VISIT STOCKBRIDGE, MA OFFERING OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SHOPPING, DINING, LODGING, AND HISTORY ALL IN A SMALL-TOWN NEW ENGLAND SETTING
Experience our beautiful towns and all they have to offer for a wonderful time #intheberkshires. Rediscover the joys of the changing Seasons in #StockbridgeMA. Stockbridge has an incredible amount to do, see and experience. It’s known for many things: natural beauty, rich history, arts and culture, plenty of outdoor activities, great food, unique shops and of course great people offering New England Hospitality.
There is nothing like Autumn in the Berkshires of Western MA, and that goes double for Stockbridge, MA.
Get Ready for the Holidays in Stockbridge. The Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas event kicks off the holiday season on December 6-8, 2024. The charming New England village of Stockbridge, Massachusetts becomes truly magical, decorated with holiday wreaths and festive lights for the season. There is no shortage of holiday activities for the entire family to enjoy. Annual holiday celebrations, Winterlights, Historic Homes dressed in Christmas finery, Holiday Music, Theatre and Performances, are all on the agenda. Stockbridge is brimming with historic character and a Main Street that offers seasonal menu options and local gifts for your holiday shopping.
Click here for details Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas and other holiday activities in around #StockbridgeMA
MUSEUMS & HISTORIC SITES
STOCKBRIDGE, MA
Chesterwood is open annually May – October. Open daily 10am-5pm (closed Tuesday). Chesterwood is the historic home, studio and gardens of America’s foremost late 19th early 20th C. sculptor, Daniel Chester French, creator of the Lincoln Memorial. During the season they host on-going programs (“Art Alive” performances, family activities), Guided Tours, Woodland Trails, and a Contemporary Outdoor Sculpture Show throughout the grounds.
Chesterwood, announces the return of the annual “Christmas at Chesterwood” holiday event, December 8 through 22, Fridays to Sundays, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Last entry: 3:00 p.m.). Hear stories of the French Family’s Christmas traditions while visiting the historic Studio and ground floor of the Residence, decorated in style for the holidays. This family friendly event will also include complimentary hot cider and doughnuts. Advanced purchase of timed tickets required, available on the half hour. Tickets can be purchased at www.chesterwood.org. For group tour inquiries please write to chesterwood@savingplaces.org or call 413-298-2036.
Highlawn Farm is a third-generation family-owned dairy farm approaching our 100-year anniversary! They welcome visitors 7 days a week at our Farmstead Creamery Shop where they sell our farm-fresh creamery products, including milk & cream, slow-churned butter, cultured ghee, artisanal cheese, and premium ice cream. Also available are a variety of other locally-produced goods. Come grab an ice cream cone and relax at one of our picnic tables as our beautiful pure Jersey cattle herd grazes in the nearby fields.
The Mission House A National historic landmark, this colonial-era house and museum and garden tells the story of the Stockbridge Mohicans and missionary John Segeant. The gardens are open daily for self-guided tours, the interior of the house and Mohican Miles Exhibit is open seasonally, closed in the fall and winter. Guided tours are available on certain days during the summer.
Naumkeag House and Garden is open seasonally, end of May through early September, Thursday-Monday 10am-4pm. During the season experience gilded age style and splendor at this marvelous estate renowned for its elegant gardens and rare Berkshire Cottage. The Blue Steps, a series of fountain pools, the Afternoon Garden, Tree Peony Terrace, and Chinese Garden are but a few of the treasures on the grounds. Special events like Sunset Yoga, Backstairs Tours are offered through the summer season.
Other wonderful events like the Naumkeag Pumpkin Show takes place in Autumn and Winterlights in the Winter season. Check Calendar of events.
Feel the magic of the holidays at Winterlights. Sparkling light displays, lively music, and seasonal treats return to Naumkeag. Running November 29 – January 4, Every Wednesday-Sunday.
Norman Rockwell Museum is open Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Friday: 10am-4pm, and Saturday-Sunday 10am-5pm, offering special events, changing exhibits, museum store, lunch at The Runaway Cafe(seasonal).
