iBerkshires.com - The Berkshires online guide to events, news and Berkshire County community information.

BABY & TODDLER PLAYGROUP
Becket, 10-11 a.m.

Circle time, stories, movement, music and play for kids birth through age 3 at the Becket Athenaeum; siblings are always welcome. Coffee and tea for caregivers, snacks for kids.

In collaboration with the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement program, which the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care funds.

Email info@bwlibrary.org to RSVP and click here to view all library events.

BERKSHIRE GREEN DRINKS: A NEW VISION FOR PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
Pittsfield, 6 pm

Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) staff members will share updates from their work in 2025 at the December Berkshire Green Drinks event. This free hybrid event will take place online via Zoom and in person at BEAT's Environmental Leadership and Education Center, 20 Chapel St, Pittsfield, MA. The in-person social gathering will begin around 5:15 PM; the presentation and Zoom meeting will start at 6:00 PM.

WEDNESDAY - DECEMBER 17, 2025

TRACKING WINTER WILDLIFE FOR BEGINNERS
Lenox, 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Dive into the fascinating world of wildlife tracking with a beginner-friendly walk in search of tracks, scat, and signs of predator and prey interactions. ADULTS. $15 Members, $20 Non-members Where: The Mount, Edith Wharton's Home, 3 Plunkett St. Lenox MA 01240 Link to register: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/pleasant-valley/98312-tracking-winter-wildlife-for-beginners For more info: 413-637-0320, berkshires@massaudubon.org

BERKSHIRE ATHENAEUM ANNOUNCES FAMILY SEARCH 101 SESSION
Pittsfield, 1:30 pm

The Local History Department of the Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's Public Library, announces Family Search 101. Researcher David Heath will present an introduction to the basics of Family Search, a free genealogy database.

RIGGS THEATRE 37 PRESENTS: MOLIèRE'S THE LEARNED LADIES
Stockbridge, 7:30 p.m.
Reserve your tickets now! Riggs Theatre 37's winter production of Molière's The Learned Ladies, a comedy about the vicissitudes of love, runs December 17-21. Nightly shows from Wednesday, December 17 through Sunday, December 21 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $20 (general public); $10 (students & seniors) Reservations: Call 413-298-5519 extension 5606

THURSDAY - DECEMBER 18, 2025

GAME NIGHT
Becket, 6 - 8 p.m.

Join friends and neighbors for a fun evening of board and card games! If you have a favorite, please bring it along to share/teach to fellow gamers! Games the Athenaeum owns include Monopoly, Code Names, The All American History Trivia Game, Sorry, Chess, Quiddler (word game), SET, and many more! Refreshments will be served! You're welcome to bring your beverage of choice (including alcohol). Ages 13+ are welcome. RSVP appreciated.

CLARK ART, IMAGES SCREEN 'THE THIRD MAN'
Williamstown, 6 pm

The Clark Art Institute, in collaboration with Images Cinema, concludes its Noir Film Series with a screening of "The Third Man" (1949)

THE WINTER SOLSTICE IN STORY AND SONG
Becket, 7 - 9 p.m.

Tales and songs of the Winter Solstice come to life in this dramatic storytelling with award-winning storyteller and theatre artist Diane Edgecomb accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Tom Megan.

Celebrate the Winter Solstice with ancient tales of light, evergreen myths, and entertaining seasonal stories surrounded by traditional and original music and song. Award-winning storyteller Diane Edgecomb brings to life olden tales of the longest nights: the hauntingly beautiful Baldur and the Mistletoe from Scandinavia, humorous English Wassail traditions and the Tanzanian folktale of how the animal kingdom brought light and life during the darkest times. Becket Arts Center

YOGA WITH RIMA SALA
Becket, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Get ready to unwind, stretch, and strengthen your body in this all-levels yoga class. We'll move mindfully through a series of poses, connecting our breath to each movement. You'll build heat, increase flexibility, and improve your balance, all while finding a sense of calm and focus.

This class is perfect for both beginners and experienced yogis looking to deepen their practice. Modifications will be offered to ensure everyone feels comfortable and challenged. Leave feeling refreshed, centered, and ready to take on your week. Becket Arts Center

FRIDAY - DECEMBER 19, 2025

FREE SCREENING OF 'IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE' (1946)
Great Barrington, 7 p.m.

