December is a magical time in Berks County, where the holiday spirits are high and the baked goods are warm- I mean, they always are, but doesn't the holiday season bring an extra coziness to a dessert? Maybe it's just me..
Whether you're a local looking to embrace festive traditions or a visitor seeking an unforgettable weekend getaway, Berks County offers a variety of events that promise excitement and family-friendly fun. From holiday markets to dazzling light displays and performances, the season is packed with opportunities to create lasting memories. So bundle up, grab a warm drink, and discover everything this month offers.
All Month Long
Holiday train rides at Colebrookdale Railroad and Allentown and Auburn Railroad
All aboard! Visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus, hot chocolate, and more await on our local railroads this holiday season. Check out our events calendar to find the perfect ride for you and your family.
Holiday Lights at Gring's Mill
Stroll through the outdoor light display at Gring's Mill Recreation Area! Each night includes live music, food trucks, a fire pit, and Santa!
Friday's, Saturdays, and Sundays in December, and December 16-23, 28, 29, & 30!
Opening hours will be from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm with *FREE* parking and admission.
Koziar's Christmas Village
Visit the Greatest Christmas Display in the USA. With over a million lights adorning buildings, gift barns, walkways and landscape, a trip through Koziar’s Christmas Village is like Walking in a Winter Wonderland.
Festival of Trees at Redner's Event Center: December 6th
Step into a magical winter wonderland at our annual fundraising event showcasing a beautiful assortment of decorated trees with incredible prizes to be raffled off at the end of the evening. Try your hand at their bottle pull, enjoy a variety of delectable dinner stations, grab a drink at the cash bar, and dance the night away to the vibrant music performed by Brass Pocket. All proceeds benefit their 501(c) non-profit mission to protect animals, provide a safe haven, and promote innovative programs and services to help both people and animals in need throughout Berks County. All guests must be 21 or older. Guest tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available.
Handcrafted Holiday Market at GoggleWorks: December 6-7th
Mark your calendars! Handcrafted Holiday Market is happening this December 6th from 5pm-9pm and December 7th from 10am-4pm at GoggleWorks. This two-day pop-up shop is centered around artists and makers selling high-quality handmade gifts for the holiday season. Come join in on the festivities and celebrate the holidays.
Handcrafted Holiday Market will also feature:
- Hands-on holiday workshops in a variety of studio art forms
- Live demonstrations
- Holiday-themed interactives like handmade wreath-making and ornaments
- Kids programs and family activities
- Music
- Holiday Food and Drinks
- Movie Screenings at the Albert & Eunice Boscov Theater
We hope to see you at the Handcrafted Holiday Market this year!
Chillin' on Main in Boyertown: December 7th
This holiday event welcomes Santa Claus to town. Stroll along Philadelphia Avenue and explore unique gifts and holiday treats at local shops and craft vendors. Enjoy festive entertainment, food, and activities for the children.
Christmas in the Air: December 7th
Christmas in the Air is a public outreach program to promote aviation in our community. For many years, the RDG Airport Community has come together to donate time and resources to provide a fun-filled day at the Reading Regional Airport. This event is for children of all ages! The event includes music, games, activities, and visits from Santa and is centered around free airplane rides for children 8-17 years of age. Free flights provided by EAA Young Eagles Program.
Christmas on the Farm: December 7th
Enjoy a Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas featuring visits from the Belsnickel, traditional music, kid's activities, folklife demonstrations, and seasonal activities. It's free to the public and fun for the whole family.
Christmas House Tour and Brunch: December 8th
Enjoy brunch at one of our elegant bed and breakfasts. Afterward, tour Centre Park Historic District properties decorated for the holidays. As you stroll the neighborhood, notice the architectural beauty and craftsmanship of the Victorian and early 20th-century buildings.
Macaulay Culkin Nostalgic Night: December 12th
A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin following a screening of Home Alone: an on-stage interview with Macauley Culkin. VIP Photo Op is available as an add-on.
Holiday Trail of Lights Muhlenberg: December 14th
Kick off the holiday season by joining in the fun of riding around Muhlenberg Township to see the holiday lights while supporting the Muhlenberg Community Library and the Muhlenberg Arts Board. This joint fundraising event will be held on Saturday, December 14th from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
A drive-by tour has been arranged, featuring five in the Muhlenberg area with amazing exterior light displays. Each stop will have something special to see and you must show your ticket to be a part of the fun. There will be bonus stops, as well, that may include refreshments, a visit from Santa, and more.
Go to the library or the township building at 210 George Street to purchase your ticket and participate in the fun! Or grab your tickets online at www.muhlenbergtwp.com.
Noon Year's Eve at Reading Public Museum: December 31st
Join Museum Educators and other community partners as we ring in the New Year. Families will be able to create some fun props and noisemakers commonly used for this holiday. Children will also be able to dance the wait away as we count down to the noon hour. At that time, we will have a balloon drop in the Neag Planetarium. It is sure to be a great time!