Be surprised and delighted at the magnificence of Rockwell’s large scale original paintings and discover the highly relatable world of American Illustration – the art that tells our stories. The Museum strongly recommends the purchase of tickets in advance of your arrival to ensure entry into the Museum.
Norman Rockwell’s Studio is open May 1 through mid November, closed Wednesdays.
EXHIBITIONS ON DISPLAY:
Norman Rockwell: Cover Artist
Norman Rockwell: Highlights from the Collection
Virtual Exhibition: Norman Rockwell: Imagining Freedom
Rockwell Re-Interpreted: Highlights from the Permanent Collection
Norman Rockwell’s 323 “Saturday Evening Post” Covers
Norman Rockwell: Illustrating Humor, June 22 – Feb. 9, 2025
Unity Project: VOTE 2024! on view September 4 through November 8, 2024. The Unity Project is an art and civics initiative of the Norman Rockwell Museum and contemporary illustrators that is dedicated to an inclusive America in which all voices are heard. Inspired by the rich and continuing tradition of American illustration, this project inspires us to consider the integral role that published imagery plays in creating cultural narratives which connect us to our times.
Anita Kunz: Original Sisters, Portraits of Tenacity and Courage, a forthcoming exhibition of artworks by internationally acclaimed Canadian illustrator Anita Kunz. On view from November 9, 2024, through May 26, 2025, Anita Kunz: Original Sisters presents selections from the artist’s groundbreaking series of portraits of diverse and extraordinary women from ancient times to today, many unknown or underrecognized. This exhibition uncovers, amplifies, and celebrates the achievements of changemaking women worldwide, while also weaving together a “lost history” of women’s distinctive contributions within every possible field of endeavor. Norman Rockwell Museum is the first American museum, and just the third venue worldwide, to present original portraits from Kunz’s Original Sister series.
Illustrators of Light: Rockwell, Wyeth, and Parrish from the Edison Mazda Collection, on view from November 23, 2024, through January 4, 2026 is an exhibition featuring a rare series of paintings created to illustrate early twentieth-century lighting advertisements. This special exhibition highlights the artworks of Rockwell and fellow Golden Age illustrators Maxfield Parrish, N.C. Wyeth, Dean Cornwell, Stanley Arthurs, Worth Brehm, and Charles Chambers.
Rockwell Holidays at Norman Rockwell Museum See Rockwell’s original panorama painting of Main Street Stockbridge at Christmas, plus the annual display of the miniature Village of Stockbridge and train set and weekend tours of Norman Rockwell’s art and holiday collection to complete your Rockwellian experience in Stockbridge.
Friday, December 6, from 5 to 7 pm Sharing Light: Exhibition Opening & Holiday Reception, Join NRM for a festive evening celebrating the exhibition of never-before-seen paintings in The Light that Shines: Norman Rockwell and the Edison Mazda Paintings. Enjoy informal gallery tours with Chief Curator Stephanie Haboush Plunkett and holiday treats and libations.
December 7 & 8, Norman Rockwell’s Life and Holiday Art Guided Tours Tour and talk with a Museum docent; 30 min.
Stockbridge Library Procter Museum & Archives The library is open Tuesday 9am-8pm, Wednesday-Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-8pm & Saturday 9am-2pm. The Museum is open, Tuesday 1pm to 8pm, Wednesday 1pm to 5pm, Thursday 1pm to 5pm, Friday 1pm to 5pm and Saturday 9am-2pm. The library offers numerous events, programs for adults and children and free checkout of digital books, magazines and audio books. For a full list on events click here
LENOX, MA
Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum The Lenox Station museum and grounds is open every Saturday Memorial Day through Labor Day. Named by Yankee Magazine as one of the “Top 10 foliage train rides in New England” (2017), the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum’s mission is to preserve the history of railroading in the Berkshire Hills of Western Mass. Check calendar on website for Hoosac Valley Train Rides and Upcoming Special Train Excursions offered year round.
Some upcoming highlights for the Holidays is the The Tinseliner – A Christmas Train Experience and Mrs. Claus Cookie Express
Frelinghuysen Morris House & Studio From June to Columbus Day visit the home of American Abstract Artists George L.K. Morris and Suzy Frelinghuysen, set on a 46-acre estate in the heart of Lenox. View their paintings, frescoes, and sculpture; experience their exquisite collection of American and European Cubist Art.
