Winterlights returns to Naumkeag
Stockbridge— The always-popular event known as Winterlights will have Naumkeag awash in dazzling holiday light displays starting on November 24th. Tickets are now available to purchase online.
The immersive holiday light displays also feature festive music and seasonal treats. In 2020, Winterlights was named a top 10 Public Holiday Light Display in the country by USA TODAY. Winterlights landed at number six on the list, which includes holiday light shows from across America.
The shows run from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. The timed-entry tickets must be purchased in advance at www.thetrustees.org/winterlights. Tickets are not available on-site. Wednesdays and Thursdays, adult tickets are $20 for members or $25 for non-members, and children’s tickets (ages three to 13) are $7 for members and $12 for non-members. Fridays through Sundays, tickets are $25 for adult members and $30 for non-members and children’s tickets are $7 for members and $12 for non-members. Children aged two and under are admitted for free.
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The great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens, British actor Gerald Charles Dickens returns to Ventfort Hall to present a one-man theatrical performance ‘A Christmas Carol’
Lenox— The great-great-grandson of the literary legend Charles Dickens, British actor Gerald Charles Dickens returns to Ventfort Hall to present a one-man theatrical performance of his ancestor’s classic work “A Christmas Carol” on Thursday, November 30th and Friday, December 1st. An elegant tea will be served at 5:30 p.m. followed by his performance at 6:30 p.m.
Using his own adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale, Gerald plays 26 characters using his vocal and physical talents to bring each scene vividly to life. Gerald’s performance of “A Christmas Carol” has received standing ovations the world over.
Tickets for A Christmas Carol, which includes an elegant tea, are $75. Ventfort Hall will be decked in full Christmas regalia. Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling 413-637-3206. The historical mansion is located on Walker Street in Lenox.
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Grinchmas at the Springfield Museums featuring ‘The Grinch’s Grotto’
Springfield— Through January 14th, The Springfield Musems is proud to present this year’s Grinchmas festivities including
“The Grinch’s Grotto” exclusively available at the Museums.
The Grinch’s Grotto is located in the SIS Hall of the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History. The Grotto is a cave-like structure with a highly decorated chair for the old curmudgeon himself to greet visitors for selfies and portraits. The Grinch’s Grotto gives visitors and their loved ones a rare opportunity to visit the Grinch’s special cave and strike a pose or two–making it a great spot for holiday family photos. The Grotto also features a brand-new Who House and lots of other Who-ville features, plus interactive stations for visitors of all ages. Grow your heart three sizes with the joy of this immersive experience!
Visit the Museums’ website to see when to meet the Grinch in the Grotto and to learn about the many interactive activities available during Grinchmas.
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LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival returns to North Adams for a second year
North Adams— The second annual LumiNAMA Holiday Lights Festival has begun and runs through New Year’s Day.
Originally started in 2022, LumiNAMA was organized as an initiative to brighten and celebrate downtown North Adams during the holiday season. Residents and visitors are encouraged to walk down Main, Eagle, Holden, Marshall, and Ashland Streets to admire various light displays and installations as well as support local businesses and galleries during the start of the winter season. Previously unoccupied storefronts are illuminated once again. This year 20 different window displays are being decorated by the creative talents of local artists and community groups.
Dozens of business owners will create holiday displays for their own store windows and have the opportunity to submit their display to win an award dictated by passersby. In 2022, local artists and business owners vied for three awards: Brightest Lights, Best Artistic Installation, and Best Window Display.
“The North Adams Cultural District is thrilled to support LumiNAMA this year, helping to subsidize the cost of materials for those creating window displays to brighten unoccupied spaces,” said North Adams Mayor Jennifer Macksey.
Residents can help choose the best window displays by voting at https://www.luminama.com.
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The Berkshire Scenic Railroad Museum hosts Tinseliner Trains with Santa
Adams— From November 24th to December 17th, the Hoosac Berkshire Valley, Berkshire Scenic Railroad Museum’s (BSRM) scenic train ride based in Adams will be hosting Tinseliner Trains with Santa.
The trains are decorated for the season, and Santa Claus is a special guest on each trip. All aboard the Tinseliner train for Christmas carols and good cheer.
The rides are from November 24th to December 17th departing from Adams Station on Hoosac Street in Adams. Passenger parking is available next door at the Adams Visitor Center. Tickets are $25, $19 for children ages three to 12, and $3 for infants. A complete schedule and ticket information can be found online.
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The Berkshire Bach Society ‘Messiah’ sing-along
Great Barrington— Calling all singers! The Berkshire Bach Society holds its popular Messiah Sing-along on Saturday, November 25th at 4 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Great Barrington. Choral conductor James Bagwell leads The Berkshire Bach Players and invites everyone to raise their voice in popular choruses from Handel’s oratorio “Messiah” including “Hallelujah.” Bring your own score, or buy or borrow one from Berkshire Bach, and start the holiday season with this joyous annual tradition.
More information can be found online.
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Opening of Great Barrington Historical Society Christmas exhibit
Great Barrington— The Great Barrington Historical Society presents its annual “An Old Fashioned Christmas” exhibit at the Historical Society Museum at 817 South Main Street starting with a “Pie Friday” Premier on Friday, November 24th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. when visitors are invited enjoy a piece of holiday pie while exploring Christmas history and traditions.
This year’s exhibit is the sixth year the Society transforms its entire museum to tell the story of the holiday from Tudor England and the Colonies right up through the modern era. New this year is an emphasis on Christmas during the 1930’s depression and 1940’s War years as well as the Happy days of the 1950’s. Also, for the young and young at heart, the large Christmas village and train layout has been expanded this year to include Lemax building replicas of Rockwell’s famous painting of Stockbridge at Christmas.
The museum exhibit is open Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the holiday season. Admission is free.
