Norman Rockwell Museum presents ‘Norman Rockwell: Home for the Holidays’
Stockbridge— From November 9th through February 23rd, Norman Rockwell Museum presents “Norman Rockwell: Home for the Holidays,” a heartwarming collection of the artist’s iconic holiday-themed works from Valentine’s Day and Independence Day to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.
Renowned for his ability to capture the spirit and warmth of American life, Rockwell’s paintings in this exhibit reflect the joy, nostalgia, and togetherness of the holiday season. Featuring scenes of family gatherings, festive preparations, and the simple pleasures of holiday traditions, the exhibition offers a glimpse into Rockwell’s masterful storytelling and his enduring celebration of Americana.
The exhibit runs from November 9th through February 23rd at Norman Rockwell Museum, located at 9 Glendale Road in Stockbridge. More information can be found online.
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The Mount announces its fifth year of ‘NightWood’
Lenox— From November 22nd to January 4th, The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home, presents its fifth year of “NightWood,” an innovative sound and light experience that takes visitors on a journey through a fantastical winter landscape.
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. The illuminated one-mile route winds through the woods and gardens of The Mount. There will be fire pits at the trailhead and warming stations along the way. The Mount Bookstore will be open and the NightWood Café will be serving hot chocolate, hot apple cider, beer, and wine, and seasonal treats in the Mansion courtyard. A food truck will also be on-site for some of the evenings.
The exhibit runs from November 22nd to January 4th at The Mount, located at 2 Plunkett Street in Lenox. Reservations and more information can be found online.
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The ‘Grinchmas’ spirit returns to the Springfield Museums
Springfield— Now through January 12th, the Springfield Museums is thrilled to present the return of “Grinchmas,” the most wonderful, awful way to celebrate the holiday season!
Hearts will grow three sizes during annual festivities that honor Springfield native Theodor Seuss Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, the author who revolutionized learning how to read by making it fun. New this year, the Grotto also features an interactive Who-ville Snack Shack and a towering ice sculpture station that are sure to amuse visitors of all ages. “Grinchmas is a one-of-a-kind experience that features photo ops in the laugh-filled Grinch’s Grotto, a look at the Grinch Cadillac owned by none other than Ted Geisel (AKA) Dr. Seuss himself and activities galore,” says Kay Simpson, President and CEO of the Springfield Museums. “You won’t want to miss it!”
The exhibit runs now through January 12th at the Springfield Museums, located at 21 Edwards Street in Springfield. More information including a schedule of the Grinch’s live appearances can be found online.
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Berkshire Museum presents ‘Festival of Trees: Aquatica’
Pittsfield— From November 23rd through January 5th, Berkshire Museum is proud to once again present its annual “Festival of Trees.”
“Festival of Trees: Aquatica” is a community celebration of holiday creativity, and this year’s theme is all about the sea, river, and wetland critters that we know and love.
The exhibit runs from November 23rd through January 5th at the Berkshire Museum, located at 39 South Street in Pittsfield. More information can be found online.
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Clark Art Institute presents a holiday concert by Wanda Houston and the Wanda Houston Project
Williamstown— On Friday, December 6th at 6 p.m., the Clark Art Institute kicks off Williamstown’s 41st Holiday Walk Weekend with a festive concert featuring one of Berkshire County’s favorite singers, Wanda Houston and the Wanda Houston Project.
Houston kicks the season off in style with a spirited concert blending holiday music with her signature song stylings. Houston’s powerhouse voice and mesmerizing mix of jazz and R&B influences give every tune a distinctive sound. This concert promises to put you in the holiday mood.
The concert is on Friday, December 6th at 6 p.m. at the Clark Art Institute, located at South 225 Street in Williamstown. More information can be found online. More information about Holiday Walk Weekend can also be found online.
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Williamstown Theatre Festival presents ‘Feeling Glittery,’ with Alysha Umphress and featuring Trevor M. Pierce on piano
Williamstown— On Sunday, December 8th at 3 p.m., Williamstown Theatre Festival (WTF,) as part of Williamstown’s 41st Holiday Walk Weekend, presents ‘Feeling Glittery,’ with Alysha Umphress and featuring Trevor M. Pierce on piano, at The Clark.
