By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey
Every Christmas when our two daughters were little, my husband and I used to look for the most elaborately decorated house within driving distance so we could take them to visit “the North Pole.” Some of the people who owned the homes were also kind enough to put up a mailbox so children (including our own) could “post” their letters to Santa.
Only about a 45-minute ride east of Hershey is the North Pole to end all North Poles.
Koziar’s Christmas Village is so fabulous that it earned an Award of Excellence from the Pennsylvania Travel Council as one of the State’s (or Commonwealth, for nitpickers) Top Ten Travel Attractions.
You don’t have to be a child or even have one to be awe-struck by this extravaganza, which features more than half-a-million Christmas lights and indoor and outdoor displays showcasing tableaux with themes ranging from Christmas in the other lands, in the jungle and under the sea; whimsical toy maker and baker’s shops; Santa’s post office; an old-fashioned village church; and a manger scene.
It’s hard to believe that this magic Christmas kingdom began as an annual holiday project 61 years ago when William M. Koziar began decorating his house and property for his wife and four children. Over the years, this labor of love took on a life of its own and as Koziar enthusiastically expanded his efforts to the walkways, trees, fences and barns, people began to come from around and beyond the area to visit what became known as “the Christmas House.” Making the view even more breathtaking is the reflection of the lights on the adjacent lake.
When visitors asked to be allowed to roam among the displays, Koziar graciously allowed them to do that. And the Christmas House eventually grew into a “village,” complete with Santa Claus Lane (where St. Nick himself listens to children’s wishes), an expansive model train display with a handmade station platform, functioning locomotives and even a miniature town. And if you want to start (or continue) your own holiday home traditions, Santa’s Toy Shoppe offers ornaments and other decorative items as well as gifts and toys.
Koziar’s Christmas Village is open Monday through Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. It’s also open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day and New Year’s Eve and Day from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Admission is $8.00 for ages 13 and up, $7.00 for seniors and $6.00 for children 6 to 12.