19th Annual Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas

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Stockbridge, Mass - The town of Stockbridge, made famous by Norman Rockwell’s painting of the village during the holidays, becomes a magical New England setting decorated with holiday wreaths and festive lights, as the town celebrates the 19th annual Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas, December 6th and 7th.

Sponsored by the Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce, the holiday celebration offers a full range of activities, with highlights including holiday house tours, caroling, and a holiday concert.

Capping off the weekend is a recreation on Sunday of the scene depicted in Main Street at Christmas, complete with vintage automobiles parked in the spots occupied in the painting. The day's activities include horse drawn rides, a visit from Santa Claus, music, photos with Rockwell, Roger the Jester, and much more.

The festivities celebrate Rockwell’s popular depiction of what for many is the quintessential small New England Town, with all the longing for a simpler time that it represents. Rockwell began painting the popular image in 1956, but did not complete it until December 1967.

The image and character of Stockbridge has changed little over the years, thanks to the great care and affection of its residents, and it is that special ambience which draws so many visitors to this gala celebration.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2008

Holiday House Tour, 11:00am-4:00pm

Visit some of the area’s finest Historic Homes, B&B’s, and Inns. This self-guided tour is one of the area’s most popular events. 

Tickets are $15.00 per person.

Children’s Holiday Card Making at the Stockbridge Library, 11:00-11:30am

Featuring illustrator Anna Myers using Jan Brett’s “The Mitten”

Free Admission.

Caroling & Luminaria Walk, 6:00-7:00pm

Meet in front of The Red Lion Inn, Main Street with your candle or flashlight and join the festive caroling followed by a Luminaria walk to the First Congregational Church.

Holiday Concert at the First Congregational Church, 7:30pm

Celebrate the magic of the season with a joyful holiday musical program.  Featuring

the Berkshire Lyric Theatre Chorus, the Blafield Children's Chorus and Gisella Montanez.

Tickets are $20.00 in advance $25.00 at the door     

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2008

Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas Recreation, 12Noon-2:00pm

See Main Street as Norman Rockwell did when he painted the famous Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas. Main Street becomes a magical New England village with over 50 antique cars parked along the street(weather permitting) and a full range of festive activities to delight the child in everyone. Enjoy Holiday Music by Monument Mountain Regional High School & the Londontown Carolers, Roger the Jester and lunch at the Christmas Food Booth. Children may create ornaments at Santa’s workshop sponsored by IS183. Enjoy horse drawn ride wagon rides (nominal fee). Complete the day with a visit from Santa. Commemorative Buttons which offer admittance to Sunday's Main St. activities are $5.00 per person. Children under 12 free.
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Dalton Day Returns This Saturday

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The town's popular Dalton Day festival is returning this weekend after a year's hiatus.
 
The event will kick off this Saturday at 11 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. in the field in front of the Senior Center. 
 
The community celebration was established in 2023 by the Cultural Council in an effort to increase resident participation at town meetings while also showcasing the area's welcoming, diverse, artistic and sporty atmosphere. In 2024, the event brought together 300 residents. 
 
"The primary mission of Dalton Day is to foster a strong sense of community, build civic pride, and bring residents together through a shared celebration of local culture, music, and food," said Jeannie Ingram, Select Board member and cultural council chair, and Lori Venezia, executive assistant to the town manager. 
 
The event provides an accessible and free platform for "civic education, community bonding, and supporting local businesses, artisans, makers, and culture more broadly," they said.
 
The festival strengthens the fabric of the town both civically and economically by connecting grassroots organizations with residents, fostering a shared sense of belonging, and providing free, family-friendly entertainment.
 
It also serves as an opportunity for community members to meet with local officials and a couple of state officials. State Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Leigh Davis will be coming from Beacon Hill to speak at the event. 
 
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