(Berks County, PA) The 24th annual Holiday Lights at Gring’s Mill in Wyomissing will have a brighter, bolder look this year as several thousand more incandescent lights have been replaced with more energy efficient LED bulbs. This promises to be brightest year so far for the program, open December 2nd-30th, Wednesday through Sunday, 6-9 p.m., and closed December 24th & 25th.
The walk through light display combines festive ground light displays with trees strung with hundreds of lights. Of the trees decked out in lights, most of them have been converted to LED (light emitting diodes) this year. Several of the ground displays have also been converted bringing the grand total of LED lights to more than 30,000 this year. The Park Department started switching over some of our lighting to the new LED light bulbs and light strands in 2008.
Holiday Lights at Gring’s Mill is an essential holiday experience for Berks County and beyond with the glittering walk through light display, nightly entertainment in the barn, the model train display and special visits with Santa Claus.
With its historic buildings and scenic landscapes, the walk through light display is a dazzling addition park patrons have enjoyed over the years. “Holiday Lights at Gring’s Mill will be a “Celestial Celebration” this year as our LED lights shine throughout the park as bright as stars” says Becky Richards, Berks County Parks & Recreation Superintendent.
When the program began in 1988, Holiday Lights was open three days throughout the month of December and was lit with approximately 15,000 lights. Today, Holiday Lights is open the month of December with over 500,000 twinkling lights! Our maintenance staff begins decorating the park mid-September and works diligently until Thanksgiving putting up lights and displays continuously throughout their work week.
Each evening we have a fantastic variety of entertainment scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., artists include Ken Gehret & Irish Mist, Neil Wright, Brass Menagerie, Mt. Laurel Brass and much more! For a complete entertainment schedule call 610-374-2944 or visit www.countyofberks.com/parks. Find and Like us on Facebook.
Bring the kids for a FREE Holiday Workshop on December 4th from 1– 4 p.m. for crafts and “Frosty Fun” with Giggle Magic. For entertainment the whole family will enjoy, mark your calendars for “American Christmas Traditions” by Roy Justice on December 29th.
Walk across the bridge to see the Model Train Display, constructed and operated by the Pottstown & Reading Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. Kids of all ages will enjoy watching the trains, and hearing the operators’ railroad stories and description of the equipment on display.
2011 “Holiday Lights” Collector Ornaments are available for purchase at the snack bar in the lower level of the barn, limited supply. Also, back by popular demand is our “Holiday Specs,” before your own eyes these holographic lenses will transform our light display into fluttering angels, snowflakes, stars, Santa Claus or dancin’ snowmen. Kids love them!