There are a variety of holiday-themed events this weekend to get yourself into the festive spirit including tree lightings, live music, a brunch, and more. Find a full list of holiday bazaars and fairs here; upcoming holiday events can be found here.
Editor's Pick
Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas
Dec. 1 until 3
The main street in Stockbridge will be transformed into a Norman Rockwell painting. The town becomes a magical New England village decorated with holiday wreaths and festive lights for the season. More information here.
Friday
Pittsfield Annual Tree Lighting
Park Square, Pittsfield
Time: 6 p.m.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive to ring in the holiday season. The event also features hot chocolate and candy canes. Bring a nonperishable food item for the Christian Center's food pantry. The annual tree lighting is part of Downtown Pittsfield’s Festive Frolic weekend event.
Lenox Annual Tree Lighting
Lilac Park, Lenox
Time: 5:45 p.m.
Santa will be visiting Lilac Park for the annual tree lighting. The event will feature performances by Lenox Community Center’s Chorus starting at 5:45 p.m. and Santa will arrive at 6 p.m. to light the tree. Pictures with Santa to follow.
Free Gallery Tours
Clark Art Institute, Williamstown
Time: 10:15 a.m.
New parents and caregivers are invited to print their infants into the galleries for a guided tour of the institute's permanent collection.
This special program provides new parents the opportunity to socialize with other community members in a casual environment.
Join or listen to New York composer Phil Kline’s walking symphony ‘Unsilent Night as part of
Community members of all ages are invited to bring their sound amplification devices whether it's their phones, Bluetooth speakers, boomboxes, or other devices. Download the music tracks in advance online or through the Unsilent Night app.
A limited number of Kline’s vintage boomboxes and cassette tapes will be available for use on a first-come, first-served basis.
Gather at Martin Puryear’s Big Bling Installation at 4 Marshall St. starting at 5:30. At 6 p.m. the walking symphony made up of community members will weave through downtown and end at Hotel Downstreet.
It's the first Friday of the month, art enthusiasts know what that means — the city's First Friday Artwalk.
The event features a dozen art shows and exhibits on view at venues around downtown Pittsfield. Most of the art is on display throughout Dec.
During the event, participants will have the opportunity to meet the artists. Download the Downtown Pittsfield Inc. app from the Google Play or App Store to get a virtual walking tour.
Participating venues include Beacon Cinema, Berkshire Art Center, Berkshire Museum, Clock Tower Artists, Hotel on North, Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, Soda Chef, and more.
For a complete list of participating venues and artists visit the Art Walk website.
Saturday
Winter Wonderland Family Fun Day
Stockbridge Library
Time: 10 to 3 p.m.
The library will have a youth craft table so children can decorate a snowflake, indoor winter games, and an outdoor StoryWalk through the decorated library garden walkway. At 10:45 a.m. there will be a winter-themed storytime. More information here.
North Adams Farmers Market
85 Main St.
Time: 9 to 1
Final indoor winter market of the year; winter markets run every first Saturday through May. Jams and jellies, handcrafted wool items, bagels and baked goods, jewelry, maple syrup, self-care and wellness, winter produce and meats, and much more. Continues $30 match program for SNAP users.
Sunday
Bebop with Poppy
65 Silver St, Sheffield
Time: noon
Drag Queen Poppy DaBubbly is collaborating with WitchSlapped and Big Elm to provide a music and music class the first sunday of every month.
During the event families will explore essential development skills through dance, creative movement, and a story time.
Enjoy pancakes, eggs and more while you get professional pictures taken with Santa. There will be a cash bar. Brunch is $16 for adults and $8 for kids. Reservations for the brunch are needed. Make a reservation by emailing Jaceyanastasiophotography@gmail.com or Manager@wahconahcc.com
Professional Pictures With Santa is available to both those attending the brunch and the outside community on a first come first serve basis.
Enjoy a cup of traditional Holiday Tea, provided by caterer Kate Baldwin, while you listen to holiday-inspired readings by local author Kevin O'Hara.
