The 20th Annual
STOCKBRIDGE MAIN STREET AT CHRISTMAS
DECEMBER 5 & 6, 2009
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 20th annual Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas, December 5th and 6th.
Sponsored by the Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce, the holiday celebration offers a full range of activities, with highlights including a 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, 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.
Tickets may be purchased in advance through the Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce (complete form and mail in) or in person the week of the events at The Red Lion Inn, 30 Main Street, Stockbridge.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2009
Holiday House Tour ~ 11:00am-4:00pm
Visit some of the area's Historic Properties, 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 Chorus, the Blafield Children's Chorus; Gisella Montanez, Special Guest Soloist; Jack Brown, Artistic Director and Joseph Rose Accompanist.
Tickets are $20.00 in advance and $25.00 at the door.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2009
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.
Tickets may be purchased in advance through the Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce (complete form and mail in) or in person the week of the events at The Red Lion Inn, 30 Main Street, Stockbridge.
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. Click here for 2009 event2009 OTHER WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
Berkshire Botanical Garden - Holiday Marketplace -December 4, 5-7:30 pm cocktail party with early buying -- call for reservations (413) 298-3926. December 5 & 6, 10 am - 5 pm. Free admission. Sale of handcrafted wreaths and holiday decorations, seasonal blooms & greens, herb products, crafts, gifts and more.
IS183, Art School of the Berkshires - Holiday Art Sale - December 5th , 10am-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.
Norman Rockwell Museum - Holiday Celebration for Families- December 5th, 3-5pm Kids and Teens Free, Adults Free with Museum admission (413) 298-4100 Enjoy art-making, tales of holiday celebrations past, and heart-warming treats with a special performance at 3 p.m. by the Berkshire-based a cappella ensemble Quintessential. Holiday concert includes songs of the season and a lively performance of their original family-friendly opera What Owls Do.
The First Congregational Church -Holly Fair - December 5th, 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.