Hilltown Families 
Weekly Suggested Events for December 11-17, 2021
Are you looking for things to do in western Massachusetts? Seeking place-based learning ideas? Are you a self-directed, life-long, and/or experiential learner? Are you curious or wanting to support the interests of your family? Our weekly Suggested Events list includes suggested learning ideas, resources, and fun events for all ages, each week!
Scroll down to discover featured events, learning opportunities, and educational videos to support learning from home. And be sure to subscribe to our free weekly eNewsletter so you never miss out!
COMMUNITY-BASED EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Featured Events, Resources, & Opportunities
FEATURED IN-PERSON EVENT
Pioneer Valley Ballet performs The Nutcracker
Northampton, MA
Pioneer Valley Ballet returns with the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker. Join Clara as she battles the Rat King to save the Nutcracker Prince, then travel through the enchanted Snow Forest and beautiful Kingdom of Sweets. This production is a treasured community event that features dancers from across the Pioneer Valley performing roles ranging from sparkling snowflakes to the tiniest reindeer. A one-hour performance, live on stage December 10-12, 2021 at the Academy of Music in Northampton. Perfect for families of all ages. General admission seating. Reserve your tickets and view the health & safety policy at aomtheatre.com. For more information about the Pioneer Valley Ballet company and school, visit pioneervalleyballet.org.
FEATURED EVENT
Playing in the Cold: A Talk on Winter Gear for Infants and Toddlers
Friday, Dec 10 @ 4:30pm
Outdoor creative free-play is essential to every child’s health and well-being. However, winter in Western MA can be challenging with keeping kids warm while playing in the snow and exploring their frozen landscape! On Friday, December 10, 2021, at 4:30pm, Wild Garden of Childhood Nursery in Northampton, MA, is hosting a talk, “Playing in the Cold: A Talk on Winter Gear for Infants and Toddlers.” with Nicole Thurrell. Nicole is from the Institute for Wild Med: Wilderness and Emergency Medicine and will be talking about playing in the cold with infants and toddlers. For more information: 413-231-4454; wildgardenofchildhood.com; wildgardenofchildhood@gmail.com. All are welcome!
FEATURED EVENT
Piti Théâtre Company Presents: DinoFest
Greenfield, MA
Dinos return to the Valley! Piti Theatre & Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association are bringing DinoFest back to Greenfield (and online) on Saturday & Sunday, December 11 & 12, 2021. Blending science, arts, and community-building, DinoFest features “Dexter and the Dinosaurs,” a historical dramedy for all ages at the Garden Cinemas with special guests (and their fossils) from the Jurassic Roadshow, a Dino Improv session, a child dino expert Zoom session, and more! Dinofest grew out of Piti’s “Your Town” program that leverages local history to help us better understand the present. Schedule: ptco.org/dino. All events are FREE to the public. The Greenfield Garden Cinemas is located at 361 Main St. in Greenfield, MA.
FEATURED YOUTH MUSICAL PRODUCTION
Oklahoma!
Northampton, MA
Did you know that the Academy of Music Theatre presents a fully staged youth musical every year? Come hoot and holler with them in Oklahoma! – part of the “Getting to Know Rodgers and Hammerstein” series. Open to ages 9-16, no experience necessary. Rehearsals start on January 4, 2022, and run on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week from 5-7pm at the Academy of Music Theatre in Northampton, MA. The final performances will be on March 10 & 11, 2022. Visit aomtheatre.com and click “Academy Youth Productions” under the Youth Programs menu to register. Email Education Director, Susan Dillard, with any questions: education@aomtheatre.com.
FEATURED MUSIC SCHOOL
Community Music School of Springfield
Springfield, MA
Creativity, self-expression, and the joy of music are gifts that last a lifetime, so the Community Music School of Springfield is making music lessons easy & affordable for your loved one this holiday season. All of their packages for private music lessons feature buy-4 get-1-free pricing, the choice of virtual or in-person instruction, and perfect match teachers. Ordering online or over the phone is easy & they can deliver gift certificates via email or mail. You choose the length of the lesson (30, 45, 60 min.), and the recipient selects the instrument & time that works best for their schedule when they redeem their gift package. Start date for lessons is Jan 2022. Learn more or purchase today! communitymusicschool.com/gifts 413-732-8428.
