The holiday season has begun and one of the many places that people are stopping to get into the holiday spirit is Koziar’s Christmas Village, just two turns off of Route 183 in Bernville. Turning onto Christmas Village Road, cars slowly move up the hill and once at the top the world lights up with a huge display of Christmas lights and more around the pond.
Celebrating its 66th year, the location has become a tradition for many families and is filled with people of all ages braving the cold to travel through the lighted and decorated little village. Many stop for hot chocolate as they travel the lighted paths taking time to stop and look at all the displays. And of course there’s the visit to Santa’s headquarters as well as the glass displays and other shops filled with Christmas themed items and ideas.
This year the attraction opened on Nov. 2 and is open through Jan. 1. Along the paths, attendees can look in the glass buildings which include Christmas in the Jungle, Christmas Beneath the Sea, Old-Fashioned Bakery Shop, Santa’s Post Office and more. New this season was the hand crafted outdoor train display with multiple track lines, station and village for attendees to enjoy as they have in the past with the unique handmade train platform and miniature town in the large Refreshment Barn.
Christmas Village began when William M. Koziar began decorating his home and property in 1948 according to the Koziar’s Christmas Village website. The unique display was enjoyed by Koziar’s wife, Grace, and four children as well as those around the home. There was an original layout each year during which William would add items and new displays to make each year unique. His display became known at the ‘Christmas House.’ Visitors were later allowed to come onto the property to take a closer look at the display and the ‘Christmas House’ became known as Koziar’s Christmas Village.
Well known in the area and well outside of the area, Christmas Village has received numerous awards including being listed as one of the Top Ten Travel Attractions in Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania Travel Council and Best Outdoor Christmas Display in the World by Display World Magazine.
While some attractions that are outside during the colder months and have the possibilities of lines may prevent some people from visiting them, Christmas Village still draws people from all over and even brings in bus tours. The excitement of seeing the lights for the first time when coming over the hill helps keep the tradition alive for many attendees.
For more information on Koziar’s Christmas Village, visit www.koziarschristmasvillage.com.