The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center hosts its traditional free screening of "It's a Wonderful Life." Frank Capra directs James Stewart and Donna Reed in this classic holiday favorite about community, love, and hope. (Rated PG, 2h 10min.)

More information here.

SATURDAY - DECEMBER 20, 2025

TRACKING WINTER WILDLIFE FOR BEGINNERS
Lenox, 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Dive into the fascinating world of wildlife tracking with a beginner-friendly walk in search of tracks, scat, and signs of predator and prey interactions. ADULTS. Cost: $15 Members, $20 Non-members Where: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Mt Rd. Lenox MA 01240 Link to register: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/pleasant-valley/98171-tracking-winter-wildlife-for-beginners For more info: 413-637-0320 berkshires@massaudubon.org

STORYTIME WITH STAY & PLAY
Becket, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Becket Athenaeum hosts a storytime from 10:30 to 11:30 followed by an hour of stay and play with toys, games, puzzles, and snacks for the kids, along with coffee, tea, snacks, and time for connection for the caregivers. Stop by for either or both.

RSVP appreciated.

VENTFORT HALL TEA & TALK: CHRISTMAS TRADIATIONS IN THE VICTORIAN GILDED AGE
Lenox, 3:30 pm

Berkshire County resident and Ventfort Hall volunteer will speak at Ventfort Hall about Christmas traditions in the Victorian and Gilded Age. For reservations visit https://gildedage.org/pages/calendar or call (413) 637-3206.

BERKSHIRE LYRIC PRESENTS: THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR
Windsor | Stockbridge, 4 p.m.

Berkshire Lyric presents The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, on Saturday December 20. The holiday choral program will take place at 4:00 at the Stockbridge Congregational Church on Main Street in Stockbridge. The concert of traditional and contemporary carols will also include a number of well known standards from the American holiday songbook. The 70 voice Berkshire Lyric will be joined by Lyric’s young women’s ensemble Melodious Accord and by Lyric’s Resident Vocal Artist John Demler. The Lyric Children’s Chorus will welcome a visit from Santa Claus at this old-fashioned holiday event geared for children of all ages. The concert is under the direction of artistic director and conductor Jack Brown and assisted by Joe Rose at the piano and pipe organ. There will be many opportunities to sing along. Tickets are $20 and will be sold at the door, with children and students 18 and under admitted for free. This Stockbridge concert is underwritten by the Red Lion Inn. Advance purchases can be made through the Berkshire Lyric website www.BerkshireLyric.org or member singers.

Our next dance will be our Holiday Double Dance and Potluck on Saturday, December 20th, with music by The Russet Trio - Aldo Lavaggi (fiddle and mandolin), Peter Madsen (guitar and percussion), Stuart Kenney (bass) with Bob Isaacs calling.

Admission $25, $15 for students to both dances. Regular admission price ($12-15 non-students, $10 for students) for just the evening dance and potluck. All welcome to the potluck.

Bring a dish to share and your own plates and silverware (a note with ingredients is helpful).

All the dances are taught. No partner necessary. Come alone or bring friends.

THE WIZARDS OF WINTER
Pittsfield, 7:30 p.m.

Returning for their third year at The Colonial Theatre (111 South St., Pittsfield, MA), The Wizards of Winter will light up the stage with The Christmas Dream—a theatrical musical journey that blends the excitement of rock with the heart of the holidays. To purchase tickets, visit berkshiretheatre.org.

JOHN PIZZARELLI TRIO: TONY BENNETT – THE ART OF EXCELLENCE
Great Barrington, 8 p.m.

$44 – $89. Mahaiwe Member & Youth Discount Event

Grammy Award-winning producer and guitarist extraordinaire, John Pizzarelli salutes the legendary Tony Bennett celebrating over 60 years of unparalleled artistry. From Bennett’s ’50s pop hits like “Because of You” and “Rags to Riches” through his timeless classics of the ’60s such as “I Wanna Be Around” and “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” to his remarkable collaborations with Bill Evans, Pizzarelli’s trio will bring these iconic songs to life once again. The evening will also highlight Bennett’s incredible revival in the ‘90s while Pizzarelli weaves in personal anecdotes and stories that reveal the man behind the music. Prepare for a night filled with unforgettable music as the John Pizzarelli Trio honors this generational talent.

https://mahaiwe.org/event/john-pizzarelli-trio-tony-bennett-the-art-of-excellence/

SUNDAY - DECEMBER 21, 2025

SEAN MCCUSKER LIVE PAINTING DEMO
Becket, 1 - 2 p.m.

