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Christmas Past is Present in Stockbridge
“Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas (Home for Christmas),” Norman Rockwell.Oil on canvas. “McCalls,” December 1967. ©1967. Licensed by Norman Rockwell Licensing, Niles, IL. From the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum.
All over the United States, people fantasize about an old-fashioned Christmas, the kind you see in the paintings at the Norman Rockwell Museum. But only the town elders in Stockbridge can deliver the genuine artifact by recreating the iconic 1967 painting (above), which Rockwell worked on for a decade. For the 19th year in a row, the Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce will recreate the painting on Main Street with the same decorations and some 50 vintage cars on Sunday, December 7, from noon to 2 PM. Many locals wish the time warp would last for longer. Says Maisie Deely, with tongue in cheek: “As a native New Englander, Main Street has always resonated with me as a comfortingly nostalgic vision of the Berkshires at Christmas, though it lacks the biting social critique of his lesser known Main Street in August, where the idyllic shopfronts are totally obscured by gridlocked SUV’s with Jersey plates.”
The old-fashioned Christmas spirit is not limited to the Main Street shops and Red Lion Inn, which bends the historic spirit by keeping the lights on and hanging decorations. (Back in the day, the Red Lion was closed in the winters). The Chamber of Commerce has a full schedule of events, and so do other local institutions.
Tree Lightings In Our Region
Saturday, December 6
Ashley Falls, MA
Hay rides, caroling and refreshements on the Town Green. 3:30 - 5 PM
Sharon, CT
Caroling with Salisbury Band Christmas Brass and Hot Chocolate Society. 4:45 PM
Lakeville, CT
Caroling, Gallery Night, and late-shopping, 4 - 7 PM
Sunday, December 7
Amenia, NY
Tree lighting at Fountain Square at 4:30. Photos with Santa at the library from 2:30 - 4:30 PM
Salisbury, CT
Parade of lights and caroling with the Salisbury Band Christmas Brass and Hot Chocolate Society at the White Hart Inn Green. 5 PM
Santa’s at the White Hart from 3 - 5 PM.
Sheffield, MA
Carol sing on Town Green and ecumenical service at the Old Parish House with refreshments. 6:30 PM
Saturday, December 6
Holiday House Tour 11 AM - 4 PM
A self-guided tour of historic inns and houses within walking distance of downtown, including the private home of Dan Symecko, Laurel Hill Place, Taggart House B&B, the Campbell House and the Mission House & Merwin House. Tickets: $15.
Holiday Art Sale at IS183, Art School of the Berkshires 11 AM - 5 PM
An official stop on the Stockbridge House Tour, showcasing Berkshires’ best artists & artisans. Kids can participate in free art-making while parents shop for beautiful, handcrafted gifts.
Caroling Luminaria Walk 6 - 7 PM
Meet in front of The Red Lion Inn and bring a candle or flashlight. After caroling, there will be a Luminaria walk to the First Congregational Church.
Holiday Concert 7:30 PM
Berkshire Lyric Theatre Chorus performs at the First Congregational Church.
Music of the Seasonat the Norman Rockwell Museum 4 - 7 PM
An evening of uplifting music, art-making, heart-warming treats, songs of holiday celebrations with a 5 PM sing-a-long with performance artist David Polansky. Children 18 and under free.
Saturday & Sunday, December 6 & 7
Holiday Marketplace at the Berkshire Botanical Garden 10 AM - 5 PM
Exhibition and sale of unique handcrafted wreaths and holiday decorations, seasonal blooms and greens, herb products, crafts and gift items.
Santa’s on Board at the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museume
Special 40-minute round-trip holiday train rides between Lenox and Lee with Santa on board. Trains leave Lenox at 11:00 a.m., Noon, 1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m
Adults: $11; seniors $10; Children (4 - 14) $7; kids under 4 ride free.
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