A look at some of the great places and events available throughout the season here in Western Massachusetts.
Fireworks light the sky during First Night festivities in Northampton last year. All of a sudden, we are closer to the end of the year than we are to summer.
And while summer has many enticing features, there is no denying that the holiday season offers just as many goodies (unless you are like the famous Grinch created by Springfield’s own Dr. Seuss).
So as the year draws to a close, let’s look at some of the great places and events available throughout the season here in Western Massachusetts.
Since we are talking about the year’s end, we might as well begin there, and locally that means First Night Northampton. While there are many other places to spend New Year’s Eve, Paradise City has proven to be the most popular destination. Now in its 28th year, First Night Northampton serves as a fund-raiser for community artists and is produced by the Northampton Center for the Arts.
“First Night Northampton remains in the vanguard of what defines our unique city,” said Penny Burke, executive director of the center. “We welcome a multi-generational audience to witness the best talent in the Valley from noon until midnight at 20 venues throughout downtown Northampton. One button, one affordable price. Fireworks at 6:15 p.m. and ball-raising at midnight are actually free for anyone on the streets.”
Also in Northampton, running through New Year’s Day, is the popular Winter Wonderland display at Look Park.
But if you’re talking holiday displays, you can’t forget about the dazzling Bright Nights at Forest Park in Springfield. Now in its 18th year, the festival features more than 600,000 lights along a three-mile route. This year, the display runs through Jan. 1.
Another Christmas tradition is taking place in Hartford, as Hartford Stage brings Charles Dickens heart-warming “A Christmas Carol” to life. The production runs through Dec. 29.
Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge does a vintage take on Christmas with the Christmas by Candlelight weekends (Dec. 7-9, 14-16, 21-23) where families can enjoy the holiday magic in the warm glow of candles.
Speaking of candles, two of the area’s favorite candle shops are always a popular destination during the holiday season. The renowned Yankee Candle Co. has been lighting and delighting a holiday spirits for decades in its South Deerfield shop, while the newer Kringle Candle in Bernardston, which was founded by former Yankee Candle owner Mike Kittredge and his son, has been brightening the dark winter days since opening in 2009.
Along with Old Sturbridge Village, there may be no better place to take in the New England holiday charm than the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge. The streets of this Berkshire town radiate a holiday glow.