The 19th Annual
STOCKBRIDGE MAIN STREET AT CHRISTMAS
DECEMBER 6 & 7, 2008
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 a holiday readingsl, 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, Roger the Jester, lunch at the Christmas Food Booth 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.
2008 EVENT LISTING
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2008
Holiday House Tour ~ 11:00am-4:00pm
Visit some of the area's Historic Homes, B&B's, and Inns. This self-guided tour is one of our most popular events. Tickets are $15.00 per person.
Children's Holiday Story Time ~ 11:00-11:30am
Come listen to tales of the season at the Stockbridge Library. 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 ~ 7:30pm
Celebrate the magic of the season with a joyful holiday musical program held at the First Congregational Church. Featuring the Berkshire Lyric Theatre Chorus, the Blafield Children's Chorus and Gisella Montanez. Tickets are $20.00 in advance and $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, Roger the Jester and lunch at the Christmas Food Booth. Children may create ornaments at Santa's workshop. Complete the day with a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus.
Commemorative Buttons offering admittance to Sunday's Main St. activities are $5.00 per person. Children under 12 free.
PARKING
Please note that on Sunday there is no parking on Main Street to 2pm. Parking is available on West & East Main Street, Elm Street and the Austen Riggs Center parking lot. Antique car owners will be directed upon arrival. Buses should read information below.
BUSES TAKE NOTE
Please note that this is a fund-raiser, therefore the stated rates apply. There are no complimentary tickets/buttons for coach and reservations are only accepted with full payment. Advance orders may be purchased by check or cash. Cash is the only acceptable payment for purchases made during the week of the event. Buses wishing to partake in the house tour should contact the chamber office for instruction. Parking on Sunday should be at the Town Hall on West Main Street. The Main Street is closed to traffic 11:30am-2pm. If you wish to drop-off or pick-up passengers on Main Street, you should do so before 11:30am and after 2pm. After 11:30am and before 2pm passengers will need to walk to and from the Town Hall parking lot.
DIRECTIONS TO STOCKBRIDGE
From Boston- Mass.Turnpike (Rte. 90) West to Exit 2, Rte. 102 West to Stockbridge.
From New York City- Taconic State Parkway North to Rte. 23 East to Great Barrington, Rte. 7 North to Stockbridge.
From Albany- New York State Thruway East (Rte. 90) to Exit B3, Rte. 22 South to Rte. 102 East to Stockbridge.
ANTIQUE CARS
Anyone wishing to participate on Sunday should pre-register their car.2008 OTHER WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
Berkshire Botanical Garden - Holiday Marketplace - December 6th & 7th, 10am-5pm Free admission (413) 298-3926. Exhibition and sale of unique handcrafted wreaths and holiday decorations, seasonal blooms and greens, herb products, crafts and gift items & more.
Berkshire Scenic Railway - Santa Specials - December 6th & 7th, For schedule & tickets (413) 637-2210 berkshirescenicrailroad.com
Ride with Santa, Saturday and Sunday only.
Ride from Stockbridge or Lee on Saturday, December 1, and from Lenox or Lee on Sunday December 2.
IS183, Art School of the Berkshires - Holiday Art Sale - December 6th , 11am-5pm Free Admission (413) 298-5252 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. (Early Champagne preview with light fare begins at 9:30am - call for tickets).
Norman Rockwell Museum, Music of the Season - December 6th, 4-7pm Contact (413) 298-4100 for tickets
Join us for an evening of uplifting music and fun! Enjoy art-making, heart-warming treats, songs of holiday celebrations, and the wonder of Norman Rockwell’s artwork. At 5pm, performance artist David Polansky gets the entire audience singing as he plays favorite songs from Chanukah and Christmas, and original music for the season, while infusing the concert with his own humor and optimism. Catch the spirit and feel good again! Musical requests from the audience encouraged. Free with Museum admission. Children 18 and under free – a gift to you from Country Curtains and the Red Lion Inn.
The First Congregational Church -Holly Fair - December 6th, 10am-3pm Free admission (413)298-4427
The Red Lion Inn (413) 298-5545. Wonderful holiday decorations, Country Curtains flagship store and the Inn's Gift shop will be open, harp and piano music throughout the weekend.