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When you think of charming Christmas towns in New England, what sort of scene do you imagine?
Chances are, it’s like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting, perhaps even the one depicting a Stockbridge MA Christmas?
That’s right, that quintessential small-town covered in snow with wreaths and garlands and warm, cozy charm, was modeled after the actual town of Stockbridge MA at Christmas!
If you’re looking to experience a little of that wholesome, small-town New England Christmas charm for yourself, head to the Berkshires for a good, old-fashioned Stockbridge MA Christmas.
Stockbridge MA Christmas Things to Do
Christmas Shop at the Berkshire Botanical Garden Holiday Marketplace
Looking for some unique and interesting Christmas gifts to fill the stockings of those you love? Head to the Berkshire Botanical Garden Holiday Marketplace!
Not only will you find great gift ideas from local creators, but live music, a crafts corner, and s’mores around the fire are just a few of the fun things to do while perusing the spectacular assortment of handcrafted designer wreaths at the Gallery of Wreaths.
2023 Holiday Marketplace
Holiday Wreath Preview Party, December 8, 5pm – 7pm
Marketplace, December 9 – 10, 10am – 4pm
Enjoy the Miniature Main Street Stockbridge Holiday Village
Located at the ever-popular Norman Rockwell Museum (a worthy place to visit any time of year, of course!) the Miniature Main Street Stockbridge Holiday Village is an adorable way to get an aerial view of this charming Christmas town! This is one of those recurring Stockbridge MA Christmas events, so you have plenty of opportunity to check it out.
2023 Miniature Main Street Stockbridge Holiday Village
December 2 – February 25, 10am – 4pm
Holiday Hours: December 24 & 31, 10am – 3pm
Take a Holiday House Tour at the Mount
American author Edith Wharton’s home, The Mount, is a gorgeous place to see any time of year, but during the holidays, this National Historic Landmark becomes a turn-of-the-century Christmas wonderland! Holiday House Tours at the Mount are self-guided, so you can move through this beautiful estate at the perfect pace for you and yours.
Book a Stay at Red Lion Inn
One of the most gorgeous places to stay in Stockbridge is the Red Lion Inn, a quintessentially New England inn that features fireplaces, lush and comfortable bedding, and fantastic dining options, including a Christmas Day feast and a New Year’s Day feast. Also, Red Lion Inn is a participant in Christmas events in Stockbridge such as Wednesday Night Holiday Jazz, Caroling in the Winter-Themed Courtyard, Santa Brunches, and more, too!
Click Here to Check Prices & Book!
Marvel at Naumkeag’s Winter Lights
The historic estate of Naumkeag is a historical Stockbridge gem, with ornate architecture and lovingly landscaped grounds to ooh and ahh over all year round, but during the holiday season, Naumkeag Winter Lights is one of the most spectacular light shows in the region. To take a beautiful estate like Naumkeag and then string it up with thousands of lights? There’s no way for this to be anything less than pure magic!
Go on a Berkshires Scenic Railway Holiday Train Ride
Just a little over a half hour’s drive outside of Stockbridge, the Berkshires Scenic Railway offers a very festive holiday train ride for visitors to choose from during the month of December: Tinseliner Scenic Christmas Train Ride.
The Tinseliner Scenic Christmas Train Ride also includes caroling and a special visit with the Big Man in Red himself, so if you’re looking for festive Christmas things to do with kids in Stockbridge, this could be a great choice!
2023 Tinseliner Scenic Christmas Train
November 24, 25, 26
December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17
Saturdays at 1pm, 3:30pm, 6pm
Sundays at 11:30am, 2pm
Sip a Maple Latte at Six Depot Roastery & Cafe
Six Depot Roastery & Cafe is a delightful coffee shop across from a used bookstore, making it a lovely place to go hunker down a bit if the weather outside is getting frightful.
I can tell you from experience, their maple latte is delish! This is a perfect Christmas in Stockbridge activity.
Cozy Up in a Berkshires Cabin
When you think comfy, cozy, Christmas vibes, you probably think of something like you might find in one of these Berkshires vacation rentals! There are so many fun things to do all around the Berkshires, choosing a vacation rental that situates you so you can easily see and do it all just makes sense, right?
Catch a Holiday Show by the Berkshire Theatre Group
Throughout the holiday season, you’ll find holiday themed performances by the Berkshire Theater Group at various theaters in and around Stockbridge, so be sure to check out their performance calendar to see what’s onstage during your Berkshire’s Christmas visit.
Enjoy Nightwood at The Mount
Nightwood is an immersive light and sound experience available mid-November through January 1, and it is a 3/4 trail through the woods which you walk. This isn’t your traditional Christmas light show, but rather an ethereal immersive light and sound experience that will take your breath away as you walk the illuminated woods with The Mount as your backdrop!
2023 Nightwood at The Mount
November 17, 2023 – January 6, 2024
Shop Picturesque Downtown Stockbridge
The downtown that inspired Norman Rockwell’s “Home for Christmas (Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas)” is also a fantastic place to go get some Christmas shopping done.
With unique boutiques and art galleries featuring local artists, you will most definitely find the best Christmas gifts for everyone left on your list!
Attend Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas
The Christmas spirit of this lovely little Christmas town is never more evident than during their annual Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas festivities! See lovely downtown Stockbridge with vintage vehicles parked along the street, recreating Norman Rockwell’s famous Stockbridge at Christmas image. There’s a historic holiday home tour, caroling, and of course, Santa in a sleigh! The very essence of a Stockbridge MA Christmas can be found in this annual event.
2023 Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas
December 1 – 3, 2023
Where to Stay during Christmas in Stockbridge MA
Red Lion Inn: I already mentioned the Red Lion Inn, but I’m going to mention it again! It goes all out to decorate for Christmas, and while I haven’t had the pleasure of staying for Christmas, it’s on my bucket list.
Look how charming it was when I visited in the fall!
Devonfield Inn: Just outside of Stockbridge proper in the little town of Lee is Devonfield Inn, a charming B&B that gives all the cozy inn vibes.
Stockbridge MA Christmas Wrap-Up
There are so many fun and festive ways to spend Christmas in MA, and a Stockbridge MA Christmas? Always a hit!
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