The Mount is a historic house museum and vibrant cultural center with a variety of tours, programs, lectures, music, theater and events for you to enjoy. Check calendar.
The Main House and Bookstore is open daily from 10am to 3pm in November and December. The gardens and grounds are free and open daily year-round from dawn to dusk.
The Main house will be decorated for the Holidays by the Lenox Garden Club and will be all decked out starting Dec. 16th. House Tours are available on weekends. Nightwoods, a fantastical journey through light and sound returns to the Mount November 22-January 4. Guests wander the illuminated 3/4-mile route through the woods and gardens for an otherworldly experience that evokes wonder and awakens the imagination. Inspired by the natural world, NightWood combines cinematic and atmospheric music, theatrical lighting, and scenic elements to create encounters that evoke wonder, delight, and mystery. Book Now
Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum is open daily 10am to 4pm for self-guided tours. Reservations not needed. Ventfort Hall is an imposing Jacobean Revival-style mansion built in 1893 for Sarah Morgan, the sister of J. P. Morgan. Designed by the architects Rotch & Tilden
Check their calendar for special events, Tea & Talk, Psychic Medium Presentation, Tarot Readings, Paranormal Investigations and more.
Upcoming Highlights:
A Christmas Carol | Matinee December 6 at 2 pm SOLD OUT
Naughty or Nice: Songs of the Season Holiday Cabaret | Sunday, Dec. 15 at 3:30 pm
Marionette Show | Little Red Riding Hood | Dec. 27 & 28 at 3:30 pm
TYRINGHAM, MA
Bidwell House Museum is open Memorial Day to October. Authentically restored & located on 192 acres, the Bidwell House Museum tells the story of life in the 18th C Berkshires via seasonal programs and guided tours of the elegant c.1760 Georgian saltbox home. Grounds and gardens are open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing, FREE OF CHARGE, though donations are welcome.
Thursday, November 14th, 2024 Bidwell House Museum by Candlelight.
WILLIAMSTOWN, MA
Clark Art Institute is open Tuesday- Sunday 10am – 5pm and open daily in July and August, 10am – 5pm. Presenting exhibitions, collections, education and the Grounds. Trails at The Clark Art Institute campus are open 24/7.
Exhibitions:
Abelardo Morell In the Company of Monet and Constable (November 23, 2024–February 17, 2025) Featuring over a dozen large-scale photographs of the places where leading nineteenth-century landscape painters John Constable and Claude Monet made some of their most iconic works of art, the Clark Art Institute’s latest exhibition presents Cuban-American photographer Abelardo Morel in Abelardo Morell: In the Company of Monet and Constable, in the Eugene V. Thaw Gallery for Works on Paper in the Clark’s Manton Research Center.
Free Admission Opportunities:
Families: The Clark hosts a number of free family events during the year.
First Sunday Free of the season started October 6, 2024.
PERFORMING ARTS
The Berkshire Theatre Group has a variety of live performances lined up at their beloved Colonial theatre and Unicorn Stage. Call the box office at 413-997-4444 or visit link.
At the Unicorn Theatre in Stockbridge:
A Christmas Carol Thursday, Dec. 5 – Sunday, Dec. 22
Celebrate this timeless Berkshire County holiday tradition with the whole family, and revel in the joy and redemptive power of Christmas as told in the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, the infamous miser who is shown the error of his ways and reformed by four spirits. Journey back to Victorian England and experience the classic story filled with holiday carols and the wonderment of the season. For tickets, visit BerkshireTheatreGroup.org
Production by Charles Dickens adapted by Eric Hill
At the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield:
Warren Miller’s Seventy Five Nov. 7,
Mutts Gone Nuts: Santa Paws, Dec. 15 at 2PM
The Wizards of Winter, Dec. 21 at 7:30PM
New Year’s Eve with Max Creek, Dec. 31 at 8:30PM
Jacob’s Pillow Dance The 2024 Festival has come to a close, but the Pillow has plenty to offer year-round including digital streams, Pillow Lab Residences, Community Programs, and more.
