Adams Holiday Home Decorating Contest Registration Open

ADAMS, Mass. — The Events Committee in Adams has announced the details for the 2024 Holiday Home Decorating Contest. 

All residents within the boundaries of the Town of Adams are eligible to participate.  Entry applications are available on the Town's website and must be received no later than 5 pm on Friday, December 6, 2024.  Once all registrations have been received, a map will be created and posted online Wednesday, December 11.

Contest is for exterior decorations only, including decorations in windows that are visible from the exterior.  Judging will be done from outside the residence only and from the street; community members are not to enter the property to view back or side yards.   

Three prizes will be awarded:  One 1st prize - $150.00 Gift Card to the Adams Hometown Market, One 2nd prize - $100.00 Gift Card to the Adams Hometown Market and One 3rd prize - $50.00 Gift Card to the Adams Hometown Market.  The Community Choice award winner will receive a gift card.

The community is encouraged to drive around and view all the entries and cast a vote using the online voting form.  Judging will be done from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, Dec. 13 – Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.  The on-line app will be open until 8 pm on December 15 for community members to cast their votes.  A Judging Panel will choose 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.  The community will choose the Community Choice winner. 

Holiday Home Decorating participants should ensure that all lights, animations and decorations are in place and activated for the judging periods on both nights.

Entry is free as there are no costs or fees to apply to participate.  The Committee encourages residents to be creative, festive, fun and safe this holiday season.

Visit https://www.town.adams.ma.us/ to sign up or learn more about this event.

Cheshire Festival of Trees on View Until Dec. 31

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
12:19PM / Thursday, December 18, 2025

Businesses, nonprofits, schools and town departments provided trees for the display that reflected their missions or services. 

CHESHIRE, Mass. — There is still time to experience the festive atmosphere of the Community House. 

 

The moment you step into the town offices, you're greeted by the scent of fresh pine wafting from about 70 beautifully decorated trees on display. 

 

The town's festival of trees will be on display Monday through Thursday from 10 to 4, Friday and Saturday from 10 to 8, and Sunday from 10 to 5 until Dec. 31. The building will be closed Dec. 24 and 25. 

 

The idea started four years ago with Department of Public Works Director Corey McGrath's vision to display a decorated, lighted tree in all 13 windows of the Community House, the former Cheshire School.

 

A large part of it was to bring the community back into the building that was a mess five years ago, he said. 

 

The purpose of the building is in its name — a community pillar housing the town offices and Youth Center Inc., and a community hub featuring activities from dancing, craft fairs, wrestling, and more.  

 

Since its establishment, the display has grown into the festival it is today featuring raffles, a Christmas village, nutcrackers, and, of course, trees.