FEATURED MUSIC SCHOOL
Berkshire Music School
Pittsfield, MA
Give the gift of music this holiday season with the Berkshire Music School (BMS) 4-lesson trial package! The package includes four consecutive 30-minute lessons in any orchestral or band instrument as well as voice or theory for $140. One-month instrumental rental included. Take a private lesson in-person at BMS’s historic campus or online from the comfort of your home. Private lessons may be arranged for 30, 45, 60, or 90 minutes each week to meet the individual student’s needs and may begin at any point throughout the year. BMS’s fun Community Group Classes are offered on a pay-what-you-can basis with a new winter session starting in January. Visit the BMS website for class offerings and check out the new online registration feature!
FEATURED HOLIDAY GIVING
The Odyssey Bookshop
South Hadley, MA
Are you looking for a unique gift for a child in your life? The Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley, MA, invites you to Give the Gift of Reading! For just $25 a month, the child that you enroll will receive a handpicked book based on the age, interests, and reading level that you provide. From newborns to young adults, no child is too young or too old to join! Still have questions? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with their Gift of Reading Coordinator at kids@odysseybks.com for more information. Odyssey Bookshop. 413-534-7307. 9 College Street, South Hadley MA.
FEATURED PRESCHOOL
The Common School
Amherst, MA
Preschool ♦ Ages 3-12yrs
For more information: 413-256-8989; www.commonschool.org.
Children only get one preschool experience. Experience The Common School. The Common School, serving children ages 3-12 years, has two preschool classrooms for children ages 3-5 years. These classrooms provide strong student/teacher ratios, a diverse and inclusive community, opportunities for experiential learning, a stellar social and emotional curriculum, environmental awareness, play based learning, significant time spent outdoors and many resources, such as an extensive library, music and movement class. Prospective families are invited to meet their teachers and tour their newly renovated facilities, including outdoor learning spaces for extended time outside.
See Your Ad Here
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Preschool Directory
Find what you’re looking for in our Preschool & Daycare Directory for Western MA
List of Weekly Suggested Events
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021
INTEGRATED ART. 9am. Northampton Center for the Arts is offering intermodal arts classes for kids, integrating language arts and painting. For ages 7-13. 413-584-7327. 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA.
ARTS & CRAFTS. 10am. Winter Craft Making. Seasonal craft making for all ages occurs at the Berkshire Athenaeum. 1 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield, MA.
CHRISTMAS TREES. 10am-3pm. Christmas trees and wreaths are celebrated at the 9th Annual Christmas Tree & Wreath Festival at the Palmer Historical Cultural Center. 413-289-9295. 2072 Main St, Three Rivers, MA.
MUSEUM ADVENTURES/ ART STUDIES. 10:15am. WeeMuse Art Crawl is a gallery-based program that teaches children ages 2-5 about the art and artists in the Berkshire Museum collection, encouraging them to question, explore, and get creative with their own personal masterpieces. Berkshire Museum. 413-443-7171. 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA.
SANTA/ AVIATION. 10:30am. Let Santa lead the way for learning about aviation history at the New England Air Museum. 860-623-3305. 36 Perimeter Rd, Windsor Locks, CT.
STORYTELLING/ MUSIC. 11am. Interactive storytelling and music at the Southwick Public Library. 413-569-1221. 95 Feeding Hills Road. Southwick, MA.
HOLIDAYS/ ART STUDIO. 11am-1pm. Family Art Studio: Make Your Own Holiday Cards at IS183 Art School of the Berkshires. 413-298-5252. 13 Willard Hill Rd. Stockbridge, MA.
CHRISTMAS/ SANTA. 11am-3pm. Santa’s Workshop at the Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
SHOP LOCAL/ HANDMADE. 12-6pm. Pop-Up Holiday Market. Local artists, makers, and crafters showcase and sell their products during this weekend-long community pop-up market happening at multiple locations in downtown Greenfield! Greenfield, MA.
WILDERNESS SURVIVAL. 1-2:30pm. Discover how native animals survive in winter, what they eat, how they find food during a Hunter/Gatherer Hike at Mount Greylock State Reservation. For ages 12 & older. 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA.
CHRISTMAS/ TRAIN RIDE. 1pm, 3:30pm, 6pm. Step back into time and experience a 1950’s Christmas aboard the Tinseliner, a scenic Christmas train ride with Hoosac Valley Train Ride. Learn about locomotive travel within a 1950’s atmosphere. All trains depart from Adams Station at 4 Hoosac St. Adams, MA.
PUERTO RICAN CULTURE/ FOOD TRADITIONS. 1pm. In the Puerto Rican culture, it is customary to serve a coconut-based alcoholic beverage drink called “Coquito” throughout the winter holidays (Thanksgiving through Three Kings Day). Learn more at La Diáspora’s Coquito Making Class. Ages 21+. 234 Exchange St., Chicopee, MA.
