A Visit with the Belsnickel

Schedule

Sat, 20 Dec, 2025 at 10:00 am

UTC-05:00

Location

940 Centre Ave, Reading, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 19601 | Reading, PA

Advertisement
Join us on December 13th at 10 AM for an engaging experience at the Berks History Center's December Second Saturday program, as we delve into the fascinating traditions of the PA Dutch culture with the Belsnickel, portrayed by Keith Brintzenhoff. This event is a unique opportunity to learn about this traditional, fur-clad Christmas gift bringer known for his gruff demeanor and generous spirit. The program is perfect for both history enthusiasts and those curious about cultural traditions. The Belsnickel, a cherished figure in PA Dutch folklore, embodies the sternness and generosity of the holiday season. Often seen as a precursor to Santa Claus, he rewards well-behaved children with candies and treats while reminding the naughty ones to improve their behavior.
Keith Brintzenhoff, an expert in PA Dutch traditions, will bring the Belsnickel to life through engaging storytelling and an authentic portrayal. Attendees will gain insights into the customs and history surrounding this captivating figure, with opportunities to ask questions and engage with the material. Whether you're familiar with the tales of the Belsnickel or discovering them for the first time, this program promises to be educational and entertaining.
Light refreshments will be available at 9:30 AM, and the program will begin promptly at 10AM. Tickets cost $5 for BHC Members and $10 for Non-Members, which includes museum admission.
Off-street parking is available in the BHC's parking lot, located at 160 Spring Street, Reading, PA 19601.
**If we receive inclement weather, a makeup date is scheduled for December 20, 2025 at 10AM.**
For more information and to register, please visit: https://berkshistory.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F22082
Advertisement

Where is it happening?

940 Centre Ave, Reading, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 19601

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Icon
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Berks History Center

Host or Publisher Berks History Center

Ask AI if this event suits you:

Discover More Events in Reading

A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland - Reading
Fri, 19 Dec at 07:30 pm A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland - Reading

Santander Performing Arts Center

CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT
A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland at Santander Performing Arts Center
Fri, 19 Dec A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland at Santander Performing Arts Center

Santander Performing Arts Center

PERFORMANCES ENTERTAINMENT
A Taste of Ireland - Reading
Sat, 20 Dec at 12:30 am A Taste of Ireland - Reading

Santander Performing Arts Center

PERFORMANCES ENTERTAINMENT
Skyline Drive Cleanup
Sat, 20 Dec at 08:00 am Skyline Drive Cleanup

Reading Pagoda

Pistol Whip\u2019d Rock band\u2019s Ugly Sweater Contest
Sat, 20 Dec at 07:00 pm Pistol Whip’d Rock band’s Ugly Sweater Contest

160 Old Friedensburg Road, Reading, PA

UGLY-CHRISTMAS-SWEATER-DAY CONTESTS
Hot Stone Restorative Aerial Yoga
Sun, 21 Dec at 01:00 pm Hot Stone Restorative Aerial Yoga

BLDG. 7 Yoga

HEALTH-WELLNESS WORKSHOPS
Yule Celebration
Sun, 21 Dec at 05:30 pm Yule Celebration

Exeter Township Pennsylvania

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
Yule Ritual (in-person), Reading, PA
Sun, 21 Dec at 05:30 pm Yule Ritual (in-person), Reading, PA

Exeter Township Pennsylvania

Charles Evans Cemetery Stroll with Charles & Mary Evans
Sat, 01 Nov at 01:00 pm Charles Evans Cemetery Stroll with Charles & Mary Evans

1119 Centre Ave, Reading, PA 19601-1409, United States

Eagle Eyes: The Time of Our Lives in News Photos Through Six Decades in Berks County
Thu, 06 Nov at 05:30 pm Eagle Eyes: The Time of Our Lives in News Photos Through Six Decades in Berks County

940 Centre Ave, Reading, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 19601

PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS
A Tie That Binds: General Hartranft, the 1899 Exeter Train Wreck & Beyond
Sat, 08 Nov at 10:00 am A Tie That Binds: General Hartranft, the 1899 Exeter Train Wreck & Beyond

940 Centre Ave, Reading, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 19601

SPORTS TRIPS-ADVENTURES
Eel Trap Basket Weaving Workshop
Sat, 08 Nov at 12:00 pm Eel Trap Basket Weaving Workshop

940 Centre Ave, Reading, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 19601

WORKSHOPS ART
PA German Yarn Star Workshop
Sat, 22 Nov at 10:00 am PA German Yarn Star Workshop

940 Centre Ave, Reading, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 19601

WORKSHOPS ART
GETHSEMANE CEMETERY'S WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA EVENT
Sat, 13 Dec at 12:00 pm GETHSEMANE CEMETERY'S WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA EVENT

3139 Kutztown Rd, Reading, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 19605

BHC's Holiday Craft Boutique & Open House
Sun, 14 Dec at 11:00 am BHC's Holiday Craft Boutique & Open House

940 Centre Ave, Reading, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 19601

HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS-MARKETS-AND-FAIRS
A Visit with the Belsnickel
Sat, 20 Dec at 10:00 am A Visit with the Belsnickel

940 Centre Ave, Reading, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 19601

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
Yule Celebration
Sun, 21 Dec at 05:30 pm Yule Celebration

Exeter Township Pennsylvania

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

What's Happening Next in Reading?

Discover Reading Events