There will be plenty of events in the Berkshires this weekend including a holiday lights parade, live music, train rides, and more.
Editor's Pick
Adams Holiday Lights Parade
3 Columbia St, Adams
Time: 6 p.m.
The Adams Alert Hose Company/ Fire Department, Adams Forest Wardens Northern Berkshire EMS and the Adams Police Department will escort Santa around town for one last tour before the big night.
Santa has challenged each department to see who has the best decorated vehicle. Route information here.
Friday
Otan Vargas Performance
Knox Trail Inn, Otis
Time: 7 p.m.
Otan will share a message about overcoming darkness through his music, which reflects themes of struggle, sorrow, and resilience. More information here.
Holiday Party
Dotties Coffee Lounge, Pittsfield
Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
There will be a performance by Code Blue Duo. The event will also feature giveaways, including gift certificates, Dottie's sweatshirts, and one-month subscriptions for free coffee/espresso drinks.
The dinner menu is available for $20. More information here.
Ugly Sweater Contest
Antimony Brewing, Lenox
Time: 7 p.m.
To celebrate National Ugly Sweater Day, the brewery is inviting patrons to wear their best ugly sweaters for a chance to win prizes, including gift cards, collector mugs, T-shirts, and more.
Try some of the brewery's new releases, such as Peach Vanilla Ionic Sour IPA and Slipper Rock Imperial Stout while listening to live music by Pug & John.
Sing your heart out to your favorite tunes and have a drink. More information here.
Saturday
The Mrs. Claus Cookie Express
Hoosac Valley Train Rides, Adams
Time: 1:30 and 3 p.m.
Take a scenic ride on a train with the family. Each passenger will receive cookies from Mrs. Claus. Tickets range from $4 to $29. Space is limited. More information here.
Lee Bell Choir
Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield
Time: 2 p.m.
The Lee First Congregational Bell Choir will be performing in the Crane Room among the museum's Festival of Trees. More information here.
Winter Solstice: Restore & Renew
Berkshire Yoga Dance & Fitness, Pittsfield
Time: 10:15 a.m.
A winter solstice yoga experience with Nora Fenner will be offered both in-studio and online.
The class is designed to help release tension, clear away stress, and fully embrace the season of rest and renewal using gentle poses, soothing sounds of healing instruments, and a focus on self-care.
Tickets are $30 per person and all passes and memberships are accepted. Pre-registration required. More information here.
Roxie's Howliday Market
Roxie's Barkery, North Adams
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.n.
Shop from three small businesses to get stocking stuffers for your pups or friends who share in your love of dogs. The local pet supply store will open its doors to two other small businesses, GoodLife Sweets and Treats and Clay and Oak.
The Shire Cottage will be selling a range of treats including macarons, cookie gift packs, whoopie pies, cinnamon rolls, and more. There will also be coffee from Tunnel City, hot chocolate, and a range of lattes, including espresso, peppermint mocha, gingerbread, peppermint, raspberry chai, and vanilla chai.
Santa will stop by at 10 a.m. More information here.
Winter Farmers Market
GreylockWorks, North Adams
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Berkshire Grown's winter farmers' market offers locally-grown food, including fresh greens, winter squash, root crops, apples, meat, cheese, jam, honey and maple syrup, baked goods, and more. Local artisan crafters round out the market offerings, and each market features live music.
SNAP users receive a Market Match of up to $30 per market, and each market includes vendors with HIP-eligible products.
Skate at the clubs ice skating rank. Tickets are cash only and cost $5 for members and $10 for non-members and adults
Skate Rentals are free. Space is limited. More information here.
Grinch Brunch
American Legion Post 160, Adams
Time: 8 a.m. to noon
Meet the Grinch, wear festive holiday attire and have brunch to fundraise for the Top Tier Elite all-star cheerleading teams. Tickets are $15. More information here.
Multiple Days
A Christmas Carol
The Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge
Time: Dec. 18 through 22
Watch live on stage the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, the infamous miser who is shown the error of his ways and reformed by four spirits. Tickets are $30 and up. More information here.
Radiant Nights Festival
Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield
Dec. 7 through 31
The village's multisensory holiday experience is back. Artist Joe Wheaton's video projections and audio experiences illuminate the museum's historic buildings.
After taking in the approximate one-mile route of light installations, sound, exhibits, and images, guests are invited to visit the farm animals, relax by the fire pit, and enjoy a drink and specialty fare from a pop-up bar and the café operated by Woodlife Farm Market.
Admission is free for members and children under 12. More information here.
Nightwood
The Mount, Lenox
Nov. 22 to Jan. 4: Weekends and select weekdays from 5 to 8 p.m.
The grounds of Edith Wharton's home is decked out with lights and music to provide an immersive experience to its visitors. This year, discover a new trail that takes you deeper into the woods, plus several new encounters that explore the lifecycle of trees.
Tickets are free for community partners and EBT, WIC or ConnectorCare Card holders as part of the museum's NightWood Card to Culture program.
Tickets are $27, youth between 13 and 18 are $12, and children 12 and younger are free. More information can be found here.
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Brown Street Bridge Reopens in North Adams
By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
Mayor Jennifer Macksey is the first to drive across the bridge, closed since early 2023.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Mayor Jennifer Macksey led a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Dec. 15, marking the official reopening of the Brown Street Bridge.
"We are very excited despite the cold weather," Macksey said before the ribbon-cutting. "… We are chipping away at these projects, but this is long overdue."
The bridge had been closed to all vehicle traffic since March 2023 after being deemed structurally deficient by the state Department of Transportation (MassDOT). The 26-foot steel structure, built in 1952, was flagged after its superstructure rating fell to 3.
The reopening follows a temporary repair project designed to safely restore access while the city and state determine a long-term plan. The temporary repair contract was awarded to J.H. Maxymillian at a cost of $349,920.
Funding for the project included $75,000 from state Chapter 90 road funds, with the balance was covered by state flood money the city had been previously awarded following a severe storm in July several years ago.
The mayor emphasized the critical need to reopen the span, particularly for public safety.
"The perception behind that was we have flooding on West Main Street and River Street, we have to use this bridge," she said. "We are very excited to have it open. Not only to alleviate traffic problems down at the intersection of Big Y and the intersection of City Hall, but to help our friends at emergency management with the ambulance."
The bridge had been closed to all vehicle traffic since March 2023 after being deemed structurally deficient by the state Department of Transportation. click for more
The Water Department has been responding to multiple water line breaks throughout the city since Friday, causing temporary loss of water in some areas. click for more
Nearly a year of study and community input about the deteriorating Veterans Memorial Bridge has resulted in one recommendation: Take it down. click for more
The new thrift and consignment shop on Marshall Street is a little bit "Punky" with an eclectic mix of shiny, vintage and eccentric curated items. click for more