Are We There Yet?: Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Did you miss me?

I took a little hiatus with this column for a few weeks to gather my strength for the Christmas season. But I'm back this weekend with some holiday happenings - including one very near and dear to my heart.

First, Friday night, Dec. 5, is loaded with Christmas tree lightings all around the county. From north to south, Sweetwood of Williamstown will host a tree-lighthing party from 4 to 6 p.m. Pittsfield will hold its official ceremony at Park Square at 6 p.m., which is the same time Lenox is hosting its lighting in Lilac Park. And the town of Lee is holding a celebration at 7 p.m. in Church Park that includes a remembrance ceremony for missing loved ones.

Also on Friday night, the Clark Art Institute is kicking off the Williamstown Holiday Walk weekend with "Songs, Shopping, and S’mores" from 5 to 7 p.m. Visitors can roast s’mores over open fire pits, watch an ice sculpture carving demonstration, and listen to holiday caroling led by Williams College a cappella groups, all held on the Clark Center terrace. 

Staying in Williamstown, the Holiday Walk takes place on Saturday, Dec. 6, starting with the Reindog Parade at 3 p.m. Afterward, as always, fun and musical talent will fill the street, with performers from around the region. Santa and his elves will be on Spring Street to hear the wishes of children. Children will also be able to decorate gingerbread cookies in the former Sweets & Beans location, sponsored by Hops & Vines. Other highlights include Williamstown Community Chest's annual Penny Social, which will run from 3 to 6 p.m. in Lasell Gym on the corner of Spring and Main streets from 3 to 6 p.m., and the Northern Berkshire Habitat for Humanity Christmas Tree Showcase from 2 to 6 p.m. at the First Congregational Church across the street on Main Street. For a complete lineup, visit the Chamber of Commerce website.

And down in Dalton on Sunday, Dec. 7, the Pediatric Development Center will present its annual Breakfast with Santa at the Wahconah Country Club, 20 Orchard Road, with seatings at 9 and 11 a.m. Reservations are required. Purchase tickets online at www.pediatricdevelopmentcenter.org or contact the Pediatric Development Center at 413-499-4537.

Obviously, there are lot of options. But here's the event I want to highly recommend: On Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7, at 6 p.m., more than 20 children from the Williamstown community (including my daughter!) will perform a Christmas play called "We Three Spies" at the Community Baptist Church on Bridges Road. This is the church's annual children's Christmas musical, and it's a fun, family-friendly hour of dancing, singing and adorable little faces rejoicing in the season. Everyone is welcome, and cookies will follow the performance.

Happy holidays!