Tickets cost $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Purchase tickets using the “Book” button on the Berkshire Historical Societies website. https://berkshirehistory.org/ Information here.
Williamstown Theatre Festival Performance
Clark Art Institute, Williamstown
Time: 3 to 5 p.m.
There will be a free performance of ‘Sammie And Dan: Singing and Holiday Cheer’ in the Clark’s auditorium, located in the Manton Research Center. More information here.
Multiple Days
Pittsfield Festive Frolic
Friday and Saturday
This Friday and Saturday Downtown Pittsfield will be transformed into a festive wonderland full of holiday themed activities including the annual Park Square Tree Lighting on Friday at 6 p.m.
During the two day frolic, local businesses will be hosting activities for all ages including free arts & craft opportunities, Pictures with Santa, a Hot Chocolate Bar and Photo Booth, and more.
On Friday, those 21 and over can participate in the Elf Invasion Pub Crawl. Dress up in Elf attire as you visit some of the local pubs and bars. Line-up here.
Purchase an Elf ID in advance online or in person at 101 Restaurant & Bar on December 2 starting at 6:45 pm to secure an elf accessory and a Berkshire Mountain Distillers’ sample at each location.
The Williamstown Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 40th annual Holiday Walk weekend. This communitywide celebration features events at various venues including live musical performances, a market, drives, and more.
An innovative and immersive sound and light experience set against the backdrop of Edith Wharton's historic home. Wander the illuminated 3/4-mile route through the woods and gardens for an otherworldly experience that evokes wonder and awakens the imagination.
Children under 12 are free, children ages 13 to 18 are $12, and adults are $25. More information here.
Festival of Trees: NOSTALGIA
Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield
Nov. 18 to Jan. 7
Visit the museum and get into the holiday spirit with the decades-old celebration Festival of Trees which features trees decorated by community members, businesses, and institutions with ties to the community.
Three of the Trustees of Reservations' properties will be decorated with holiday light displays, including Naumkeag. The immersive holiday light displays also feature festive music and seasonal treats.
The event happens Wednesdays through Sundays until January 6. More information here.
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Afternoon Arrival Estimated for Harris on Saturday
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to arrive in Pittsfield early Saturday afternoon, according to emerging information about the campaign event.
Gov. Maura Healey will greet her at Westfield-Barnes Airport around 12:30 p.m. The Pittsfield event is expected to start around 1:30 p.m.
"Please be advised that due to a special event occurring in the downtown area, we ask the public to follow all posted detours between 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 27," a press release from the city reads.
"Drivers should also expect delays downtown and should consider alternate routes. Parking restrictions will also be in place. Residents, visitors and event attendees should keep these temporary closures in mind when traveling."
Harris was scheduled for the sold-out event in downtown Pittsfield before being suddenly elevated to presidential candidate on Sunday. The original Biden-Harris fundraiser is now a Harris fundraiser but it was unclear if she would continue with her scheduled appearances.
Tickets sold out almost immediately, ranging from $100 to thousands of dollars.
"For security purposes," event details have not been disclosed such as the time and location. It is assumed to occur at the Colonial Theatre based on a seating chart in the Eventbrite ticket link though, a representative from the theater last week denied knowledge of the event — then directed the caller to the Eventbrite link.
Josh Landes, WAMC's Berkshire bureau chief, has confirmed that he will be at the event and posted details to social media on Friday.
"We expect the program [at the Colonial Theatre] to begin at approximately 1:20 p.m. ET and for the show to conclude at 2:40 p.m. ET," the post reads.
"The program will include remarks from Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, Congressman Richie Neal, Fmr. Governor Deval Patrick and Heather Cox Richardson as well as performances by James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma, and Emanuel Ax. Concessions will be available for purchase at the venue."
The Select Board expressed its support in continuing to research the prospect of installing level three electric vehicle fast charging stations in town. click for more
Warren said equitable access to health care also helps economically, as more people can work to support themselves, help their own families, and manage themselves and others.
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The committee will be examining all the options for a new police station or combined public safety facility. The goal is to have a recommendation for the Select Board by a year from December.
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