Updike's Hometown Looks Its Best Wrapped in Holiday Light

Shillington holds a unique place in American literary history as the childhood home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Updike, and this well-kept Berks County borough carries that same attention to detail and pride of place into everything it does — including the way it celebrates the holiday season. Penn Holiday Lights is pleased to serve Shillington homeowners who understand that a beautifully lit home is more than decoration; it is a statement of community pride and personal care. Situated just south of Reading and anchored by the highly regarded Governor Mifflin School District, Shillington has long attracted families seeking a classic small-town experience with excellent educational opportunities. The borough's residential streets are a masterclass in mid-century American neighborhood design — attractive Cape Cods with dormered second floors and tidy front lawns, comfortable colonials with brick facades and centered entries, and well-proportioned mid-century homes with clean lines and mature landscaping that has had decades to reach its full glory. These homes line tree-canopied streets where children ride bicycles, neighbors chat across driveways, and the rhythm of seasonal traditions — from spring planting to holiday decorating — marks the passage of the year. Shillington Borough Park provides a green heart for the community, hosting recreational programs and seasonal events that bring families together. Museum Road, with its handsome residential properties, offers some of the borough's most picturesque streetscapes, while Kenhorst Boulevard connects Shillington to the neighboring community of Kenhorst, extending the fabric of well-maintained homes and engaged residents. The John Updike Childhood Home on Philadelphia Avenue stands as a quiet landmark, a reminder that great things grow from small-town roots. Governor Mifflin's strong school community means that Shillington's neighborhoods are filled with families who invest in their properties and take visible pride in their homes. During the holiday season, that investment translates into streets where one beautifully lit home quickly inspires the next. Nearby Reading, Wyomissing, and Mohnton share in the region's festive energy, and many of our Shillington clients discover us through neighbors who are already Penn Holiday Lights customers. Our team specializes in designs that complement mid-century and colonial architecture, using commercial-grade LED materials and clean installation techniques that protect your home's surfaces. Contact us today for your free estimate and let Shillington's finest holiday tradition begin at your front door.