BALLOON ART. 1pm. Learn the art of balloon animal twisting with Ed the Wizard with the Whately Library. Best for ages 7+. Held in the Whately Town Hall. Whately, MA.
COMMUNITY BONFIRE. 1pm. Winter Woodland Community Bonfire Celebration with River Valley Co-op at the Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, MA.
MUSIC HISTORY/ VICTORIAN ERA. 2:30-4:30pm. Learn about the Victorian era through music with the Berkshire Victorian Carolers, a quartet of professional singers dressed in Victorian-era holiday costumes at the Stockbridge Library. 413-298-5501. 46 Main Street, Stockbridge, MA.
SANTA. 3pm. Santa & holiday crafts at the Huntington Fire Departments. Stanton Hall, Russell Road, Huntington, MA.
PHYSICS/ENGINEERING. 3-4:30pm. Learn about Gravity Force with the Arms Library LEGO Engineering Club. Open to children ages 5+ and parent or accompanying adult. Arms Library. 413-625-0306. 60 Bridge St., Shelburne Falls, MA.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4-9pm. Holiday Lights Display at Look Memorial Park. 413-584-5457. 300 N Main St, Florence, MA.
LIVING MUSEUM/ HOLIDAY NIGHTS. 5-8pm. Hancock Shaker Village sparkles in a multi-sensory experience. Stroll through the 19th-century village transformed with festive decorations. Hancock Shaker Village. 413-443-0188. 1843 W Housatonic St, Pittsfield, MA.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 5-9pm. Drive-thru holiday lights at the Franklin County Fair, Greenfield, MA.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 5-11pm. Bright Nights at Forest Park. 300 Sumner Avenue. Springfield, MA.
DANCE STUDIES/ SOCIAL DANCES. 6pm. Talk a Waltz Lesson, followed by a social dance with a mixture of Latin, Ballroom, and Swing music at Dance Northampton’s Holiday Dance. Dance Northampton. 413-397-3259. 1 Prospect St, Hatfield, MA.
THEATER STUDIES/ MUSICAL. 7-9pm. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical with the Berkshire Theatre Group at the Colonial Theatre. 111 South St, Pittsfield, MA.
THEATER STUDIES/ MUSICAL. 8-10pm. Exit 7 Players presents A Christmas Carol, a new musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ 1843 festive novella Exit 7 Players Theater. 413-583-4301. 37 Chestnut St, Ludlow, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Pastry Art/Holiday Desserts
When you think of desserts during the holiday season, what comes to mind? Sugar cookies? Fruit cake? Gingerbread houses? Pies? How about Bûche de Noël, Sufganiyah, Panettone, Tembleque, Panetón, Christstollen, Pasteis de Nata, or Plum Pudding? These special desserts are made during the December holiday season in many parts of the world, embodying cultural and/or religious significance. Learning about their origins, history, and pastry art methods in their preparation make these desserts a delicious lens into learning through your interests. Often passed down from generation to generation, regional holiday desserts are also part of family traditions that may have traveled to new locations from their place of origin. Get curious about these desserts, learn about their heritage, bake together with your kids, and maybe even create new recipes to pass down within your own family.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2021
SANTA/ COMMUNITY MEAL. 9am. Breakfast with Santa, an annual community meal at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel. Reservations required. 413-263-2009. Springfield, MA.
CHRISTMAS TREES. 10am-3pm. Christmas trees and wreaths are celebrated at the 9th Annual Christmas Tree & Wreath Festival at the Palmer Historical Cultural Center. 413-289-9295. 2072 Main St, Three Rivers, MA.
SHOP LOCAL/ HANDMADE. 11-3pm. Pop-Up Holiday Market. Local artists, makers, and crafters showcase and sell their products during this weekend-long community pop-up market happening at multiple locations in downtown Greenfield! Greenfield, MA.
GINGERBREAD HOUSES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 11-5pm. The annual themed Gingerbread exhibit at the Springfield Museums is “Gingerbread: Under the Sea.” Walking into this year’s Under the Sea gallery is like diving deep into the ocean. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
CHRISTMAS/ TRAIN RIDE. 11:30am, 2pm, 4:30pm. Step back into time and experience a 1950’s Christmas aboard the Tinseliner, a scenic Christmas train ride with Hoosac Valley Train Ride. Learn about locomotive travel within a 1950’s atmosphere. All trains depart from Adams Station at 4 Hoosac St. Adams, MA.