Join Broadway and WTF Cabaret songstress Alysha Umphress for an afternoon of jazzy and soulful holiday tunes Some are very familiar, some less so, and some you’ll hear in a way you’ve never heard before, and all will be merry, bright, and glittery!
The concert is on Sunday, December 8th at 3 p.m. at the Clark Art Institute Auditorium, located at 225 South Street in Williamstown. More information can be found online. More information about Holiday Walk Weekend can also be found online.
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Berkshire County Historical Society presents a holiday tea and Santa Claus lecture at Arrowhead
Pittsfield— On Sunday, December 1st from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Berkshire County Historical Society presents a holiday tea and lecture at Arrowhead.
Join historian Lorraine German for a tea and talk about the origins of Santa Claus. She will present her talk, “How Santa Claus Came to Town” that tells the story of Santa Claus in America, tracing his journey from beloved European saint to New Amsterdam’s St. Nicholas, and finally to the jolly gift-giver we’re all familiar with.
The event is on Sunday, December 1st from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Arrowhead, located at 780 Holmes Road in Pittsfield. More information can be found online.
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Berkshire Botanical Garden’s annual Holiday Marketplace and Gallery of Wreaths
Stockbridge— From December 6th through the 8th, Berkshire Botanical Garden presents its annual Holiday Marketplace and legendary Gallery of Wreaths.
The festivities begin on Friday, December 6th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with the Holiday Wreath Preview Party, a glittering and fun start to the weekend with early wreath buying, a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, a raw bar, libations, live music, and merriment.
The festivities continue on Saturday and Sunday, December 7th and 8th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the Holiday Marketplace. Enter the festively decorated exhibit hall where you can shop from the best selection of regional artisan vendors. There will be an assortment of holiday-blooming amaryllis and paperwhites in decorative and clay containers, succulent arrangements, garlands, hanging terrariums, and other gift items available for sale. There will also be activities for children and families.
The event is December 6th through the 8th at the Berkshire Botanical Garden, located at 5 West Stockbridge Road in Stockbridge. More information can be found online.
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First annual ‘Wintermarkt at the Vanderpoel House’
Kinderhook, N.Y.— On Saturday, December 7th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the James Vanderpoel House, a landmark 1820 home, and Columbia County Historical Society property, will host its first-ever “Wintermarkt at the Vanderpoel House,” a holiday market, curated by the creator of Mercantile at the Vanderpoel House.
Wintermarkt promises a unique and magical shopping experience that supports both local artisans and the Columbia County Historical Society (CCHS,) featuring a select lineup of twelve of the best local makers offering artisanal, handmade, and antique gifts on the first floor of the historic home. Beloved Hudson bakery Nine Cakes, which closed its doors in July, will be at the market for one-time-only selling their covetable holiday baked goods. Customers may place pre-orders online by December 1st for pick-up at Wintermarkt. There will also be a Mercantile gift-wrapping table benefitting CCHS.
Wintermarkt will feature live Christmas music performed by local musicians Madison Shulkin and Séamus Maynard, adding to the market’s festive ambiance. The festive atmosphere will be enhanced as Wintermarkt coincides with the CCHS’s annual Gallery of Wreaths, now in its 38th year. CCHS Executive Director Lisa Weilbacker shares, “The house will be adorned with over 40 wreaths, generously donated by the Wintermarkt vendors and community members, all available for bidding in the silent auction. It’s one of our most treasured traditions.”
The event is on Saturday, December 7th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the James Vanderpoel House, located at 16 Broad Street in Kinderhook, N.Y. More information, including a list of vendors, can be found online.
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Berkshire Potters Collective second annual ‘Holiday Pottery Sale’
Lenox— From December 6th through the 8th, Berkshire Potters Collective presents its second annual Holiday Pottery Sale at the Lenox Town Hall.
On Friday, December 6th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., coinciding with the Lenox Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, there will be an opening reception filled with festive energy. The sale continues on Saturday and Sunday, December 7th and 8th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Holiday Sale will feature the work of 19 Berkshire potters from functional to sculptural, and whimsical to sophisticated. Whether searching for just the right mug or a statement piece for yourself or as a gift, you’re likely to find many wonderful options.
The sale is December 6th through the 8th at the Lenox Town Hall, located at 6 Walker Street in Lenox. More information can be found online.
