The 23rd Annual
STOCKBRIDGE MAIN STREET AT CHRISTMAS
EVENT DETAILS FOR DECEMBER 1 & 2, 2012 COMING SOON
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 22nd annual Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas, December 3rd and 4th.
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.
WATCH: abcNews American Snapshot: Town Brings Rockwell Painting to Life
The number of tickets to the House Tour, Concert and Sunday's Admittance Buttons are limited. They may be purchased in advance ( to Nov.25th ) through the Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce (complete form and mail in We do not take credit card or phone reservations) or in person starting Nov. 26th at The Red Lion Inn, 30 Main Street, Stockbridge.
Group Tours
Ticket Sales: Large Groups and Bus Tours are limited, therefore we ask that you contact the office by July 1st to make your reservation and receive details. 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. Payment and orders will need to be finaliazed by by November 1st. Cash is the only acceptable payment for purchases made during the week of the event.
Events: Buses wishing to partake in the house tour and concert should contact the chamber office for instruction. If you don't wish to partake on Main Street on Sunday, you will need to work around the event times. Groups on Main Street from 12-2pm will need to purchase admittance buttons.
Parking: Parking on Sunday should be at the Town Hall on West Main Street or Marian Helpers Center on Eden Hill. 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 may need to walk.
EVENT DETAILS FOR DECEMBER 1 & 2, 2012 COMING SOON
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2011
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. This years tour features, the Merwin House, Laurel Hill Place, The Old Corner House, Samuel Deming House, Chesterwood Museum, Linwood House at Norman Rockwell Museum, The Fire House at the Red Lion Inn.
Tickets are $20.00 per person (Tickets may be purchased in advance through the chamber office or on the day of at the Red Lion Inn, They are not sold at the house tour properties).
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 CONCERT IS SOLD OUT
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, and Jack Brown, Music Director. Tickets are $20.00 in advance and $25.00 at the door. CONCERT IS SOLD OUT
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2011
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 holiday fun at Santa's workshop sponsored by the Norman Rockwell Museum. Complete the day with a visit from Santa.
Commemorative Buttons offering admittance to Sunday's Main St. activities are $5.00 per person. Children under 12 free.
Horse drawn wagon and carriage rides will also be available for an additional fee.
Tickets may be purchased in advance through the Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce (complete form and mail in) or in person while tickets last 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.
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 must preregisiter by November 15th. Click here for details.OTHER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES IN DECEMBER
The Red Lion Inn (413) 298-5545. www.redlioninn.com Wonderful holiday decorations, Country Curtains flagship store and the Inn's Gift shop will be open, harp and piano music throughout the weekend. December Holiday Calendar
November 12, 2011 - Februray 5, 2012
The Norman Rockwell Museum, Curious George Saves the Day: The Art of Margret and H.A. Rey
413.298.4100
Curious George, the beloved, irrepressible monkey of children’s book lore, is famous for his ability to “save the day.” Featuring nearly eighty original drawings and preparatory dummies for Margret and H. A. Rey children’s books and documentation related to their escape from Nazi-occupied Europe, the exhibition will examine the parallels between the obstacles the Reys faced and the drawings that may have saved their lives.
Norman Rockwell and the Ghost of Dickens November 19, 2011 through February 5, 2012
This celebration of the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens' birth will feature original Rockwell artworks inspired by the literary giant's contributions
December 17 – 30, 2011
A Christmas Carol
Berkshire Theatre Group
Berkshire Theatre Festival, Stockbridge, MA
413.298.5576
www.berkshiretheatre.org
A beloved Berkshire Theatre Festival tradition presented this year at the Colonial Theatre. Journey back to Victorian England and experience this classic tale again for the first time. The story of the infamous miser who is reformed shown the error of his ways by four spirits is filled with terrific turns and infused with holiday music. James Taylor plays Bob Crachet along with his entire family in the cast.
December 23, 2011
Matt Cusson
Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge, MA
413.997.4444
www.berkshiretheatre.org
Matt Cusson at 8pm at the Unicorn Theatre in Stockbridge. You've got to hear his music to believe it!
December 26 - 30, 2011
Open Marriage: Renegade Wide of the Gilded Age
Ventfort Hall Mansion & Gilded Age Museum, Lenox
413.637.3206
www.gildedage.org
Produced by Ventfort Hall in cooperation with Shakespeare & Company, the play is based on the unorthodox life of Elsie Crews Parsons, who lived with her family at Stonover Farm in Lenox. Open Marriage explores the conflict within Elsie between her academic mind and her uncontrollable heart. Performances at 7:30pm except on 12/28 at noon.
December 28 & 29, 2011
David Grover & Grover's Gang
Berkshire Theatre Group, Stockbridge, MA
413.997.4444
www.berkshiretheatre.org
Join David Grover and the BTG Children's Chorus for a fun filled family friendly concert at the Unicorn Theatre in Stockbridge. Concert on 12/28 begins at 7pm and on 12/29 at 11am. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for children.
December 28 - 30, 2011
The Reluctant Dragon
Ventfort Hall Mansion & Gilded Age Museum, Lenox
413.637.3206
www.gildedage.org
Puppeteer Carl Sprague presents Kenneth Grahame's classic fairy tale, The Reluctant Dragon at 3:00pm. After the show there will be a Holiday Tea and children will have the opportunity to meet the puppets and their backstage wizards.
December 31, 2011
New Year's Eve with Open Marriage: Renegade Wife of the Gilded Age
Ventfort Hall Mansion & Gilded Age Museum, Lenox
413.637.3206
www.gildedage.org
Produced by Ventfort Hall in cooperation with Shakespeare & Company, the play is based on the unorthodox life of Elsie Crews Parsons, who lived with her family at Stonover Farm in Lenox. Open Marriage explores the conflict within Elsie between her academic mind and hwe uncontrollable heart. The performance begins at 4:00pm and followed by a champagne reception with light refreshments and a cash bar.