ARTISAN SKILLS/ STAINED GLASS. 1pm. Get an introduction to the beauty and history of stained glass art with Make-It Springfield, followed by hands-on experience with techniques for making your own stained glass creations. Make-It Springfield. 413-342-1681. 168 Worthington St, Springfield, MA.
THEATER STUDIES/ MUSICAL. 2-4pm. Exit 7 Players presents A Christmas Carol, a new musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ 1843 festive novella Exit 7 Players Theater. 413-583-4301. 37 Chestnut St, Ludlow, MA.
THEATER STUDIES/ MUSICAL. 2-4pm. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical with the Berkshire Theatre Group at the Colonial Theatre. 111 South St, Pittsfield, MA.
LITERATURE/ HOLIDAYS. 3pm. The annual Holiday Community Read at the Meekins Library brings the community together to read! Join read and share both new & traditional holiday classics. Meekins Library. 413-268-7472. 2 Williams St, Williamsburg, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES/ CHOIR. 3pm. Join the Berkshire Concert Choir for a live performance of holiday favorites under the magnificent Museum of the Moon exhibit at the Berkshire Museum. 413-443-7171. 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4-9pm. Holiday Lights Display at Look Memorial Park. 413-584-5457. 300 N Main St, Florence, MA.
LIVING MUSEUM/ HOLIDAY NIGHTS. 5-8pm. Hancock Shaker Village sparkles in a multi-sensory experience. Stroll through the 19th-century village transformed with festive decorations. Hancock Shaker Village. 413-443-0188. 1843 W Housatonic St, Pittsfield, MA.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 5-9pm. Bright Nights at Forest Park. 300 Sumner Avenue. Springfield, MA.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 5-9pm. Drive-thru holiday lights at the Franklin County Fair, Greenfield, MA.
SANTA/ COMMUNITY MEAL. 7pm. Community supper with Santa during Bright Nights at Forest Park. Springfield, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Gingerbread Houses
Is there anything better than the sound of children happily discussing whether gumdrops or gummy bears make for better foliage in a confectionery garden? Grown-up architects debating the merits of Lifesavers vs. melted lollipops to convey gothic stained glass? The hum of conversation and laughter as designers of all ages bring their inspiration and creativity to bear on gingerbread walls, roofing material, and piles of buttercream mortar? Building a gingerbread house is a fantastic way to include creative folks of all ages in creating a delicious, well-engineered work of art, along with skills in architectural design, engineering, geometry, communication, and collaboration.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2021
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in Franklin County
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in south Berkshire County
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County
PLAYGROUP. 10-11am. For ages 0-5 at the Meekins Library. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 2 Williams St, Williamsburg, MA.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4-9pm. Holiday Lights Display at Look Memorial Park. 413-584-5457. 300 N Main St, Florence, MA.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 5-9pm. Bright Nights at Forest Park. 300 Sumner Avenue. Springfield, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES/ CELTIC & CHRISTMAS. 6pm. A Gathering of Celtic and Christmas at the Southwick Public Library combines the songs, tunes, history, and stories from England, Ireland, and Scotland with the Music of Christmas. Southwick Public Library. 413-569-1221. 95 Feeding Hills Road. Southwick, MA.
PUBLIC ART/ FILM. 8pm. Crowdsourced Cinema: Jurassic Park. Northampton Open Media invites the greater Northampton community to remake the 1993 classic film Jurassic Park as a public art project. (Virtual)
Self-Directed Learning: Saint Lucy’s Day
Learning about traditions and celebrations worldwide that mark the longest night of the year can support a broad spectrum of interests. For example, take Saint Lucy’s Day, a festival that marks the start of Christmas in Sweden on December 13. What is the origin of this festival, and how is it celebrated? Is food a part of this celebration? If not, why? If so, what? Are there costumes and traditions in which families participate? Is this a day celebrated in the community, at home, or in a place of worship? Find Sweden on the map and learn about the habitat and weather patterns during the darkest day of the year. Getting curious about the food, habitat, and cultural heritage associated with Saint Lucy’s Day can support learning about world culture, food traditions, and human behavior.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2021
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in Franklin County
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in south Berkshire County
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County
PLAYGROUP. 10:30-11:30am. For ages 0-5 at the Edwards Public Library. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 30 East Street, Southampton, MA.
PLAYGROUP. 3:30-4:30pm. For ages 0-5 at the Westhampton Public Library. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 1 N Rd, Westhampton, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES/ PreK. 10:30am. Preschool music program at the Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.
