Hancock Holiday Nights

08:00AM / Thursday, November 25, 2021Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — This December, Hancock Shaker Village will display a month long multi-sensory experience called Hancock Holiday Nights.

The 19th century New England setting will be transformed with festive decorations in five art light projections.

"If you've never experienced Hancock Shaker Village at night, you're in for a treat," said Hancock Shaker Village Director Jennifer Trainer Thompson. "There is an exquisite beauty, a palpable peacefulness and sense of wonder. We are thrilled to celebrate the holiday spirit."

There will also be a fire. Cocktails and food will be available.

Hancock Holiday Nights runs Dec. 2 through Dec.5, Dec. 9 through Dec. 12, and Dec. 16 through 19, and Dec. 27 through Dec. 29. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for kids 6-18, and free for five and under. Advanced purchase of timed tickets is required. (Tickets are not required for children ages 2 and younger). Entrance to the Village is ticketed in 15-minute increments between 5 and 8PM. Tickets can be purchased here.

Those who wish may bring a simple gift of new hats, coats, or mittens to be donated to Berkshire Community Action Council.

Highlights:

Timber Frame of Wishes – The Timber Frame entrance becomes a wonderland of lit trees capturing visitor wishes.
Luminous Wonder – Illuminated projections by artist Joe Wheaton.
Lantern-light Strolls - Experience the charm of Hancock Shaker Village by lantern-light, strolling past candlelit buildings.
Goodnight Barn – Visit with our farm animals tucked into their stalls for the night.
The Mercantile – Shop for Shaker-inspired artisanal gifts and decor.
Festive Fire & Bar – Warm up around our fire pit while you enjoy delicious adult and kid beverages.

Tags: Hancock Shaker Village,

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New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction.

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.

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