weekday to avoid long lines, especially in December.
For more day and weekend trips, check out family-friendly weekend trips.