We invite you to stay connected to all that’s happening at Jacob’s Pillow, with upcoming live broadcasts from the Pillow Lab alongside a host of on-demand content to watch and listen to whenever you like. Explore the playlist now!
Get ready for an exciting new season of Jacob’s Pillow Live, where dance comes alive on your screen, free for all! This fall, winter, and spring, the Pillow bringing you encore streams of standout performances, live presentations, insightful artist talks, and innovative content series.
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Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center presents live performances, film, and cultural events for all ages.
Some highlights include:
My Father’s Dragon Scott Eyerly’s Virtual Met Opera Lecture: Puccini’s Tosca Thursday, November 21 at 5:30 pm
The Wailin’ Jennys Saturday, November 23 at 8:00 pm
Met Opera Live in HD: Puccini’s Tosca Sunday, November 24 at 1:00 pm
“100 Years of Movies”
The final film in the 100 Years of Movies series is The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) on November 8.
In celebration of the holiday season, the theater will show The Wizard of Oz (1939) over Thanksgiving weekend on November 30, the Met Opera’s HD broadcast The Magic Flute (2006) on December 7, How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) on December 13, short film Olaf’s Frozen Adventure on loop for free on December 14, and It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) for free on December 20.
The hit touring radio show Selected Shorts Holiday Tales returns to the Mahaiwe on December 14
Cows and Holly Children’s author/songwriter Sandra Boynton will celebrate the release of her new Christmas album and songbook on December 19
John Pizzarelli Big Band in holiday tradition Mahaiwe perennial performer John Pizzarelli will return on December 21 with his big band.
NEW!! José González, Friday, March 28 at 8pm Indie-folk singer-songrwriter/guitarist José González is in a class by himself. Hailed by Rolling Stone as “someone whose subtle, carefully crafted music delivers rewards to listeners who know how to wait,” González’s stellar career can only be described as a dream. From selling out tours on virtually every continent to headlining prestigious festivals around the world to being asked to perform at 2020’s Nobel Prize Award Ceremony and seeing his recorded music exceed 1 billion streams, González is one of the most exciting and in-demand touring artists working today.
Shakespeare & Company
Shakespeare & Company presents classic and modern theater for all ages on indoor and outdoor stages.
2024 season performance continues
Galileo’s Daughter October 18 – November 3
“Smart & poignant… A quietly moving drama about truth and faith” — The Chicago Reader, Rattled by a personal crisis, a playwright flees to Florence to study the letters between Galileo and his eldest daughter Maria Celeste. Caught up in the threats against her father, Maria must abandon her work and join a convent. The writer’s discovery of Maria’s strength and tenacity inspires her own pursuit of purpose. Alternating between past and present, this play is a personal examination of faith, forgiveness, and the cost of seeking and speaking truth.
The Fall Festival of Shakespeare returns for its 36th year Thursday, November 21 through Sunday, November 24!
This year, more than 500 students will stage full-scale productions of Shakespeare’s plays at the Tina Packer Playhouse. Visit shakespeare.org to see the full schedule of performances, and join us on social media with the students, directors, school liaisons, and more via the hashtag #fallfestshakes!
Emma: A lively, costumed reading December 13-15
Emma Woodhouse prides herself on being a matchmaker with an impeccable track record, much to the chagrin of her dear friend Mr. Knightley. Her latest scheme revolves around the sweet Harriet Smith, whom Emma advises to reject a perfectly good marriage proposal in favor of another eligible bachelor. But her best-laid plans are turned upside down by unpredictable displays of affection, unexpected rivals and Emma’s sudden realization that true love may have been under her nose all along
Tanglewood is one of the world’s most beloved music festivals, famed summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and its training academy, the Tanglewood Music Center, as well as the Boston Pops. It’s also the year-round home of the Tanglewood Learning Institute. In a typical summer, Tanglewood welcomes more than 350,000 visitors to performances, recitals, and seminars across 500 acres nestled between Lenox and Stockbridge.
Tanglewood welcomes you to their beautiful grounds, open year-round, free of charge, for visitors to enjoy.
