Work has begun on the annual Holiday Lights at Gring’s Mill program, and there will be a lot to see and experience in Berks County’s favorite park this December. “Holiday Lights at Gring’s Mill” is open Wednesdays through Sundays in December, starting Friday, Dec. 2.
Scores of thousands of lights will illuminate trees and light displays throughout the park and along the walkway from the parking area to the decked-out barn with live entertainment each night, great snacks …and Santa Claus. The popular HO scale model train display is located in the building on the bridge spanning the Tulpehocken Creek.
While Parks staff (our own elves) are hard at work preparing the park, here’s some information to help folks plan their visits to “Holiday Lights at Gring’s Mill”:
The theme this year is a ‘Dutch Country Christmas’, introducing Berks County residents to a melting pot of traditional and local, holiday heritage. The kick-off weekend begins Friday, Dec. 2, around 5:30 pm when the Belsnickel, a longstanding Dutch Christmas character, makes a one night appearance. The evening continues with Santa arriving at 6 pm and features music by Mt. Laurel Brass on the stage in the upper level of the barn from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
The next evening, Saturday, December 3, the Jameson Sisters will delight us with seasonal music. And on Sunday, December 4, from 1 to 4 pm, there will be a free Kids’ Holiday Craft Workshop and Sing-along with Steve Walker. In the evening, the musical entertainment continues with Harp & Soul from 6:30-8:30 pm. A $5 parking donation per car is requested at the park gate.
Entertainment Schedule:Friday, Dec. 2: Mt. Laurel Brass
Saturday, Dec. 3: Jameson Sisters
Sunday, Dec. 4: 1-4 pm- Free Kid’s Holiday Workshop and Sing-along with Steve Walker 6:30-8:30 pm- Harp & Soul
Wednesday, Dec. 7: Hesse’s Hot Jazz
Thursday, Dec. 8: Pagoda BrassFriday, Dec. 9: The Belle Tones
Saturday, Dec. 10: The Magic of Daniel Clemente, shows at 6:30 & 7:30 pm
Sunday, Dec. 11: Polished Brass
Wednesday, Dec. 14: Classical Guitarist, Thomas Shugar
Thursday, Dec. 15: Toad Creek Duo
Friday, Dec. 16: Jurkiewicz Family Musicians
Saturday, Dec. 17: “Songs and Stories of Christmas” with Matt Dodd, shows at 6:30 & 7:30 pm
Sunday, Dec. 18: Maria Damore and Ken Bagenstose
Wednesday, Dec. 21: Bravura Brass
Thursday, Dec. 22: “Celtic Seasonings” with Ken Gehret and Irish Mist
Friday, Dec. 23: Brass Menagerie
Wednesday, Dec. 28: Sitka Hollow Strings
Thursday, Dec. 29: Maggie Spike with Special Guest, Tom Montgomery
Friday, Dec. 30: Peter Errich and Todd Zarzecki
*Live musical performances run 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Santa Claus will be on site in the lower level of the barn each night of the event leading up to Christmas Day, with delicious treats for kids. Visiting hours for Santa are 6 to 8:30 pm.
Our snack bar is open each night with hot dogs, soft pretzels and hot chocolate. Our limited edition 2016 Holiday Lights at Gring’s Mill ornament featuring our Distelfink is available for purchase, along with our popular Holiday Specs that turn our light display into dancing snowmen, candy canes, snowflakes or fluttering angels.
Holiday Lights at Gring’s Mill will be open 6 through 9 pm Wednesdays through Sundays, December 2 through 30, (closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day, Dec. 24 and 25). $5 parking donation per car collected at the park gate.
For more information, call 610-374-2944 ext. 2611, visit www.countyofberks.com/parks, or find us on Facebook “Berks County Parks and Recreation.” Gring’s Mill park is located at 2083 Tulpehocken Road in Spring Township, across from the Penn State Berks Campus.
