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 special place in Pennsylvania, U.S. It's a seasonal attraction that lights up with millions of Christmas lights every year. You can find it in Jefferson Township, close to Bernville. It's about 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Reading.
This amazing Christmas display is known as one of the best in the United States. It's also a top tourist spot in Pennsylvania. The name Koziar sounds like the word composure.
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The Story of Koziar's Christmas Village
Koziar's Christmas Village started as a simple family tradition. It was once known as Spring Lake Dairy Farm. In 1948, William M. Koziar began decorating his farm for Christmas. He did it to bring joy to his wife, Grace, and their four children.
From Family Fun to Public Attraction
At first, the lights were only around the house and barn. But soon, the display grew much bigger. It started to include the lake, walkways, trees, and fences. People driving by would slow down to see the beautiful lights. They called it the 'Christmas House'.
More and more people wanted to visit. So, William Koziar turned his wheat field into a parking area. The dairy farm was still working back then. The family even had to wait until the cows were milked before turning on the lights! This was because there wasn't enough electricity for both at the same time.
Many of the displays were set up in old chicken coops. They showed off toys and clothes that belonged to the Koziar children and grandchildren.
A Family Tradition Continues
In 2008, Koziar's Christmas Village celebrated its 60th anniversary. It is still owned and run by the Koziar family today. William Koziar's daughters now manage the village. Many employees are also second or third generation family members or long-time helpers.
What You'll See at Christmas Village
When you visit Christmas Village, you'll see the Koziar family's home and barn covered in lights. There are also many smaller buildings, all lit up. When you enter, friendly characters like Rudolph, Frosty, and Buddy the Bear will greet you.
Exploring the Magical Displays
A special path guides you through all the illuminated buildings and displays. Kids can visit Santa Claus at his special headquarters on Santa Claus Lane. You'll find many large dioramas here. These are like 3D scenes that tell stories. Some popular ones include Christmas Beneath the Sea and Christmas in the Jungle. There's also Santa's Post Office and Christmas in Other Lands.
You'll also see displays with characters from popular comic strips and fairy tales. There are manger scenes showing the biblical story of the Nativity. You can also enjoy scenes from classic holiday stories like A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker.
More Fun and Features
The Village also has a recreation of the Valley Forge encampment. There's a large outdoor G scale train set that goes around the barnyard. The "Kissing Bridge" is a popular spot for special moments like marriage proposals.
Inside, you can find even more to explore. There's a big H0 scale model train layout and a sales area. You can also visit shops selling souvenirs, Christmas decorations, snacks, and other holiday items.
The Grand Entrance View
One of the most amazing parts of visiting is the first glimpse you get. Most people arrive from the east on Christmas Village Road. The area around the village is mostly farmland and very dark at night. Then, as the road goes over a hill, the entire village suddenly appears! All the lights are reflected in the lake, creating a truly magical sight.
When to Visit Koziar's Christmas Village
Koziar's Christmas Village is a seasonal attraction. It usually opens on the first Saturday of November. It stays open until the first Sunday in January. During the rest of the year, most of the displays are taken down and stored. This protects them from the weather and allows for repairs.
It's a very popular place, especially on busy Saturday nights. Many visitors suggest arriving early to avoid long waits. Sometimes, you might wait for up to four hours to enter the park on the busiest nights.
Awards and Recognition
Koziar's Christmas Village has received many honors. Display World magazine named it the Best Outdoor Christmas Display in the World. The Pennsylvania Travel Council also gave it the "Award of Excellence." This award recognizes it as a top travel attraction in the state.
A beautiful twilight picture of Christmas Village was 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 often by local news. It has also been shown on national and international TV, even in places like Russia and Argentina.
