Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. presents the 2nd Annual Festive Frolic in downtown Pittsfield!
December 6, 5 to 8 pm (and beyond) and December 7, 10 am to 3 pm
The community is invited to come downtown and enjoy free and low-cost family-friendly activities in honor of the holiday season.
Events will include:
- City of Pittsfield’s Park Square Tree Lighting
- 5th Annual Wreath Art Auction
- Festival of Trees After Dark!
- North Pole Pub Crawl
- Holiday First Fridays Artswalk
- IS183’s Art Town
- Santa Claus at The Beacon Cinema
- Snowman Story Time
- Ornament Making
- Holiday Craft Fair and Cookie Walk
- Glow in the Dark Jingle Bell Rock
- Downtown Shopping
- Christmas Carolers
- Holiday Lights
- and MORE!
Events on Friday and Saturday
Visit IS183’s Art Town at the Festive Frolic!
Onota Building, 74 North Street. Enter on School Street. Friday 5 to 8 pm, Saturday 10 am to 3 pm. Free.
Everyone can make art at IS183 Art School, and in Art Town, everything IS art! Come visit this interactive artistic space to explore and make some art of your own!
IS183 Art School is a non-profit community art studio with visual arts programs across the county for all ages, means, and skill levels. The goal of Art Town is to invite our community in and challenge the views of “what art is”—art can happen anywhere and isn’t always in a frame or paired with an admission price. Everyone is an artist and you can find your art in Art Town.
$1 The Polar Express Showings at the Phoenix Theatres Beacon Cinema!
57 North Street. Friday and Saturday, 10:20 am and 12:30 pm.
Ticketing and Showtime link: https://phx.movie/PolarExpress
Half-Priced Holiday Hot Chocolate at The Marketplace Café
53 North Street. All day Friday and Saturday.
Holiday Happenings at NUarts Studios & Gallery!
311 North Street. Friday 5 to 8 pm, Saturday 10 am to 3 pm. Free.
Please join the artists at NUarts Studios & Gallery as they open their doors for Holiday Happenings! There will be original art for sale under $100 and free, interactive holiday activities, such as ornament making inside artist studios.
“Wicked Winter Wonderland” at Berkshire Paint and Sip
305 North Street. Friday 5 to 8 pm, Saturday 10 am to 3 pm. Free.
Contemporary Realism artist, Michelle Iglesias, will feature her oil and acrylic paintings in a show entitled “Wicked Winter Wonderland” at Berkshire Paint and Sip.
There will be a free raffle to win a Private Paint Party valued at $300. Guests must come into the studio on Friday, 5-8 pm, or Saturday, 10 am-3 pm, to enter the raffle. One entry per person.
There will be an opening reception for “Wicked Winter Wonderland” with refreshments on Friday, December 6, 5 to 8 pm, during First Fridays Artswalk.
Events on Friday, December 6
Park Square Tree Lighting Ceremony
6 pm. Free.
A Pittsfield Holiday Tradition!
Enjoy carols by the Taconic High School Chorus, and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus after the tree is lit.
Free hot chocolate will be available courtesy of Patrick’s Pub.
Those planning to attend the ceremony are asked to bring non-perishable food items that will be donated to the Christian Center’s food pantry.
5th Annual Wreath Art Auction at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts
28 Renne Avenue. Preview Reception at 5 pm. Live Auction at 6:30 pm. $10 admission.
Almost 50 wreaths, kissing balls and table pieces will be available for purchase and auction at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts. There will be a preview reception of individually crafted, one of a kind, artist-inspired wreaths at 5 pm with the auction taking place at 6:30 pm. Music and refreshments will be served. Grab and go options will be available. Admission at the door is $10 or purchase tickets in advance at the Lichtenstein or by emailing [email protected].
100% of the funds raised go directly to the South Congregational Church Food Pantry which serves our neighbors in need. The Lichtenstein is thrilled to work alongside their premier sponsor, Greylock Federal Credit Union, to present the 5th annual Wreath Art Auction.
Special Festive Frolic Festival of Trees After Dark!
