Under a fresh blanket of snow, Gring’s Mill park is getting ready for its annual light display debut on Saturday, December 1st! For over 30 years, the park has been the place to visit in December to really enjoy the holiday season. The light display is open Thursdays through Sundays this year, December 1st through the 30th, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.
This year, park visitors can visit with real live reindeer from Santa’s workshop, on Saturday, December 8th and Sunday, December 16th. And on Thursdays, December 13th and December 20th, Sculpted Ice Works will be back doing live ice carving demos between 6:30-8:30 pm.
After enjoying the walk-though light display and outdoor activities, visitors can warm up in the Barn- upstairs we feature great entertainment on the Gring’s Mill stage each night from 6:30-8:30 pm. Here’s the full entertainment schedule:
Saturday, Dec. 1st Mt. Laurel Brass
Sunday, Dec. 2nd Polished Brass
Thursday, Dec. 6th Matt Miskie
Friday, Dec. 7th Reading Choral Society
Saturday, Dec. 8th Brass Menagerie & live reindeer
Sunday, Dec. 9th Wilson Southern Middle School Jazz Band (5:55-6:15 pm)
The Belle Tones (6:30-8:30 pm)
Thursday, Dec. 13th Berks Holiday Tubadors & ice sculpting demos
Friday, Dec. 14th Pretzel City Chorus (6:30-7:15 pm)
Thomas Shugar, Classical Guitarist (7:30-9 pm)
Saturday, Dec. 15th “Who is the Belsnickel” with Keith Britzenhoff (6 pm)
“Christmas Traditions in America” with Roy Justice, Singing Historian (shows at 6:45 & 7:45 pm)
Sunday, Dec. 16th Jurkiewicz Family Musicians & live reindeer
Thursday, Dec. 20th Celtic Seasonings with Ken Gehret & Irish Mist & ice sculpting demos
Friday, Dec. 21st The Williams Duo
Saturday, Dec. 22nd Dave Kline & a Mountain Folk Christmas with Special Guests
Sunday, Dec. 23rd Harp and Soul
Thursday, Dec. 27th Maggie Spike with Tom Montgomery
Friday, Dec. 28th Peter Errich and Todd Zarzecki
Saturday, Dec. 29th “Good-Time Family Fun, Music and Comedy” with Ray Owen (shows at 6:30 & 7:30 pm)
Sunday, Dec. 30th Harrisburg Mandolin Ensemble
In the lower level of the barn, kids can visit with Santa and receive a treat, and park visitors can enjoy some of our delicious hot chocolate or soft pretzels at our Snack Bar. Pick up our collectible ornament for just $7.00 and kids of all ages will enjoy seeing the light display differently with our 3-D glasses- 11 styles available for $2.00 each. Our Model Train Display (in the building on the bridge) is a popular spot in December with an HO scale train set, including Thomas the Tank Engine and a drive-in movie theater with Christmas classic playing for the small town residents.
On the first two Sundays, December 2nd & 9th from 1-4 pm, we offer free Kids Holiday Workshops with crafts and entertainment. On the first Sunday, bring a blanket to enjoy movies in the Barn- “The Grinch” and “Shrek the Halls” will be shown through the afternoon. Santa invites you to his Sing-along on the second Sunday, with songs and dancing between giving him your wish list. Our Model Train Display and Santa will be there for both Kids Holiday Workshops.
Holiday Lights at Gring’s Mill is open Thursdays through Sundays, December 1st through the 30th from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Park gates open at 5:45 pm, and a $5 parking donation is requested. The park will be closed and dark, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and holidays. For more information on this event or any of the performances, please contact Becky Richards at 610-374-2944 x2611, 484-256-5296 or at [email protected].
This program is presented by the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department. For more information, call 610-374-2944, visit www.countyofberks.com/parks or find us on Facebook or Instagram under Berks County Parks and Recreation. Gring’s Mill Recreation Area is located at 2083 Tulpehocken Road, Wyomissing, PA 19610.