Upcoming Performances at
Tanglewood Studio E, Linde Center for Music & Learning, Stockbridge, MA
TLI Chamber Concert
November 2024
Friday, Nov 15, 7pm
TLI Presents: Nicole Zuraitis – How Love Begins
Sunday, Nov 24m 3pm
TLI Chamber Concert
December 2024
Saturday, Dec 14, 7pm
TLI Presents: BSO Holiday Brass
Sunday, Dec 15, 3pm
The Berkshire Bach Society is the oldest continuing member-based non-profit music organization in Berkshire County. We present live performances by professional musicians of the work of J.S. Bach and his Baroque mentors, peers, and followers ranging from solo recitals and chamber music to choral and orchestral works. Click here for Calendar:
The 2024-2025 season continues on Saturday, November 30, at 4 pm, with the popular FREE community Messiah Sing-Along. Internationally-known choral director James Bagwell leads the audience and The Berkshire Bach Players in favorite choruses from Handel’s oratorio Messiah at the First Congregational Church in Great Barrington. The event is sponsored by the Local Cultural Councils of Alford-Egremont, Lenox, New Marlborough, Sheffield, and Stockbridge.
The Berkshire Bach Players return on Saturday, December 7, at 5pm, in the Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas Holiday Concert sponsored by the Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce at the First Congregational Church in Stockbridge. Berkshire Bach helps raise funds for the Chamber in a program of holiday favorites, Baroque style, and a sing-along. Tickets available through the Stockbridge Chamber.
Eugene Drucker leads the full Berkshire Bach Ensemble in Bach at New Year’s, a celebration of Baroque Music for the New Year. This season’s event is a Marathon of ‘Brandenburgs,’ which recreate our first Bach at New Year’s concert in 1993 that started a holiday tradition. Performances are on Tuesday, December 30, Wednesday, December 31, and Thursday, January 1, 2025 at the Academy of Music in Northampton, the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington, and the newly-renovated Troy Savings Bank Music Hall in Troy (NY).
In February 2025 The Berkshire Bach Organ Masters return to showcase two of the area’s historic organs played by two consummate organists. On Saturday, February 8, Renée Anne Louprette kicks off the series with The Best of Bach–The Great Organ Works, an all-Bach program on the Johnson Organ at the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House in Housatonic, followed on Saturday, April 5, by Peter Sykes playing the historic Roosevelt Organ at the First Congregational Church in Great Barrington. The Organ Masters series spans Baroque through 20th-century repertoire and gives audiences the opportunity to hear the beautiful voices of two special organs that are true cultural treasures.
The Lions Den at the Red Lion Inn
Sound and Soul of the Berkshires since 1937
$10 music charge will be applied to the bill during the performance.
EMBRACE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE, RENEWAL AND HEALTH
From hiking the trails of the Laurel Hill Association to enjoying activities of the Stockbridge Bowl, to Skiing at nearby Otis Ridge Ski Area, Stockbridge has outdoor fun for all ages. Throughout the year, the lake is extensively used by canoers, kayakers, sailers, swimmers and fishermen. The Bowl, when frozen, is incredibly popular place for ice skating, snow shoeing and ice fishing.
Click here to see outdoor adventures #intheberkshires.
BerkshiresOutside.org A brand new, comprehensive clearinghouse of trailheads, boat launches, and access points to outdoor recreation in the Berkshires.
OUTDOOR GARDENS & ART WALKS Discover the beautiful gardens, grounds, and scenic views in our area. Most of our gardens, museums and historic sites are open for use of their outdoor grounds with restrictions. There is plenty of space and abundant fresh air that provides great venues for visitors to explore. Check out each venue’s website for their offerings.
Austen Riggs Center is a psychiatric residential treatment facility with a different approach: They treat the person, not just the diagnosis. Their caring experts work with each person to illuminate the stories behind your symptoms. Time, space, and support for reflection can lead you to better understand yourself and your relationships, enabling you to address a range of issues and build a more satisfying life. The Erikson Institute for Education, Research, and Advocacy makes the Austen Riggs Center a place of learning as well as healing. We invite you to join us at academic conferences, lectures, workshops, and other educational events. https://www.austenriggs.org/events
The Berkshire Arts Center is the leading provider of high quality, hands-on instruction in the visual arts year-round. They have an exciting lineup of classes, events and exhibitions happening in both Stockbridge and Pittsfield. To learn more about or register for Berkshire Art Center’s upcoming classes, and events, please visit www.berkshireartcenter.org.