Berkshire Museum. 39 South Street. 5 to 8 pm.
Tickets: $5, $3 for Museum members, free for children ages 3 and under.
Join Berkshire Museum in celebrating the season! Explore this year’s inspiring, hero-themed Festival of Trees by the twinkling lights illuminating every tree during special Festival of Trees After Dark hours. Plus, make your own ornament, enjoy a cup of hot apple cider, and settle in for the animated classic “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” in the Little Cinema. [All included in the $5 ticket price ($3 for Museum members).]
December First Fridays Artswalk!
Downtown. 5 to 8 pm. Free.
Enjoy sixteen art shows featuring work by over two dozen accomplished regional and student artists. Visit with artists at opening receptions and enjoy a free guided tour beginning at 5 pm at the Intermodal Center @ BRTA, 1 Columbus Ave.
Make a Melted Snowman Tealight Ornament at Lee Bank!
75 North Street. 5 to 8 pm. Free.
Lee Bank will offer free Ornament Making (Melted Snowman Tealight Ornaments) on Friday, December 6, 5 to 8 pm. Ornament making is for all ages and all materials will be provided.
Lee Bank is also proud to feature some of their very own artists during the December Artswalk. For the past three years, Lee Bank has held an employee photo contest to create their annual calendar. Bank employees have a chance to submit their photography (or photography on behalf of a family member) and then staff votes for their favorites.
Lee Bank will host an artist reception from 5 to 8 pm that will showcase 14 photographs that were selected for the 2020 Lee Bank calendar. All photographs were taken locally and many of the photographers will be present for the reception. The following artists will have work on display: Jennifer Wilton, Cindy Packard, Abigail Jones, Matthew Foley, Alison Brigham, Sooja Whalen, Jim Terryberry, Lisa Curtin, Doreen Bartini, Anthony Pultorak, Bridget Albano, and Sharon Kline.
Warm Up at Barrington Stage Company’s Wolfson Center!
122 North Street. 5 to 8 pm. Free.
On Friday, December 6, 5 to 8 pm, Barrington Stage Company will host free hot cocoa and coffee in the lobby of their Wolfson Center at 122 North Street for anyone looking for a warm-up during the Festive Frolic! Warm-up and explore BSC’s history with their interactive lobby display.
Holiday Demos at TOWNSHIP FOUR
419 North Street. 5 to 8 pm. Free.
Free demonstrations on how to create holiday swags and wreaths at 5 pm, 6 pm, and 7 pm.
Pop Up Entrepreneur Showcase by EforAll at Framework, Pittsfield Coworking
437 North Street. 5 to 8 pm. Free.
Check out what our Pittsfield entrepreneurs are up to!
Endless Possibilities Artisan Fair and Eclectic Stuff! And the Parklet After Darklet!
The Funky Phoenix. 441 North Street. 5 to 8 pm. Free.
Featuring handmade and eclectic items for sale. “Caroling and Cocoa” at 7 pm.
Create a “DIY creative recycling ornament” for $5/pc from 5 to 7 pm.
The Pittsfielder will turn a parking space into a mini park right outside The Funky Phoenix! Featuring luminaries, tables, chairs, and an LED Christmas tree!
Co-sponsored by Manos Unidas.
Glow in the Dark Jingle Bell Rock and Vendor Showcase at Berkshire Fitness and Wellness Center!
137 North Street. 5 to 8 pm. Free Fitness Class from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.
Owner Aimee Marshall will host a free Glow in the Dark Jingle Bell Rock fitness class, which is a combination of Zumba and BollyX starting at 5:30 pm. The Vendor Showcase will feature Living the EO Way with Susan, Nancy’s Chocolates and More, and others.
Desserts at Dottie’s Coffee Lounge
444 North Street. 6 to 9 pm.
Stop by Dottie’s for holiday desserts, Christmas cookies, eggnog, and holiday cheer.
