Walk Into The Holiday Lights At These Four Berkshire Destinations
The lights are on and the spirit is merry at these holiday walk-through installations.
It’s been called promenade theater: the act of walking through a venue embellished with lights, music, and imminently, holiday adornments. Berkshire County makes good use of its former “cottages” (aka estates) during the holiday season with wondrous light installations and a festival of trees. Happy holiday outings!
NightWood at The Mount Nov. 22-Jan. 4
Now in its fourth year, NightWood at The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home in Lenox, continues to expand its sound and light installation. As you walk through the woods, and then the gardens of the estate, you feel the soundscape as much as you hear it as you traverse a world of illuminated vignettes. This year, the route includes a new trail that takes you deeper into the woods, plus several new encounters that explore the lifecycle of the trees. You’ll finish your adventure at the NighWood Café in the Mansion’s courtyard with hot chocolate, hot apple cider, beer, wine, and savory treats. Timed entrances from 5-8 p.m. on weekends and select weekday evenings. Tickets go fast, so best reserve yours now.
Winterlights at Naumkeag, Nov. 29-Jan. 4
In 2018, The Trustees of Reservations planned for Winterlights to become a new tradition at Naumkeag in Stockbridge, and it has certainly become a favorite holiday destination. The magical outdoor experience sparkles with thousands of shimmering holiday lights, accompanied by festive music, with each garden “room” becoming its own twinkling universe. Timed ticketing includes parking; be aware that there will be no parking at the site but will be assigned to one of three locations in Stockbridge, with shuttles running to and from Naumkeag. Wednesdays-Sundays, 4:30-9 p.m.
Christmas at Chesterwood, Dec. 8-22
A visit to Chesterwood, the Stockbridge home and historic retreat of sculptor Daniel Chester French, normally includes a ramble throughout the gardens and 122-acre estate. During the holidays, though, the focus is on French’s studio and ground floor of the residence, decorated in style for the season. You’ll hear stories about the French family’s Christmas traditions and enjoy complimentary hot cider and doughnuts. Friday-Sunday, timed tickets from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Berkshire Museum Festival of Trees, Nov. 23-Jan. 5
It would hardly seem like the holidays in the Berkshires without the Berkshire Museum’s Festival of Trees in Pittsfield. Now in its 40th iteration, the annual holiday exhibition is a true community celebration, with local businesses decorating trees according to a theme. This year, “Aquatica” reflects the museum’s upcoming renovation, redesign and expansion of its beloved aquarium. Expect to be dazzled by the sea, river, and wetland critters adoring the trees. The Festival of Trees is free with museum admission.