Sean McCusker will be demonstrating the techniques that make his work a unique fixture of the Berkshires arts scene. Landscapes full of contrast and color, his glazed oil paintings express a mysterious drama that is unmistakable.

Sean’s paintings are made up of roughly thirty thin, transparent layers, each one adding complexity. Becket Arts Center

SONGS OF THE SEASON AT VENTFORT HALL
Lenox, 3:30 pm

Vocalist Sherri James Buxton and accompanist Bob Shepherd return to Ventfort Hall to present a Holiday Cabaret featuring seasonal favorites and more. For reservations, visit https://gildedage.org/pages/calendar or call (413) 637-3206.

UNRAVELING THE HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS
Great Barrington, 4 p.m.

A Tapestry of Traditions: Unraveling the History of Christmas Carols

MONDAY - DECEMBER 22, 2025

FAMILY FUN IN THE SEASON OF LIGHT
Stockbridge, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Celebrate this special time of year with family-friendly activities during winter break. Join a guided tour with our family educators to explore the Illustrators of Light exhibit, featuring paintings by Norman Rockwell, Maxfield Parrish, & N.C. Wyeth that brighten even the coldest days. Afterwards, create your own colorful lantern to take home.

Family Tours at 10:15, 11:30, 1pm

Recommended for ages 5-12

Free with admission. Kids visit for free.

https://www.nrm.org/events/family-fun-in-the-season-of-light/

DRUM WITH RICK SHRUM!
Becket, 5 - 6 p.m.

In this twice monthly class you will learn to play traditional west African rhythms on hand drums in a fun and relaxed group setting. Drumming together in a group is an excellent way to connect with others, engage your mind and body, and build listening skills. We will use a variety of traditional drums and percussion instruments from various African countries to create multi-part rhythms that bring stimulation, relaxation, and joy. All instruments are provided and no previous experience is necessary. Becket Arts Center

MAKER MONDAYS
Becket, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Drop-in Maker Mondays Get your hands dirty and your creative juices flowing at this informal gathering. Bring your current project—whether it's knitting, sketching, or something else entirely—and spend the evening working alongside other local makers. It's a great opportunity to connect with fellow artists, share ideas, and find inspiration in a relaxed and supportive environment.

We will gather twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Mondays. Becket Arts Center

TUESDAY - DECEMBER 23, 2025

FAMILY FUN IN THE SEASON OF LIGHT
Stockbridge, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Family Tours at 10:15, 11:30, 1pm

Recommended for ages 5-12

Free with admission. Kids visit for free.

https://www.nrm.org/events/family-fun-in-the-season-of-light-2/

BABY & TODDLER PLAYGROUP
Becket, 10-11 a.m.

Circle time, stories, movement, music and play for kids birth through age 3 at the Becket Athenaeum; siblings are always welcome. Coffee and tea for caregivers, snacks for kids.

In collaboration with the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement program, which the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care funds.

Email info@bwlibrary.org to RSVP and click here to view all library events.

FRIDAY - DECEMBER 26, 2025

FAMILY FUN IN THE SEASON OF LIGHT
Stockbridge, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Family Tours at 10:15, 11:30, 1pm

Recommended for ages 5-12

Free with admission. Kids visit for free.

https://www.nrm.org/events/family-fun-in-the-season-of-light-3/

GHOST TOUR AT VENTFORT HALL
Lenox, 7 pm

Join Robert Oakes, author of "Ghosts of the Berkshires," who will lead tours through the rooms and halls of the historic estate sharing tales of its alleged hauntings. For reservations visit https://gildedage.org/pages/calendar or call 413-637-3206.

SATURDAY - DECEMBER 27, 2025

CLARK ART AIRS PRUDUCTION OF 'THE MAGIC FLUTE'
Williamstown, 1 pm

The Metropolitan Opera's broadcast production of The Magic Flute airs at the Clark Art Institute in the latest installment of the 2025–26 season of The Met: Live in HD.