It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Berks County! Twinkling lights, heartwarming performances, and festive traditions fill every corner of our community. Whether you’re searching for handcrafted gifts, ready to sing along to your favorite carols, or simply want to soak in the holiday spirit, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate. Here are twelve festive events and experiences to make your December merry and bright.
December 5–6: Handcrafted Holiday Market
Location: GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
What’s Happening: This two-day pop-up shop is centered around artists and makers selling high-quality handmade gifts for the holiday season. Enjoy shopping, workshops, kids’ activities, food, and more! Highlights include hands-on art workshops, live demonstrations, wreath-making, family programs, music, holiday treats, and movie screenings at the Albert & Eunice Boscov Theater.
December 5–7: Christkindlmarkt
Location: Reading Liederkranz
What’s Happening: Celebrate Christkindlmarkt with three days of holiday family fun! Stroll through vendor booths, enjoy authentic German food and beverages, and listen to festive holiday music. Visit the Reading Liederkranz website for full details.
December 6: Chillin’ on Main
Location: Boyertown, PA
What’s Happening: Welcome Santa Claus to town and stroll along Philadelphia Avenue for an afternoon of festive fun. Explore unique gifts, enjoy holiday treats from local shops and vendors, and take in live entertainment and children’s activities.
December 6: Christmas on the Farm
Location: Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center
What’s Happening: Experience a Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas featuring visits from the Belsnickel, traditional music, kids’ activities, folklife demonstrations, and seasonal fun for the whole family. Admission is free!
December 7: A Homestead Holiday
Location: Daniel Boone Homestead
What’s Happening: Step back nearly 300 years to see how Colonial families celebrated Christmas. Enjoy festive decorations, craft demonstrations, caroling, and a special visit from the Belsnickel.
December 11: A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage
Location: Santander Performing Arts Center
What’s Happening: The beloved Peanuts holiday classic comes to life with A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and friends for an unforgettable evening filled with music, dancing, and heartwarming holiday cheer.
December 13: Christmas with The Celts
Location: Miller Center for the Arts
What’s Happening: Enjoy a unique blend of ancient Irish carols, lively Celtic dance, and modern Christmas songs. Each year brings new music, dazzling choreography, and heartwarming Irish charm — no two shows are ever the same!
December 14: Christmas House Tour & Champagne Brunch
Location: Centre Park Historic District, Reading, PA
What’s Happening: Start the day with a delicious brunch at one of Reading’s elegant bed and breakfasts, then tour beautifully decorated homes in the Centre Park Historic District. Admire the Victorian architecture, enjoy festive décor, and celebrate the season in style.
December 17: Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Location: Santander Performing Arts Center
What’s Happening: Experience a dazzling holiday spectacular that combines Broadway-style production with world-class circus artistry. This year’s Cirque Dreams Holidaze features new sets, songs, and jaw-dropping performances — a true holiday gift for the whole family!
December 20–21: The Nutcracker
Location: Schaeffer Auditorium, Kutztown University
What’s Happening: Berks Ballet Theatre celebrates 50 years of holiday magic with its golden anniversary production of The Nutcracker. Join Clara and her Nutcracker prince for a timeless journey filled with snowflakes, sweets, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, accompanied by the Reading Pops Orchestra.
Ongoing: Holiday Lights
Location: Gring's Mill, Wyomissing, PA
What’s Happening: Wander through the sparkling wonderland of Holiday Lights at Gring’s Mill all month long. Enjoy free parking, live music, Santa visits, food trucks, and plenty of festive cheer. Check events calendar for dates. (Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.)
Ongoing: Holiday Train Rides
Location: Colebrookdale Railroad, Reading & Northern Railroad, Allentown & Auburn Railroad
What’s Happening: Climb aboard for a magical ride on one of Berks County’s scenic railroads. Enjoy festive décor, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa on select trains — the perfect way to create timeless holiday memories.
Make It a Holiday Getaway
With so much holiday magic packed into December, why not turn your Berks County adventure into a festive getaway? Stay the night and wake up ready to explore more lights, markets, and performances. There’s a perfect place waiting for you to unwind and soak in the season. Plan your stay and make this December one to remember.