Holiday Events and Tree Lightings 2022

This year's holiday gatherings and annual tree lightings are still feeling the effects of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Some events have been canceled or are being held virtually. Here's what we have so far in events below. If we're missing any, let us know at info@iBerkshires.com. Reminder that many of these events and activities do require face coverings and social distancing. 

Visit our Holiday Bazaars and Craft Fairs list for holiday craft fairs and markets.

Christmas Tree Lightings

On Sunday, Dec. 11, at 5 p.m., the Santa Parade of emergency vehicles will take off from LP Adams and travel through neighborhoods to the Dalton CRA. The full parade route can be found here.

Lenox: Tree lighting in Lilac Park takes place Friday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. hosted by the Lenox Community Center. Come early for caroling with the LCC chorus at 5:45 and stay for pictures with Santa Claus in the gazebo. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available and bring a letter for Santa. Letters can be dropped off at the center through Sunday, Dec. 11.  

North Adams: Annual event returns on Wednesday, Nov. 23, at 5:30 p.m. at Monument Square. Santa Claus will arrive on the fire engine and give out goody bags. Drury band will perform. 

Pittsfield: The tree lighting ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. with some short speeches and performances by the Berkshire Hills Chorus and the Taconic High School chorus. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive to ring in the holiday season. More information here.

Williamstown: the tree at the Williams Inn will be lighted on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 5 p.m., accompanied by caroling. Part of the annual Holiday Walk. 

West Stockbridge: A "Sparkles" event hosted by the town's Parks & Recreation, with help from the police and fire departments, will be held on Sunday, Dec. 4, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Join the parade from Congregational Church to Town Hall for music, the tree lighting, and gifts from Santa. 

Stephentown, N.Y.: Lighted parade and tree lighting on Saturday, Nov. 26. Lighted tractors, side-by-sides, floats, fire trucks and cars, and marching groups step off at 5:30 from the Fire Hall to the Veterans Park for the tree lighting. 

Holiday Events

Great Barrington: Southern Berkshire Chamber's Holiday Shop, Sip & Stroll runs Saturday, Dec. 10, in downtown Great Barrington from 3 to 7 p.m. and concludes with the tree lighting, followed by fireworks and a free performance at 7:30 by the Vocalis Youth Choir at St. James Place. See the full list of activities and times here. 

Lenox: NightWood, a light, sound, and color event, runs at The Mount through Dec. 31. Admission is $10 to $20 per person; register here.

Williamstown: The Williamstown Chamber's annual Holiday Walk runs Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3 and 4, with the popular Reindog Parade at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Activities include breakfast with Santa in the Williams Inn ballroom, card and wreath making, a gingerbread house exhibit, caroling, hot chocolate, photo booths, and others. Some events have admission fees or require registration. See the full list here. 

Wednesday, Dec. 25:

North Adams: Be Our Guest Christmas Dinner at the American Legion, 11:30 to 1, featuring ham dinner with sides, soup and dessert. All are welcome; for delivery, call 413-664-9004.

Pittsfield Subcommittee OKs Draft Chicken Ordinance

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:44PM / Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Councilor at Large Karen Kalinowsky speaks in favor of the ordinance change for chickens. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city is closer to having an affordable fee for chicken keeping.

On Monday, the Ordinances and Rules subcommittee supported a drafted ordinance that brings the cost of keeping six chickens from more than $500 to $25. 

The ordinance takes the process out of the Zoning Board of Appeals purview and requires a license similar to that of a dog.

"We've really come a long way from having to have a cost of around $500 to get chickens where this will bring it to a more equitable opportunity for anyone in the City of Pittsfield who meets the setback guidelines," Councilor at Large Peter White said.

"And those setback guidelines will be very similar to what would have been approved, to begin with, in the permit that is currently in place right now."