Paint “Winter Stroll” at Berkshire Paint and Sip
305 North Street. 6 pm. $35.
Drop in on a public painting lesson fundraiser to benefit the Taconic High School Art Department Field Trip. Guests will learn how to paint a seasonal image of “Winter Stroll” on a large 16×20 canvas or on a slate roofing tile for $35, all materials provided. BYOB. Raffles. Lesson starts at 6 pm. Walk-ins welcome, but seats are limited. You can pre-register at www.berkshirepaintandsip.com.
North Pole Pub Crawl
Downtown. 5 pm – close. 21+ only.
This event is free. You are responsible for your own food and drinks.
Creative costumes are encouraged and REWARDED!
The Overall Best Costume gets a PRIZE!
Will you be dressing up as Santa, Mrs. Claus, a reindeer, an elf, a snowman, or the Grinch?
PUB CRAWL SCHEDULE:
- 5-6:30 pm: The Lantern (455 North St.)
Special drinks – Jingle Bellini, Eggnog beer on tap
- 6:30-8 pm: Methuselah Bar and Lounge (391 North St.)
Special drink – Candy Cane Martini
- 8-9:30 pm: Eat on North at Hotel on North (297 North St.)
Special drinks – Jack Frost & Pomegranate Pear Punch
- 9:30-11 pm: Panchos Mexican Restaurant (156 North St.)
Special drinks – Santa Hat Martini, $5 House Margarita
- 11 pm-1 am: Thistle and Mirth (44 West St.)
Special drink – The Hermey
21+ only.
Make sure you get home safely!
Friends don’t let friends drink and drive!
Plan to have a designated driver, taxi, Rose & Cole’s Co-op Transport, or walk to the event if you live close.
Events on Saturday, December 7
Santa Claus at The Beacon Cinema!
57 North Street. 10 am to 1 pm. Suggested donation.
This is a family oriented event for parents and children:
-Meet Santa
-Have your child’s picture taken with Santa
-Take a 4×6 photo away with you and have the image emailed
There will be a professional photographer to take your child’s picture.
In exchange, we ask that you come prepared to donate a brand new item of warm clothing to the Berkshire Community Action Council’s Warm Clothing Program.
Needed items in children’s sizes:
Winter Coats
Snow Pants
Boots
Hats, Scarves, Mittens
Pajamas
Children’s Books
Large gift bags, gift wrap, gift boxes
Donated items should be unwrapped.
If you are unable to bring a donated item, we suggest a donation of $5 to BCAC who will be present at The Beacon for this event to take all donated items and monetary gifts.
Snowman Story Time at the Berkshire Athenaeum
1 Wendell Avenue. 10:15 am. Free.
Join us for a story time celebrating a winter staple, snowmen! Exciting stories and silly songs will be followed by a craft. The program is best suited for children 6 and under, however siblings are welcome! No registration required. For more information, call the Children’s Library at 413-499-9480 x111. Sponsored by The Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum.
Kids Crafts at Peace Train Tees!
2 South Street. 10 am to 3 pm. Free.
Free craft-making for children, ages 2-10.
Holiday Craft Fair, Cookie Walk & Tag Sale!
Zion Lutheran Church. 74 First Street. 10 am to 2 pm. Free admission.
Featuring unique craft vendors and a huge assortment of holiday baked treats. Come early for the best selection of baked goods. Lunch will also be available for purchase.
Free Classes at Berkshire Fitness and Wellness Center!
137 North Street. 7:30 to 11:30 am.
Pop into a class on Saturday at no charge! Yoga, AAT, Step and Kettle Bells, Zumba, BollyX, TRX, and Spinning. Anyone that takes a class that day will receive 10% off any membership.
Festival of Trees and More at the Berkshire Museum!
39 South Street. 10 am to 5 pm.
Tickets: $13 adult, $6 children 4 to 17, free for children ages 3 and under.
Festival of Trees 2019 features more than 100 dazzling holiday displays that celebrate those who motivate us to reach great heights, attempt the impossible, and change the world. Each tree in this family-favorite exhibit is designed and decorated by a local business, school, or organization in honor of their own heroes, from the action-packed caped crusaders of the silver screen to the everyday heroes in our community. Throughout this year’s festival, guests will be invited to share what they believe makes a hero as part of a special, constantly evolving display.
