Christmas was a lonely holiday when I was growing up, but that’s because my family celebrated Hanukkah. When I got married and became one-half of an interfaith couple, it was like winning the Christmas lottery. So we celebrate both holidays, and our children can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Christmas Village
Every December we visit both a major Christmas attraction and menorah lighting. Hands down, my favorite Christmas experience is at Koziar’s Christmas Village in Bernville, Pa. We normally book a onenight stay at a hotel (with an indoor pool for added fun) in nearby Reading, and then take the kids to the village.
Koziar’s is how you might imagine the winter wonderland of the “North Pole.” Even the approach to the village is mesmerizing. You navigate the dark countryside and come to the top of a hill, where the view of the valley below— aglow with a half-million Christmas lights reflected in an adjacent lake — is unforgettable. If you go on a weekend, it’s imperative that you arrive around 4:45 p.m. for the 5 p.m. opening; otherwise, you’ll sit in a 10-mile-long traffic back-up.
Strolling with hot chocolate in hand through the quaint paths of the village, you’ll pass gingerbread houses and windowed buildings, which serve as decorated, life-size dioramas re-creating an old-fashioned bakery, Santa’s post office, Toymaker in his Toy Shop and The Night Before Christmas. There’s a shopwhere children can sit on Santa’s lap and have their photo taken, as well as a gift barn and miniature train display. You can easily spend up to two hours here. Koziar’s is open daily (including Christmas and New Year’s) through Jan. 1. Hours are Monday to Friday, from 6 to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from5 to 9:30 p.m. The cost is $7 for those 13 and older; $6 for kids 6 to 12; 5 and under are free. Visit www.koziarschristmasvillage.com.
Other Pennsylvania holiday treats
There are several other worthwhile holiday attractions in Pennsylvania.
Arasapha Farms in Glen Mills offers 20- minute Holiday Hayrides through a winter wonderland adorned with light displays and decorated buildings between 6 and 9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 18, and then daily until Dec. 23. There will be live reindeer, a Santa photo opportunity and an animated Santa’s Workshop. The hayride is followed by a bonfire with hot cocoa. Online tickets cost $10 for adults and $7 for kids. Visit www.holidayhayride.com.
Through Jan. 8, Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square is transformed into a gingerbread land during “A Longwood Christmas,” with whimsical displays, organ sing-alongs and Christmas choirs. At 3:30 p.m., the outdoor lights are turned on, and fountain shows begin. Online advance timed-ticket purchase is required. Off-peak tickets cost $18 for adults and $8 for kids 5 to 18; peak tickets are $25 and $11.Visitwww.longwoodgardens.org. In its 19th year, Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem is a traditional holiday market, with aisles of vendors selling handcrafted items, artisans, live music, a glassblowing booth and food stalls. It’s open Dec. 8-11 and 15-18 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays, and until 6 p.m. on Sundays. In front of the Christkindlmarkt tent, South Side Horse- Drawn Carriage tours are offered starting at 1 p.m. daily through Dec. 31. The cost is $40 for a 15-minute ride. Advance reservations are needed. Visit www.christmascity.org.
Chocolate aficionados can head to Hershey for the townwide “Christmas in Hershey” celebration, which lasts throughout the holiday season. The centerpiece is Christmas Candylane, converting Hersheypark into a holiday village with 30 rides, Santa and his nine live reindeer, and live entertainment. N.O.E.L. is a fantastical show of 125,000 dancing lights synchronized to Christmas music. Tickets are $12.95 for age 3 and older. A short distance away is Hershey Sweet Lights Drive; visitors drive a 2.3-mile route to see 600 themed light displays. Visit www.ChristmasInHershey.com.
Staying in New Jersey?
Little ones will love Storybook Land, a children’s amusement park in Egg Harbor designed around fairy tales. Try to arrive around 3 p.m. for the unlimited rides before Santa appears in his chimney at 5 p.m. to wave his wand and illuminate the park’s 1 million outdoor lights. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand through Dec. 23; the light display until Dec. 30. Visit www.storybookland.com.
Grounds for Sculpture, a 42-acre sculpture garden and arboretum in Hamilton, is illuminated until 9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays with 70,000 twinkling lights during the “Lights On Extravaganza.” During December there will be concerts, workshops and performances. Horse-drawn carriage rides are offered Dec. 3, 10 and 17. Admission: $12 adults and $8 students, 6 and older. Visit www.groundsforsculpture.org.
Heading into New York City?
If you’re looking for something new, stop by the festive holiday markets at Bryant Park (www.TheHolidayShopsatBryantPark.com), or Columbus Circle and Union Square, both operated by Urban Space (www.urbanspacenyc.com). In Union Square, don’t forget to pop into Max Brenner chocolateria (www.maxbrenner.com) for warm urban s’mores you cook at the table.
Menorah lightings
Hanukkah celebrations are offered throughout New Jersey, and there are two public menorah lightings that shouldn’t be missed. Last year we attended “Chanukah at Monmouth Mall,” presented by Chabad of the Shore. It was an indoor event with plenty for the kids to do. It will be held Dec. 27 at 5:30 p.m. by the food court, with live music, crafts, Hillel School Choir and family entertainment. Visit www.monmouthmallonline.com.
There will also be the “Giant Menorah Lighting” at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel on Dec. 22. Presented by the Chabad Center of Holmdel and Colts Neck, the lighting will begin at 5 p.m. There will be performances by a youth choir and by Dreidelman and the Macabees; traditional hot latkes and donutswill be served; and children will receive menorah kits and dreidels. Visit www.chabadholmdel.com.
Email Lizz Dinnigan at [email protected].