The Berkshire Botanical Garden is open year-round for classes, lectures, workshops and exhibits, and the display gardens can be visited daily May 1st through October 31st. Tour gardens of all kinds – herb and perennial gardens, border gardens, rock gardens, and seasonal displays of fruit and flowering trees. Garden terrain is wheelchair accessible.
An extensive schedule of workshops, both online and in-person, is available as well. View a complete list of classes, workshops and events.
October
29 through Nov. 19: Soil and Soil Amendments
31 through Nov. 21:New England Native Plant Design
November
16: Creating a Holiday Wreath From Fresh and Dried Botanicals
16: Garden-Based Smartphone/Tablet Photography
23: Chainsaw Skills Workshop for Beginners
24: Chainsaw Skills Workshop Level 2
26 through Dec. 17: Plant Health Care
December
6-8: Holiday Marketplace
7: Herbal Holiday Gifts Workshop
7: The Quieting: A Meditation Gathering
14-21: Planting Design Studio
Holiday Marketplace and Gallery of Wreaths at Berkshire Botanical Garden
An eagerly awaited tradition continues at Berkshire Botanical Garden on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-8, with Holiday Marketplace featuring the legendary Gallery of Wreaths. The festivities begin Friday evening, Dec. 6, with the Holiday Wreath Preview Party in the Center House from 5 to 7 pm. The party includes early wreath-buying opportunities, live music, hors d’oeuvres, libations, and merriment! For tickets, visit BerkshireBotanical.org
The Holiday Marketplace runs Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7 & 8 from 10 am to 4 pm. Select from a collection of 100 unique, one-of-a-kind designer wreaths as well as an assortment of holiday-blooming amaryllis and paperwhites in decorative and clay containers, succulent arrangements, garlands, hanging terrariums and gift items presented by regional artisan vendors. Free Admission.
Berkshire South Regional Community Center has a variety of recreational, educational, cultural, health and social well-being classes and workshops. Check out their offerings and calendar of events.
Take their Monthly Member Challenge! Each month, they host a Member Fitness Challenge! Find Out More!
Community Supper is run on Mondays 5pm on a biweekly schedule. Since 2009, they have held community supper as a way to nourish your bodies through great food and company.
Visit Otis Ridge Ski Area! The most accessible mountain in the Berkshires! They offer lessons, night programs for kids & families, women’s program, group visits, overnight lodging, Airbnb rentals, rentals, retail & repair shop, birthday parties, private events, and more! While there visit the Grouse House, our bar & restaurant, for the best apres-ski experience!
Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health campus is nestled in the breathtaking Berkshire mountains. Come for a nourishing retreat full of yoga, nutritious meals, mindful outdoor experiences, and more. Explore upcoming programs led by Kripalu faculty and expert presenters on topics ranging from yoga to societal and personal transformation. See a full list of programs, retreats, healing art.
A Sampling of upcoming programs:
In Person
NOVEMBER 15–17 Finding Inner Peace in a Violent World
NOVEMBER 15–17 Deep Renewal in the Heart of Autumn: A Yoga, Meditation, and Nature Retreat
NOVEMBER 29–DECEMBER 1 Secrets of the Kripalu Kitchen Jeremy Rock Smith
NOVEMBER 29–DECEMBER 1 Shiatsu, Meditation, and Mindful Movement Kumiko Kanayama
REDISCOVER the STOCKBRIDGE, MA area & SUPPORT LOCAL
Our galleries, stores, services, restaurants are open year-round, and we encourage you to Support Local. Enjoy a stroll through our town and rediscover the many brick-and-mortar businesses, where you will most likely be greeted by a friendly owner. Many of our stores also offer online shops, our restaurants alfresco dining, pickup and delivery and services offered by appointment
SERVING NEW ENGLAND HOSPITALITY
