NightWood
The Mount
Lenox, Mass.
Nov. 19 – Jan. 3
NightWood is a sound and light experience that will transform the property into a fantastical winter landscape for the holidays. Inspired by the natural beauty and architecture of The Mount, NightWood will immerse visitors in a series of vignettes designed to evoke elements of fantasy, mystery, and whimsy. All participants are required to wear a mask and observe social distancing rules. Reservations are required. This special event runs 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 26 to Jan. 3.
Information: EdithWharton.org
Thanksgiving on the Farm
Hancock Shaker Village
Pittsfield, Mass.
Nov. 27- 28
Spend a leisurely day at the Village enjoying woodworking and blacksmithing demos, Shaker talks, a Turkey Walk and Talk (registration required), hikes on our beautiful trails, and children’s activities like smooshing pumpkins and feeding them to the hungry pigs. A fun Saturday foraging workshop (think holiday swag) will be available for an extra fee. Most activities included with admission.
Information: hancockshakervillage.org
Winterlights
Naumkeag
Stockbridge, Mass.
Nov. 27 – Jan. 2
A dazzling feast for the eyes, with more than 150,000 energy-efficient LEDs spread across Naumkeag’s historic estate and gardens. The displays will run Tuesdays through Sundays from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only 50 people will be allowed on the property at a time, with 200 people allowed per night. Other changes this year include one-way foot traffic, one pass through each display, masks and social-distancing. Parking will be on-site. This event is expected to sell out.
Information and tickets: thetrustees.org/program/winterlights
Thanksgiving Concert
Taconic Chamber Players
Manchester Community Library
Manchester Center, Vt.
Nov. 28
Join members of the Taconic Chamber Players from 4 to 5 p.m. on Nov. 28 for “Remembering Michael Rudiakov,” a concert in memory of the 20th anniversary of cellist Michael Rudiakov’s passing. Reservations are required; a link will open in early November on the chamber’s website. Concert is free, with a suggested minimum donation of $15 per adult.
Information: taconicmusic.org
Festival of Trees: Legends of the Berkshires
Berkshire Museum
Pittsfield, Mass.
Nov. 30 – Jan. 3
Dive into the history of the first recorded baseball game, learn about the famous figures who grew up in the Berkshires and investigate rumors of mysterious sightings in our hills with a collection of bright and colorful winter displays. This year’s Festival of Trees will extend from the Berkshire Museum’s galleries into shops, restaurants, offices, and other locations throughout the city during the month of December.
Information: berkshiremuseum.org
Hildene Holidays
Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home
Manchester, Vt.
Dec. 3 – Jan. 1
Experience Hildene, the estate of Robert Todd and Mary Lincoln, as guests visiting the couple for the holidays in 1912 would have. The house remains decorated throughout the month, and on weekends, musicians will be on hand to play the Lincolns’ 1908 Aeolian organ and Steinway piano. Call 800-578-1788 for details.
Information: hildene.org
Canine Christmas Doggie Slumber Party
The Wilburton Inn
Manchester, Vt.
Dec. 4-6
Kick off the holidays with The Wilburton Inn’s socially-distanced Canine Christmas Doggie Slumber Party! The Wilburton Inn and Jetson, the canine concierge, welcome all breeds to their sixth annual celebration. The fun begins with an ugly Christmas sweater fashion parade and continues throughout the weekend with parties, pet portraits and more. Check with the inn for package rates and details.
Information: wilburtoninn.com
31st Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas
Virtual
Dec. 4-6
Celebrate Norman Rockwell’s painting of the quintessential New England town at Christmas with this annual favorite — virtually. The Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce has canceled all in-person activities this year, but plans to keep the spirit of the event alive through social media posts and by sharing archival videos and highlights.
Information: stockbridgechamber.org/visit/stockbridge-main-street-at-christmas
Holiday Craft Market
Southern Vermont Arts Center
Manchester, Vt.
Dec. 5 – 6
Southern Vermont Arts Center’s Holiday Market, a vendor and artisan craft fair, will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Please check the website for more information.
Information: svac.org
36th Wassail Weekend
Woodstock, Vt.
Dec. 11-13
For one weekend in December, the entire town of Woodstock transforms into a holiday wonderland. While things are sure to be a little different this year, the town is promising the weekend will still be packed with fun events. Past intiniearies have included: breakfast with Santa Claus, tours of some of the town’s most historic homes, concerts, eating like royalty at the Wassail feast, shopping for friends and family at the pop-up markets and taking a step back into the 19th century at Billings Farm. Check event website for the most current information.
Information: woodstockvt.com/events/wassail-weekend
Hancock Holidays
Hancock Shaker Village
Pittsfield, Mass.
Dec. 12
Hancock Shaker Villiage’s annual tradition continues! It’s a full day of fun for all ages, including drop-in cookie decorating and ornament making workshops (small fee applies), artisan demos, a gingerbread contest, storytime with Santa (registration required), caroling, a fire pit, and Shaker talks. And, of course, a visit with the animals in the barn is a must. Most activities included with admission.
Information: hancockshakervillage.org
