Gring’s Mill park readies for annual light display debut Dec. 1.
Under a fresh blanket of snow, Gring’s Mill park is getting ready for its annual light display debut on Saturday, Dec. 1! 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, Dec. 1 through Dec. 30, from 6 to 9 p.m.
This year, park visitors can visit with real live reindeer from Santa’s workshop, on Saturday, Dec. 8, and Sunday, Dec. 16. And on Thursdays, Dec. 13, and Dec. 20, Sculpted Ice Works will be back doing live ice carving demos between 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
After enjoying the walkthough 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 to 8:30 p.m. Here’s the full entertainment schedule:
• Saturday, Dec. 1, Mt. Laurel Brass
• Sunday, Dec. 2, Polished Brass
• Thursday, Dec. 6, Matt Miskie
• Friday, Dec. 7, Reading Choral Society
• Saturday, Dec. 8, Brass Menagerie & live reindeer
• Sunday, Dec. 9, Wilson Southern Middle School Jazz Band from 5:55 to 6:15 p.m. and The Belle Tones from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 13, Berks Holiday Tubadors and ice sculpting demos
• Friday, Dec. 14, Pretzel City Chorus from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m., and Thomas Shugar, Classical Guitarist from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 15, “Who is the Belsnickel” with Keith Britzenhoff at 6 p.m., and “Christmas Traditions in America” with Roy Justice, Singing Historian (shows at 6:45 and 7:45 p.m.)
• Sunday, Dec. 16, Jurkiewicz Family Musicians and live reindeer
• Thursday, Dec. 20,, Celtic Seasonings with Ken Gehret and Irish Mist and ice sculpting demos
• Friday, Dec. 21, The Williams Duo
• Saturday, Dec. 22, Dave Kline and a Mountain Folk Christmas with Special Guests
• Sunday, Dec. 23, Harp and Soul
• Thursday, Dec. 27, Maggie Spike with Tom Montgomery
• Friday, Dec. 28, Peter Errich and Todd Zarzecki
• Saturday, Dec. 29, “Good-Time Family Fun, Music and Comedy” with Ray Owen (shows at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.)
• Sunday, Dec. 30, 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 and kids of all ages will enjoy seeing the light display differently with our 3-D glasses, 11 styles available for $2 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, Dec. 2 and 9, from 1 to 4 p.m., 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, Dec. 1 through the 30, from 6 to 9 p.m.. Park gates open at 5:45 p.m., 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 610-3742944 x2611, 484-256-5296 or at RRichards@countyofberks.com.
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.