Holiday Events and Tree Lightings 2018

'Tis the season to be merry and bright. Planning a holiday event? Let us know at iBerkshires.com. (Visit our Holiday Bazaars and Craft Fairs list for holiday craft fairs.( And see below for a guide to Christmas tree lightings in towns across the Berkshires.

The city of Pittsfield is offering free downtown parking for Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Christmas Eve and Christmas on Fridays Dec. 7, 14, 21, and 28. There will also be a week of free parking starting Dec. 17 through Dec. 21. Parking is always free in the evenings and weekends.

Holiday Events

Thursday, Dec. 13

Pittsfield: UNICO will sponsoring a pasta dinner to benefit the Eagle Santa Fund at Hillcrest Academy, 400 Columbus Ave., from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $25 for a family and $5 for senior citizens and children.

Saturday, Dec. 16

Lenox: The Gospel Gang, a contemporary Christian/gospel choir, along with The Messengers, a gospel trio, will present "Christmas Gospel" at  4 p.m. United Methodist Church of Lenox, 8 Holmes Road, to benefit the PACC Emergency Fuel Fund (Pittsfield Area Council of Congregations) and The Emergency Assistance Fund of Construct Inc., Great Barrington. There is a suggested donation of $10 admission fee to the concerts.

Cheshire: Cheshire Church Christmas brings the four churches — Baptist Church, St. Mary's Church, the Berkshire Chapel and Methodist Church — together at 6 p.m. for a night of celebration, including music, Scripture and stories of Christmas. The event will be held in the sanctuary of the Methodist Church, 197 Church St., to be followed by hot chocolate and refreshments in the Fellowship Hall. 

Christmas Tree Lightings

* Adams: Sunday, Nov. 25, 2-5 p.m., at the Adams Town Common. The tree-lighting ceremony will include free carriage rides and music, hot cocoa and coffee, and a visit from Santa.

* Lanesborough: Thursday, Nov. 29, 7 p.m. at Memorial Park, next to the police station. Refreshments and entertainment by the Lanesborough Elementary School chorus.

* Lenox: Friday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m., Lilac Park, featuring a performance by the LCC chorus group and cookies, hot chocolate and visits with Santa at the Lenox Community Center.

* Lenox Dale: Sunday, Dec. 2, 6 p.m. Santa will arrive by fire engine at Veterans Memorial Park at the intersection of Walker and Crystal streets to light the tree. Following the lighting, Santa will greet the children at the fire station on Elm Street, where gifts and refreshments will be distributed. Santa will also pose for photos with the children.

* North Adams: Wednesday, Nov. 21, 6 p.m. at Monument Square. Caroling with the Drury Band, hot chocolate and the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus will arrive on the Fire Department's antique Mack Fire Engine with treats. Kicks off the annual Hometown Holiday. This year the Downtown Bike Around will join the procession down Main Street with bikes decorated in lights; meet at Peebles at 5:15 p.m. (Raindate Nov. 30.)

* Pittsfield: Friday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m. The Park Square tree lighting ceremony will feature carols performed by the Taconic High School Chorus and hot chocolate provided by Patrick’s Pub. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive after the tree is lit.

* South Williamstown: Sunday, Dec. 9, 5-7 p.m. The South Williamstown Community Association will host its tree lighting at The Store at Five Corners. There will be carol singing and refreshments; bring a flashlight to see the words on the song sheets. Santa is planning to come.

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