From Berks County Parks & Recreation Department
Berks County Parks & Recreation proudly presents the 38th year of an annual favorite, Holiday Lights at Gring’s Mill, starting on Saturday, Nov. 28!
Visitors can stroll the grounds to view a glistening light display that highlights the historic buildings and landscaping at Gring’s Mill. Holiday Lights at Gring’s Mill will be open from Saturday, Nov. 28, to Sunday, Nov. 29; Wednesday, Dec. 2, to Sunday, Dec. 6; Wednesday, Dec. 9 to Sunday, Dec. 13; and Wednesday, Dec. 16, to Wednesday, Dec. 23. Hours are from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with free parking and admission.
After enjoying the walk-through light display, visitors can purchase food and beverages from local food trucks, warm up next to the fire, and listen to live music in the outdoor pavilion each night (music from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.).
Santa will be on site on all opening days in his Christmas Tree Lane, located in the barn, featuring trees decorated by local community groups.
New this year is special programming every Saturday night:
- Nov. 28: Brandywine Drum & Fife
- Dec. 5: Krampusnacht
- Dec. 9: Sensory Night (no music)
- Dec. 12: Frosty the Snowman
- Dec. 19: Rudolph the Reindeer
- Dec. 21: Solistice Celebration
Check our Facebook events @berkscountyparks for up-to-date information on musical acts and food and beverage offerings for each evening’s festivities.
Thank you to our sponsors: Anewalt’s Landscape Contracting, Beck Tree Farms, Fisher’s Rental, Geissler Tree Farms, Lenhart’s Tree Farm, Plow Farms, Reading Eagle, Tom Sturgis Pretzels, WEEU, and WFMZ.
Gring’s Mill Recreation Area is located at 2083 Tulpehocken Road, Wyomissing.
Other Berks County Parks events in December:
Saturday, Dec. 5 | Kids Holiday Craft Workshop | Noon to 3 p.m. @ Berks County Heritage Center
Drop in to the barn at the Berks County Heritage Center any time between noon and 3 p.m. to make some holiday crafts. Stop by and visit Santa at the Epler’s Schoolhouse while you’re on site. For ages 3 and up.
Free. | This event is open to the public.
Tuesday, Dec. 8 | Trail Tales | 10 a.m. @ Berks County Heritage Center
Get wrapped up in a trail tale and discover plants and animal friends in our parks. This toddler-age program focuses on a nature topic each month partnered with a story and a craft. Geared towards children ages 3 to 5.
Free. | Registration is required.
Saturday, Dec. 13 | Adult Ornament Workshop | Noon to 3 p.m. @ Berks County Heritage Center
Adults, now is your chance to make your own handmade ornaments to invite some holiday cheer into your home. Join Berks County Heritage Center Staff as they walk you through some DIY ornament creations including tin punch, felt, and salt dough ornaments. Since some of these ornaments will be a bit difficult to make, we recommend this program for ages over 16. Any children from 12 to 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Free. | Registration is required.
Wednesday, Dec. 23 | Full Moon Holiday Hike | 6 p.m. @ Berks County Heritage Center
Walk the Union Canal Trail on the evening of the Full Moon, just two days before Christmas. We’ll enjoy a brisk celestial walk to the Gring’s Mill bridge and back, viewing some of the Holiday Lights from the trail. Wear sturdy hiking or walking shoes and bring a flashlight. We’ll be outside the entire time, so dress warmly.
Free. | Registration is required.
Contact Berks County Parks & Recreation Department’s Rec & Special Events Coordinator Lisa Gauker at LGauker@BerksPA.gov or 610-374-2944 ext. 2611.
