Ready for holiday fun in Reading? Let our guide show you the best festive events! From Reading regulars to first-time explorers, our guide unlocks the season's magic.
Koziar's Christmas Village transforms into a magical wonderland with twinkling lights and festive displays, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Experience the nostalgia of a holiday train ride on the Santa Claus Special Train, featuring seasonal decorations and visits from Santa himself. And Christmas at the GoggleWorks is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering unique arts and crafts perfect for gifting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Reading
See these and even more events listed below!Reading Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christkindlmarkt
What to Expect:
Authentic German-style Christmas market
Description:
Reading's Christkindlmarkt recreates the atmosphere of a traditional German Christmas market in the heart of Pennsylvania. Wooden stalls line the streets, offering handcrafted ornaments, traditional German foods, and mulled wine. Visitors can watch artisans at work, creating intricate wooden toys or delicate glass ornaments. The market pays homage to Reading's German heritage, which dates back to its founding in the 18th century. Live performances of German carols and folk dances add to the cultural authenticity of the event. You'll feel transported to a European village as you browse the unique wares and savor the flavors of German cuisine.
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Reading Other Holiday Activities
Santa Claus Special Train
What to Expect:
Vintage train ride with Santa through scenic countryside
Description:
The Santa Claus Special Train whisks passengers away on a nostalgic journey through the picturesque Berks County countryside. Aboard a meticulously restored vintage train, families create lasting memories as they traverse the historic rail lines. Children's eyes light up as Santa Claus himself makes his way through the cars, greeting each passenger. The train's whistle echoes through the valleys, evoking the romance of rail travel from a bygone era. This unique excursion celebrates the rich railroad heritage of Reading, once a major hub for the Reading Railroad in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
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Christmas at the GoggleWorks
What to Expect:
Holiday art workshops in a repurposed factory
Description:
Christmas at the GoggleWorks breathes new life into a former optical factory, now a thriving arts center. Artists and craftspeople lead hands-on workshops where visitors can create their own holiday-themed masterpieces. The industrial charm of the building provides a unique backdrop for seasonal creativity. Participants can try their hand at glassblowing, ceramics, or painting, guided by skilled artisans. The GoggleWorks stands as a testament to Reading's industrial past, repurposed to foster artistic expression and community engagement in the 21st century.
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Nearby Events
Koziar's Christmas Village (Bernville)
What to Expect:
Over 1 million lights in elaborate displays
Description:
Koziar's Christmas Village transforms a rural Bernville farm into a dazzling spectacle of over 1 million lights. Visitors can explore intricate displays featuring animated figures and miniature scenes. The tradition began in 1948 when William Koziar first decorated his home for his family, gradually expanding to the elaborate attraction it is today. You'll experience the crisp winter air as you stroll through the illuminated pathways, marveling at the creativity and dedication behind each display. The village showcases Pennsylvania Dutch heritage through its themed exhibits, offering a glimpse into local culture amidst the holiday cheer.
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Hawk Mountain Christmas Bird Count (Kempton)
What to Expect:
Citizen science bird count in a raptor sanctuary
Description:
The Hawk Mountain Christmas Bird Count invites nature enthusiasts to participate in a long-standing citizen science tradition. Volunteers fan out across the sanctuary, carefully tallying winter bird populations. The event contributes valuable data to national conservation efforts, tracking bird trends over time. Participants might spot majestic raptors soaring overhead or catch glimpses of elusive woodland species. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, established in 1934, was the world's first refuge for birds of prey and continues to play a crucial role in raptor conservation and research.
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Hawk Mountain Christmas Bird Count
Holiday Lights at Gring's Mill (Wyomissing)
What to Expect:
Light displays integrated with historic mill buildings
Description:
Holiday Lights at Gring's Mill illuminates the historic structures of a 19th-century grain mill complex. The twinkling lights accentuate the architectural features of the old mill buildings, creating a harmonious blend of past and present. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the Tulpehocken Creek, enjoying the reflections of colorful lights on the water's surface. The event pays homage to the area's agricultural heritage while providing a serene setting for holiday contemplation. Inside the restored barn, local musicians perform seasonal tunes, adding a melodic backdrop to the visual spectacle.
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Holiday Lights at Gring's Mill
Holiday Artisan Fair (West Reading)
What to Expect:
Curated selection of locally-made artisanal gifts
Description:
The Holiday Artisan Fair in West Reading showcases the talents of local craftspeople and artists. Shoppers discover unique, handcrafted gifts ranging from intricate jewelry to hand-thrown pottery. The fair emphasizes sustainable and locally-sourced materials, reflecting the community's commitment to eco-friendly practices. Artisans demonstrate their techniques, offering insights into their creative processes. This event celebrates West Reading's vibrant arts scene, which has flourished in recent years as part of the town's revitalization efforts. The aroma of freshly baked goods from nearby cafes wafts through the air, enticing visitors to explore the charming downtown area.
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Christmas in Kutztown (Kutztown)
What to Expect:
Pennsylvania German holiday traditions
Description:
Christmas in Kutztown immerses visitors in the rich Pennsylvania German heritage of the region. The town's historic buildings serve as a backdrop for traditional holiday celebrations, including folk music performances and demonstrations of traditional crafts. Visitors can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, savoring the flavors of generations-old recipes. The event highlights the cultural contributions of German immigrants who settled in the area in the 18th and 19th centuries. You'll learn about unique local customs such as the Belsnickel, a folkloric figure who visited homes before Christmas.
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Christmas Trail at Nolde Forest (Mohnton)
What to Expect:
Self-guided nature trail with holiday-themed stations
Description:
The Christmas Trail at Nolde Forest offers a serene outdoor adventure through snow-dusted woodlands. Along the trail, interpretive stations blend nature education with holiday themes, encouraging visitors to connect with the winter forest. Hikers might spot native wildlife or identify winter plant species as they follow the marked path. The trail winds through the former estate of hosiery baron Jacob Nolde, who transformed the land into a thriving coniferous forest in the early 20th century. This event combines environmental appreciation with subtle holiday cheer, providing a refreshing alternative to more commercial celebrations.
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Christmas Trail at Nolde Forest
Christmas Magic Lantern Shows (Lancaster)
What to Expect:
19th-century style magic lantern performances
Description:
Christmas Magic Lantern Shows in Lancaster revive a pre-cinema entertainment form popular in the Victorian era. Skilled lanternists project hand-painted glass slides onto a screen, accompanied by live narration and music. The shows feature holiday stories and vintage imagery, transporting audiences to Christmases past. This unique performance art preserves a nearly forgotten form of visual storytelling. Visitors can examine antique magic lanterns and slides up close, gaining insight into early projection technology. The venue, dating back to the 1800s, provides an authentic setting for these historical recreations, complete with period decorations.