Gring’s Mill kicks off 37th year of holiday lights tradition | Berks Regional News

SPRING TWP., Pa. – A holiday tradition is up and running for its 37th year in Berks County. It’s the “Holiday Lights at Gring’s Mill.”

“Can’t go wrong with the weather. You got the beautiful moon tonight, and the lights are gorgeous,” said Dave Ray, Schuylkill County.

It’s a pathway of lights, music and the magic of Christmas.

“This is our opening night of our annual holiday lights event,” said Dan Roe, assistant director of parks and recreation for Berks County.

At Gring’s Mill, memories are made.

“This is the best place to come to during the wintertime. It’s so much fun. You can even take pictures with Santa Claus over there. You can listen to music; the guy sings different songs. Sometimes they sing Spanish, if I’m correct, and it’s amazing,” said Anthony Aguirre, a visitor.

For 37 years, the event has brought holiday magic and lights to Berks County.

“There’s a couple new things to see,” Roe said. “We have a new train; that’s probably the highlight of the new displays, and with the musical entertainment, every night’s a little bit different with the performances.”

People from near and far take part in the tradition.

“It’s festive. You get people outdoors, and you get history — the local history. It brings people to the area. And families, I see kids; it brings everyone together,” Ray said.

This season is all about love, family and remembering to count your blessings.

“My dad loves me, and mama loves me, and uncle loves me,” said Azrael Adames, a visitor.

Even though the snow is melting off the ground, visitors say the event makes it feel like the North Pole.

“I just tried a snowman, and to make the arms more realistic, you put sticks, and then put a ball down, and add another stick and put snow on it, and it looks like actually has arms. It’s amazing.” Aguire said.

Open until Dec. 23, visitors can come take pictures with Santa and make memories that will last a lifetime.

“Usually we’ll have anywhere from 2, 3, 4, 500 people a night with good weather. So those numbers do add up for us over the course of the month,” Roe said.