Koziar’s Christmas Village is a very popular Christmas light walk-through in Berks County. With over a million lights, multiple train displays, and tons of photo ops, it’s an ideal place to get into the holiday spirit.
But on its busiest nights, visitors can wait up to (and sometimes over) an hour just to get in. And it can feel pricey, especially for a family. So is Koziar’s Christmas Village worth it? Read what we experienced and my thoughts below.
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History of Koziar’s Christmas Village
It all started in 1948, when William Koziar began decorating his home and farm. Every year, he added new items to his display, covering the lake, trees, fences, and buildings with Christmas cheer. Neighbors called it the “Christmas House,” and many people stopped by to see it.
After a while, so many people would be parked on the narrow road so they could walk up to get a closer look at the house that Koziar paved a parking lot where the wheat field was located.
It’s also funny to note, at this time, the electricity was so finicky that they couldn’t have the barn lights or even the television on at the same time as the Christmas lights! I was picturing Clark Griswold’s neighborhood blackout when I learned that fact.
The decorating expanded, and each year, more and more people would visit. Eventually, they started calling it the “Christmas Village” because the lights extended all over the property, no longer just on the house. Now it’s one of the best Christmas light displays near Philadelphia and one of the top holiday events in Berks County.
Prepare For Your Visit to Koziar’s Christmas Village
Getting There
Koziar’s Christmas Village is located at 782 Christmas Village Rd in Bernville, PA. It’s about 25 minutes north of Reading, PA, and about 90 minutes from Philadelphia.
Good to Know: As it gets closer to Christmas, the road to the Christmas Village gets backed up with traffic. There have been reports of people waiting over an hour to park! Try to visit early in the season or during the week to avoid the crowds.
If you drive to the village from the east (Bernville Road), you’ll get that quintessential view of the village with the barn and the lake.
We arrived at 5 pm in early November, and it was still light out, so we didn’t get that view. But when we left, we came back around to see the view!
Parking
Koziar’s Christmas Village has a large FREE parking lot to accommodate all visitors. However, it’s easy to forget where you parked. Use light poles and the white fence as landmarks to help locate your vehicle.
Hours
Koziar’s starts the holiday celebration early! They open the first Saturday in November and stay open until just after the New Year. Even Thanksgiving and Christmas!
For 2026, the hours are as follows:
First Saturday in November to Thanksgiving
Friday 6 pm – 9 pm, Saturday 5 pm – 10 pm, and Sunday 5 pm – 9 pm
Thanksgiving to January 2nd
Monday – Thursday 6 pm – 9 pm, Friday 6 pm – 9 pm, Saturday 5 pm – 10 pm, and Sunday 5 pm – 9 pm
Admission
Admission to Koziar depends on which night you visit. They have standard nights and prime nights. Use the calendar on their website to determine if the night you want to visit is prime or standard.
For 2026, standard admission is $12 for kids 4-10, $14 for adults, $13 for anyone 65 and up. Kids 3 and under are FREE. On prime nights, admission is $17 for kids 4-10, $19 for adults, $18 for 65 and up.
Dress For the Weather
About 95% of the display at Koziar’s is outside, so you’ll be exposed to the elements. Make sure to dress warmly! There are several shops and food stands along the path, so you have some options to step in and warm up, but prepare to be outside for most of the visit. Bring hand warmers to keep you comfortable.
Plan For Crowds
We visited on Sunday during opening weekend, and it was busy when we arrived at opening. And it wasn’t even that crowded!
I can only imagine how busy a Friday or Saturday night in December can be. Pack your patience and Christmas cheer to help you navigate the crowds.
How Much Time to Plan For
There is a lot to see at Koziar’s. And with the photo ops, shopping, and snacking, also a lot to do. Plan for your visit to be about 60-90 minutes, not including waiting to park and pay.
What You’ll See at Koziar’s Christmas Village
Lights
Of course, the main attraction at Koziar’s Christmas Village is the lights! Over a million lights cover the property, including the large barn, the house, and the lake.
Trains
There are several model train displays throughout the village. You’re greeted with a large garden railroad almost immediately. There are even more at the Kissing Bridge. You can also find more within the hut displays.
Wooden Decorations
A large part of the decorations at Koziar’s are hand-painted wooden displays. Each section of the walk-through is themed, and the wooden displays are painted to go along with it.
You’ll see a circus display, many famous cartoon characters, and even an American Revolution display.
Christmas Huts and Holiday Scenes
Throughout the village, there are many small buildings, each with windows looking into a different holiday scene.
A winter forest wonderland, Santa’s workshop, and even a candy shop. They remind me of the store window displays you’d find at Macy’s or other department stores.
Photo Ops
There is no shortage of photo ops at Koziar’s! The big red sleigh and the Koziar’s arch at the entrance were popular stops. But they also have many wooden cutouts, a larger-than-life nutcracker and Santa, and even more.
Meet Santa
Santa Claus is on site every night that Koziar’s is open until December 23rd. Photos cost $14.
Food and Shopping at Koziar’s Christmas Village
Christmas and Toy Shops
As you walk through the Christmas Village, you’ll have many opportunities to shop! Whether you want a Koziar’s-branded sweatshirt, a toy, or Christmas decor, you’ll find multiple spots along the path to stop.
Food Options
If all of the walking makes you hungry, or you need to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate, there are several snack stops along the path.
Some of the snack shops offer churros and pretzels; others have popcorn. All of them have hot chocolate and cider. And the last food stop (the largest) offers more substantial food like hamburgers, pizza, and chicken fingers. I was pleasantly surprised by the prices! Everything was reasonably priced (I was expecting more amusement park-type prices).
Other Things to Know Before You Go
Stroller and Wheelchair Accessible
The entire walk through the Christmas Village is paved, making it stroller- and wheelchair-accessible. A special (wider) entrance is available for strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs, on the left. The employees will direct you where to go. A limited number of wheelchairs are available to borrow if needed.
Restrooms
There are many places along the path to stop and use the bathroom. First, outside by the parking lot, there are several port-a-johns. Inside, there are larger bathrooms right by the entrance and towards the end of the path. You can also find a few port-a-johns in the middle.
ATM
Koziar’s accepts credit cards. But if you prefer to pay with cash, there is an ATM located outside the entrance.
Pets
Pets are not allowed at Koziar’s Christmas Village.
Is Koziar’s Worth It?
Overall, I’m glad we made the trek out to Koziar’s Christmas Village. It was fun walking around, looking at all of the lights and displays. And it got us ready for the holiday season.
That being said, I am also glad we visited early in the season and on a standard night. I’m not sure it’s worth waiting an hour just to park (which happens on busy nights), and I don’t think I’d want to spend almost $80 for our family of four to walk around.
If you really want to see what it’s all about, I would visit early in the season, on a Sunday night if possible.
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