WeeMuse Art Lab at 11 am: Children ages 3 to 5 (with adult) will use household ingredients and a marbling technique to create colorful, one-of-a-kind baubles for the holidays.
Chow Time in the Aquarium at 12:30 pm: Help prepare a tasty feast for the animals in the aquarium!
We Can Be Heroes gallery program in the Festival of Trees at 2 pm: Discover and share the traits that set heroic individuals apart and create a unique hero-themed decoration to take home.
All of these activities are included with regular Museum admission.
Holiday Ornament Making for ages 6 and up at Berkshire Paint and Sip
305 North Street. 1 to 3 pm. $30.
A gift making day for ages 6 to adult where you’ll learn how to paint delightful holiday ornaments with an assortment of shapes and designs to choose from (selection of 6 per person).
All painting materials, instruction and light snacks included. Walk-ins welcome, but seats are limited. You can pre-register at www.berkshirepaintandsip.com.
Albany Berkshire Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Barrington Stage Company
30 Union Street. 2:30 & 6:30 pm. Tickets: $19.50 – $44.
Albany Berkshire Ballet presents its 45th annual tour of The Nutcracker. A beloved holiday tradition, ABB’s Nutcracker features magnificent principal dancers from around the country accompanied by 150-200 local area students.
The Nutcracker tells the story of a young girl, Clara, and the magical dream she has one Christmas Eve. Set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music, the story of The Nutcracker follows the adventures of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they conquer the Mouse King and embark on a magical journey to The Land of Sweets. Choreographed by Madeline Cantarella Culpo and featuring sets by Carl Sprague and costumes by Rita Watson & Victile Donahue, The Nutcracker is sure to delight all ages.
Opening Night of A Christmas Carol at The Colonial Theatre
111 South Street. 7 pm. Tickets: Adults $39, Children 16 and under $29.
Celebrate the timeless holiday tradition of A Christmas Carol with the whole family, and revel in the joy and redemptive power of Christmas as told in the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, the infamous miser who is shown the error of his ways and reformed by four spirits. Journey back to Victorian England and experience the classic story filled with holiday carols and the wonderment of the season.
Shop Downtown!
Enjoy extended hours and sales at retailers exclusively for the Festive Frolic!
Berkshire Paint and Sip – 305 North Street
Open Friday until 8 pm, Saturday 10 am– 3 pm
Sale on 16×20 canvas art: 1 for $15, 2 for 20, or 3 for $25.
Berkshire Museum Shop – 39 South Street
Open Friday until 8 pm, Saturday 10 am– 5 pm
Free gift with purchases of $40 or more!
Dory & Ginger – 299 North Street
Open Friday until 8 pm, Saturday 10 am – 6 pm
Gift card raffle entry with purchase.
Museum Outlets – 31 South Street
Open Friday until 8 pm, Saturday 10 am – 5 pm
Paul Rich & Sons – 242 North Street
Open Friday until 5:30 pm, Saturday 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Stressless “Give & Receive” sale. Donate $50 to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and receive a $200 discount on any Stressless purchase.
Stop in on Saturday and enter to win a beautiful accent for your holiday table – no purchase necessary.
Peace Train Tees – 2 South Street
Open Friday until 8 pm, Saturday 10 am – 6 pm
$5 off a purchase of $25, Berkshires Hoodies for $20, Berkshires Tees for $10.
Radiance Yoga – 401 North Street
7 yoga classes and 5 Dottie’s drinks for $100. View class schedule and purchase at Radiance-yoga.com.
RJ Stohr Diamonds & Fine Jewelry – 137 North Street
Open Friday until 8 pm, Saturday 9:30 am – 5 pm
All IN-STOCK jewelry 50% off the retail price! (Excludes watches & jewelry crafted in New England.)
TOWNSHIP FOUR | Floristry & Home – 419 North Street
Open Friday until 8 pm, Saturday 10 am – 4 pm
10% off all purchases on both days.
The Downtown Festive Frolic is sponsored by Greylock Federal Credit Union, Phoenix Theatres Beacon Cinema, Qualprint, and Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.!
