The 24th Annual
STOCKBRIDGE MAIN STREET AT CHRISTMAS
December 6 - 8, 2013
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 24th annual Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas December 6, 7 & 8, 2013
Sponsored by the Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce, the holiday celebration offers a full range of activities, with highlights including holiday readings, 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.29th) 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. 30th 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 November 1st.
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.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6. 2013
Readings Around the Hearth ~ 5:00-6:30pm
Gather 'round the Stockbridge Library hearth to hear classic stories of the season.
Free Admission.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2013
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 $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
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.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2013
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 Roger the Jester and lunch at the Christmas Food Booth. Holiday Music by Monument Mountain Regional High School, Stockbridge Handbell Choir and the Londontown Carolers. 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
ANTIQUE CAR PREREGISTRATION
Pre-registration deadline was November 15th. Spaces are limited to 55 AND WE HAVE REACHED OUR LIMIT. Please do not come as an antique car participant if you have not preregistered and received confirmation notice from the Chamber office. If you still wish to enjoy to the event as a patron, we welcome you. Parking is available East and West of the Main Street block. The days’ activities require an admittance button which will be on sale on the day of the event. Buttons are $5.00 per person.
Click here for details.OTHER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES FOR 2013 COMING SOON
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. Entertainment Calendar
November 16, 2012 - January 21, 2013
Norman Rockwell: Home for the Holidays
413.298-4100 www.nrm.org
A special seasonal presentation of Rockwell’s enduring holiday images, including original drawings for Hallmark cards, paintings inspired by Charles Dickens’ classic story, A Christmas Carol, and costumes and props featured in Rockwell’s artwork. Photograph of Home for the Holidays exhibition at Norman Rockwell Museum. Photo ©Norman Rockwell Museum. All rights reserved.
November 23 - December 31, 2012
A Home for the Holidays, Ventfort Hall Mansion & Gilded Age Museum, Lenox
413.637.3206, www.gildedage.org
Enjoy a beautifully decorated 1893 Mansion with Tours, Holiday Events, Victorian Teas, Museum Shop, More!
Norman Rockwell Museum: Heirloom Meals: Christmas Special 5:30 PM
413.298-4100 www.nrm.org
Savor the holidays with this special screening of Heirloom Meals Christmas Special, an American Public Television special created and produced
by Stockbridge resident Carole Murko. The program features a segment filmed at Norman Rockwell Museum, and captures recipes, stories, and the deep connection between food, family, and heritage. Reception will follow. $16 (includes Museum admission); $10 members.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
First Congretaional Church Holly Fair Opens at 10 AM - 3 PM
Baked Goods, Greenery, Toys & Gifts, Grandma's Attic, Hand knits, Raffle, Luncheon, Santa Claus
Saturday, December 1, 2012
MEMBERS OPENING EVENT
All in the Family: The Art of Mary-Amy Cross 1-5 PM
413.298-4100 www.nrm.org
Discover the art of illustrator and painter Mary-Amy Cross, the talented cousin of Norman Rockwell, who admired her creativity and love of experimentation.
Talks, hands-on art making, performance, and festive refreshments. Member free, free with Museum admission.
December 1 & 2, 2012
3rd Annual Holiday Craft Fair sponsored by Berkshire Made
Held at the Stockbridge Town Offices, 50 Main Street, Stockbridge
Free Admission, Show Hours: Saturday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM & Sunday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Unique hand crafted gifts by Berkshire Artisans
Artist displays are; semi precious stone jewelry, hair enhancements, photographs, silk pocketbooks and jackets, Christmas ornaments, dolls, handbags, jackets, hats, scarves, mittens, aprons, bibs, quilts, placemats, poetry collage and pillows
December 1 & 2, 2012
Berkshire Botanical Garden's Holiday Marketplace
www.berkshirebotanical.org 413-298-3926 Free Admissions, Hours 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Join us for Holiday Marketplace, when the Garden is transformed into a beautiful, festive market where you can choose from hundreds of one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your holiday list. Our legendary Gallery of Wreaths features amazing selections created by Garden volunteers and guest designers, and a juried group of exceptional artisans and vendors offer specialty items in every price range. Choose from hundreds of holiday blooms, fresh centerpieces, swags, and more — from traditional to contemporary designs. Holiday Marketplace opens with a festive cocktail party and early buying on Friday, November 30, 5-8pm
December 15-30, 2012
A Christmas Carol,
Berkshire Theatre Group-
Colonial Theater, Pittsfield
413.298.5576 www.berkshiretheatre.org
Revel in the joy and redemptive power of Christmas as told in the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, the infamous miser who is reformed and shown the error of his ways by four spirits. Journey back to Victorian England and experience the classic story filled with terrific turns and infused with holiday music.