Christmas Road Trip: Koziar’s Christmas Village

Nestled in the valley, off a little country road in Berks County, Pennsylvania is the little Christmas town, now tradition, known as Koziar’s Christmas village. This delightful little hamlet has welcomed families for over 70 years.

This family farm didn’t set out to be an attraction, but through the years people couldn’t help but stop. The Spring Lake Dairy Farm, as it was known in 1948, was home to William M. Koziar and his family. William began to decorate the house with lights for the joy and amusement of his wife, Grace, and their four children. Each year, he added on to his festive display, until it covered the barn, the grounds, and eventually the lake.

It was such a magical sight in the darkness that strangers would stop and knock on the door, politely asking if they could look around and enjoy the Christmas spirit that filled the air around his property. Eventually, he started charging a small fee and allowed people to tour the grounds and appreciate his loving handiwork.

The magic is still there as you round the bend and the lights come into view. I know I awed when it crested the road, a beacon of Christmas in the dark countryside. The site had just opened and the traffic was thick from both sides. Thankfully they help to direct traffic in, but you still want to plan for it.

Once you park in the open lot, it’s easy to follow the lights to the entrance. Cash and card are both accepted, but the night we were there the cash moved a little faster.

The air is filled with Christmas music and the sound of a toy train quickly joins in as you wander to the first exhibit, and outdoor model train. Soon after the lake reflects every light in stillness in the dark water. It’s easy to find you way as you follow the arrow trail from one reminder of Christmas to the next.

Christmas stories are brought to life through animated models like ferris wheels and cut outs telling the old familiar tales … Charlie Brown, Winnie the Pooh, Sesame Street, The Grinch … they’re all here, including some new favorites like Western Christmas and an elf firehouse.

3D displays are set like old fashioned window dressings, providing a lifesize look into holiday dioramas. Plenty of picture opportunities line the path in benches and polar bears and of course Santa Claus. Or visit his house to meet the jolly man in person and be sure to sit on his lap and whisper what you want for Christmas. (what did I whisper? I’ll never tell! 😉 )

Be sure to dress warm though because most of the fun is outside. Although, The Olde Village Store and Snack Shop sells hot chocolate, warm cider, and coffee along with soft pretzels, cookies, and our favorite – warm churros! Buy a souvenir cup and have it refilled for free along the way.

Now, some may say that in this modern age of animatronics and CG technology that Koziar’s Christmas Village is outdated and maybe even a little “cheesey”, and they’d be right. But frankly, that is the charm of the place! It’s like stepping back in time and visiting Christmas nostalgia when toy trains and ice skating meant Christmas, not electronic devices. It’s a place to step away from the commercialism and remember what it was like to be a child at Christmas. Because the real magic is in the eyes of the little ones, reflecting the light and the joy of childhood Christmas memories. And if you allow yourself, it’s easy to get caught up in the spirit.

***Tips***

• Bring cash – although cards are accepted, things seemed to move along a little faster with cash.
• Dress warm! – There aren’t a whole lot of opportunities to get under cover to warm up, so be prepared! If you take your time to enjoy the displays and each other, it will take you about two hours.
• Come early – the traffic builds up quickly on that little country back road, so save yourself some headaches and come a little early. Load up on eggnog, cookies, and candy canes and settle in with some Christmas music. Enjoy the time you have to wait!
• Remember where you park – The parking area isn’t really marked and you’re more focused about getting in than getting out. So, try to pay attention where you leave the car. You’ll probably want to get to that heat after a bit.

~D