The Big Chill Brings Midwinter Energy to Hancock Shaker Village this Weekend

We haven’t had a winter this consistently frigid in a long while. This weekend, as temperatures rise into the balmy mid-30s, Hancock Shaker Village leans into the season with The Big Chill, a two-day festival designed to embrace the moment and get folks together on their beautifully frozen campus.

The annual event takes place Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm, inviting visitors onto the 750-acre historic campus for an afternoon of winter activity highlighting the Village’s agricultural and craft traditions. Rather than replicate its full warm-weather programming, Hancock opens select buildings and concentrates on demonstrations and hands-on experiences that suit February’s punishing presence.

Founded in the late 18th century, the Hancock Shaker community was known for its disciplined communal life, architectural ingenuity, and self-sufficient farming practices. Today, the site preserves 20 historic structures, including the Round Stone Barn, and interprets more than two centuries of Shaker history. Throughout the weekend, visitors can watch blacksmithing, woodworking, and wood carving demonstrations—trades that were central to Shaker life.

On Saturday, staff will demonstrate maple tapping, marking the start of the local sugaring season. While contemporary tools are used, the timing and agricultural rhythm mirror historic New England practice. There is also ample opportunity to get up close with the working farm's many animals.

Outdoor exploration is part of the program as well. Guests can walk the Farm and Forest Trail, and those with their own snowshoes are encouraged to bring them if snow cover permits. Fire pits and warm drinks provide respite, while craft activities give kids a structured way to engage with the setting.

Additionally an interactive display from the Berkshire Museum will be installed in the Poultry House, adding a science-focused element to the weekend and expanding the event beyond strictly historical interpretation.

Admission is $15 for adults, free for children 12 and under, and free for members. Tickets are available on arrival at the Museum Store. 

The Village’s Shaker history provides a fitting frame for all the sundry activity. The Shakers were known for efficiency, craftsmanship, and communal effort—qualities that resonate in winter, when daily routines feel like a grind and outdoor work requires fortitude and endurance.