How to go
What: Niederman Family Farm “Walk Thru the Bible Christmas Display”
When: The display runs from Friday, Nov. 27, through Wednesday, Dec. 30. Hours of operation are 6-9 p.m. Sundays through Thurdays and 6-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. It is open on Christmas Day.
Where: 5110 Lesourdsville West Chester Road, Liberty Twp. (If using a GPS, enter the address as 4972 Lesourdsville West Chester Road, Liberty Twp.)
Admission: Free. Donations are accepted.
More info: www.niedermanfamilyfarm.com
Thousands of guests will make it an annual family outing to visit Niederman Family Farm during the holidays to see the “Walk Thru The Bible Christmas Display.” The festivities are open nightly, beginning on Fri., Nov. 27, and will continue through Wed., Dec. 30.
According to Farm Manager Brian Garver, a lot of families come back year after year and many of them make it a part of their family tradition. Guests range from locals to those from 48 states and a handful of foreign countries. Many of the visitors have signed the guestbook in the barn. On average, more than 10,000 guests visit the property each season.
“This is my grandparents’ gift to the community. They have lived in the community for a long time, and this is an opportunity that they feel they have to give back to the Liberty Twp. area, Hamilton, Middletown and West Chester. Of course, we have guests that come from all over the place,” Garver said.
Garver’s grandparents, Janet, 81, and Bob Niederman, 82, first opened the display in 2001 with hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights, life-sized figures of Bible characters that tell the Christmas story, oversized pictures that communicate about Jesus’ life, including the many miracles He performed, or Him praying in the garden.
“It’s a walking display, so you’re walking around outside, along the path. It tells the story of the Bible from Creation all the way through to the Ascension of Christ,” Garver said.
Visitors can expect to enjoy thousands of lights that illuminate the way as they relive Biblical history through a collection of true-to-life scenes that make up the ¾th-mile walk-through display. There is no charge for admission, however, donations are accepted. Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather, and will spend 30 to 45 minutes experiencing the entire display.
“Seeing my grandparents’ heart to serve the community has meant a lot to me, personally. A lot of times people don’t necessarily have vision to reach out to other people. We live in a culture that’s pretty ‘me’ focused, and just the fact that they would be willing to spend the time, money and resources to put this up says a lot. They are committed to this 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” Garver said.
My grandparents are out there almost every evening, serving hot chocolate, parking cars and talking with people, he said.
Designed as a free, family event, other highlights include entertainment in the barn, live animals and holiday-themed music that sets the tone for the display. Guests will also receive complimentary hot chocolate and cookies in the decorated barn at the end of the walk-through.
Upcoming live entertainment in the barn includes music from Union Elementary School on Thurs., Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. and bluegrass from Hometown Boys on Fri., Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. The “Naz Jazz Band” from West Chester Church of the Nazarene will perform on Sat., Dec. 5th from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. An updated performance schedule is available at www.niedermanfamilyfarm.com.
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