Koziar's Christmas Village facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Koziar's Christmas Village
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Koziar's Christmas Village view from outside
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| Country | United States |
| County | Berks County |
Koziar's Christmas Village is a super popular place to visit during the holidays! It's located in Jefferson Township, Pennsylvania, not too far from Reading. This amazing village lights up with about half a million Christmas lights and tons of decorations. People often say it's one of the best places to visit in Pennsylvania and one of the top Christmas displays in the whole United States. The name Koziar sounds like the word composure.
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How It All Started
The place we now know as Koziar's Christmas Village used to be called Spring Lake Dairy Farm. In 1948, William M. Koziar started decorating his farm for Christmas. He did it just for his wife, Grace, and their four children.
From Family Fun to Public Attraction
At first, the decorations were mostly around their house and barn. But soon, the display grew much bigger! It included the lake, walkways, trees, and fences. This private family display quickly became a popular local sight. People called it the ‘Christmas House.’ Cars would slow down just to get a peek at the beautiful lights.
Growing Bigger and Brighter
Eventually, the Koziars started letting visitors come onto their property. William Koziar even turned a wheat field into a parking area! The farm was still active back then. The family had to wait until the cows were milked before they could turn on all the lights. There wasn't enough electricity for both the milking machines and the bright Christmas lights at the same time!
A Family Tradition Continues
Many of the fun scenes, called dioramas, were set up in old chicken coops. They showed off toys and clothes that belonged to the Koziar children and grandchildren. In 2008, Koziar's Christmas Village celebrated its 60th birthday! It's still a family-owned place, run by the Koziar daughters today. Many employees are also from the second and third generations of families who have worked there.
Exploring the Christmas Village
Christmas Village is famous for its brightly lit home and barn. You'll also see many smaller buildings, all decorated for the holidays. When you enter, friendly characters like Rudolph, Frosty, and Buddy the Bear greet you. A special path guides you through all the illuminated buildings and displays.
Fun for Everyone
Kids can visit Santa Claus at his special headquarters on Santa Claus Lane. There are many large dioramas, which are like 3D scenes. You might see Christmas Beneath the Sea, Christmas in the Jungle, Santa's Post Office, and Christmas in Other Lands. You'll also spot cut-out characters from popular comic strips, animated films, and fairy tales.
Stories and Scenes
The village also features manger scenes that tell the biblical story of the Nativity. You can also enjoy scenes from classic holiday stories like A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker. There's even a recreation of the Valley Forge encampment and a large outdoor model train set. This train layout covers most of the barnyard!
Special Moments and Souvenirs
The "Kissing Bridge" is a romantic spot where many people have gotten engaged or even married! Inside, you'll find more fun things to see. There's a huge model train display and shops selling souvenirs, Christmas decorations, and yummy snacks.
The Magical First View
One of the most amazing parts of visiting is the very first glimpse of the village. Most visitors drive in from the east. The area around the village is mostly farmland, so it's quite dark at night. The land blocks your view until your car reaches the top of a hill. Suddenly, the entire village appears, sparkling and reflected in the lake! It's a truly magical sight.
When to Visit
Koziar's Christmas Village is a seasonal attraction. It usually opens in early November and stays open until early January. During the rest of the year, most of the decorations are taken down and stored. This protects them from bad weather and allows for any repairs or changes. If you plan to visit on a busy Saturday night, be prepared for crowds, as it's a very popular spot!
Awards and Recognition
Koziar's Christmas Village has won some amazing awards! Display World magazine named it the Best Outdoor Christmas Display in the World. The Pennsylvania Travel Council also gave it an "Award of Excellence" as a top travel attraction in the state. A beautiful picture of Christmas Village at twilight was even used on the cover of the book Christmas in America: A Photographic Celebration of the Holiday Season by Peter Guttman. The village has been featured many times by local news and even by media from other countries like Russia and Argentina.
