Downtown Pittsfield Festive Frolics Kicks Off With the Tree Lighting Ceremony
Pittsfield— The City of Pittsfield’s Park Square Tree Lighting Ceremony will return in-person on Friday, December 2 starting at 6 p.m. The Taconic High School Chorus will perform a variety of carols around 5:45 p.m. before the ceremony begins, the Berkshire Hills Chorus will perform more carols once the tree has been lit, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive following the tree lighting. Those planning to attend the ceremony are asked to bring non-perishable food items that will be donated to the Christian Center’s food pantry.
Otto’s Kitchen & Comfort, 95 East Street, will host a free Hot Chocolate Bar with all the fixins and a Photo Booth from 5 to 7 p.m. on December 2.
Enjoy the acapella melodies of Berkshires-based group Women of Song performing festive music around the Berkshire Museum’s 15-foot Christmas tree in the Santa Classics exhibition. The performance is included with Festive Frolic extended hours admission! All ages are welcome! The Winter Fest exhibitions, Santa Classics and Hoots Holiday, and select first floor galleries will be open 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, December 2 for a reduced admission price. Adults $5, Children (under 18 years of age) $3, and Children under 3 and Museum members are free.
The Wreath Art Auction also makes its return to the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Avenue, on Friday, December 2. Dozens of local artists and members of the Springside Greenhouse Group have donated their talent, time, and materials to create one-of-a-kind, original holiday wreaths, centerpieces, kissing balls, and more. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these original works of art will be donated to the South Congregational Church’s food pantry. The preview party begins at 5 p.m. and the live auction will take place after the Park Square Tree Lighting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door for a suggested donation of $10. Light food and beverages will be available.
Join Berkshire Art Center (BAC), 141 North Street, for a Free Family Drop-In Holiday Art Activity from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 2, and on Saturday, December 3, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Families and people of all ages are welcome to participate at their own pace with the guidance and support of a faculty artist. Free Family Drop-Ins are open to the public and all children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required.
On Friday, December 2, Witch Slapped, 78 North Street, will stay open until 8 pm with The Emerald Phoenix popped up and a free kids’ event from 5 to 8 p.m. where they can make their own ornament. At 6:30 p.m., there will be a Drag Storytime as Island Fawn reads a children’s holiday story.
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North Adams— The last First Friday of 2022 will happen on December 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. with a full lineup of holiday festivities in downtown North Adams.
A few highlights of the events include a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” by Mayor Jennifer Macksey at the Bear & Bee Bookstore at 5 p.m., a bell ringer concert at Terra Nova Church at 7 p.m., make your own s’mores at the firepit at the First Congregational Church starting at 5 p.m., a free carriage ride by McKay Farm, and holiday tunes by the Drury High School Band at 5 p.m. at Terra Nova Church.
Several bars and restaurants will offer special seasonal cocktails and dishes including Door Prize, Mohawk Tavern, Desperados Mexican Restaurant, Grazie, and Freight Yard Pub.
These special FIRST Friday Holiday Festivities are held in conjunction with the LumiNAMA Downtown Holiday Lights Walk starting on November 23 and running nightly through New Year’s Day. Enjoy all the holiday lights and window displays by walking along Marshall, Holden, Main, and Eagle Streets, and Center Street behind 85 Main Street. LumiNAMA is sponsored by the North Adams Chamber of Commerce and National Grid.
While businesses will sport their holiday displays, event attendees are encouraged to wear lights and bright outfits as well.
A full list of events can be found at namchamber.org/events.