STE(A)M/ PreK. 1pm. Pre-School STEAM Program. Learn how to inspire your kids to engineer, create, design, explore, and build at home. Becket Athenaeum. 413-623-5483. 3367 Main St, Becket, MA.
LOCAL HISTORY/ GILDED AGE. 3pm. Christmas Charity in the Gilded Age. Mark Twain House in Hartford presents “Christmas Charity in the Gilded Age” at the Agawam Senior Center, exploring charitable efforts in historic context. Present by the Agawam Public Library. 954 Main Street. Agawam, MA.
FIBER ART/ QUILTS. 3pm. Art Seminar with fiber artist Jeanne Marklin. Jeanne will talk about the art quilts that she makes and what motivates her to make them. Hosted by the Milne Public Library. (Virtual)
HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4-9pm. Holiday Lights Display at Look Memorial Park. 413-584-5457. 300 N Main St, Florence, MA.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 5-9pm. Bright Nights at Forest Park. 300 Sumner Avenue. Springfield, MA.
FOOD HISTORY/ NUTRITION. 6:30pm. Learn about the history and health benefits of coffee and dark chocolate (cacao) with a commercial chocolatier at the West Springfield Public Library. 413-736-4561. 200 Park St, West Springfield, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES/ MUSICAL. 7-9pm. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical with the Berkshire Theatre Group at the Colonial Theatre. 111 South St, Pittsfield, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Gift Wrapping
December is known for the tradition of giving gifts during the winter holidays. Let’s take this tradition and look through the lens of wrapping paper as a catalyst for learning about math, history, production, environmental impacts, and wrapping techniques.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley
PLAYGROUPS. South Berkshire County.
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County.
PLAYGROUP. 10-11am. For ages 0-5 at St. Philip’s Church Parish Hall. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 126 Main St., Easthampton, MA.
NEW PARENT GROUP. 10:30am & 1pm. Beyond Birth groups meet weekly. New babies birth-6mos are at 1pm and older babies 6mos-1 yr are at 10:30am. Amherst, MA.
LITERACY/ STORYTIME. 10am. Storytime with the Montague Center Library. (Virtual)
STEM/ PreK. 10:15am. WeeMuse STEM. Children ages 2-5 and their caregivers are invited to explore science, technology, engineering, and math at the Berkshire Museum. 413-443-7171. 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA.
LITERACY/ STORYTIME. 10:30am. Preschool Storytime at the Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.
LITERACY/ STORYTIME. Storytime at the Becket Athenaeum. 413-623-5483. 3367 Main St, Becket, MA.
LITERACY/ STORYTIME. 10:30am. Storytime at the Westhampton Public Library. 413-527-5386. 1 N Rd, Westhampton, MA.
HOMESCHOOL EDUCATION. 12pm. K-8 Info Session with Oak Meadow Live (Virtual)
PLAYGROUP. 3:30-4:30pm. For ages 0-5 at Goshen Town Hall. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 42 Main St., Goshen, MA.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4-9pm. Holiday Lights Display at Look Memorial Park. 413-584-5457. 300 N Main St, Florence, MA.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 5-9pm. Bright Nights at Forest Park. 300 Sumner Avenue. Springfield, MA.
COMMUNITY MEAL/ HOLIDAYS. 5pm. Holyoke Community Dinner “Winter Wonderland”, at drive-thru/walk-thru experience with light displays and ice sculptures at the Marcella R Kelly Elementary School in Holyoke, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES/ OPERA. 7pm. Composer Matthew Aucoin discusses his process in updating the ancient Greek myth for his new opera Eurydice, which recently debuted at the Metropolitan Opera at the Clark Art Institute. 413-458-2303. 225 South St., Williamstown, MA.
TEEN PROGRAM/ KINDNESS. 7pm. Teen Program: Card-making for a Cause with the Clapp Library. (Virtual)
THEATER STUDIES/ MUSICAL. 7-9pm. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical with the Berkshire Theatre Group at the Colonial Theatre. 111 South St, Pittsfield, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Physics/Static Electricity
In the colder months, when we’re bundled up inside, sleeping under a pile of blankets, and scuffling about our homes in socks and slippers, we might find that we often encounter electrical shocks when we touch doorknobs or tiny bolts of “lightning” emitted from blankets as we toss about to get warm and comfortable. Static electricity is to blame! This phenomenon is the perfect opportunity to learn about the physics of electricity and why we get tiny shocks more often in the winter than in the summer months.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in Franklin County
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in south Berkshire County
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County
PLAYGROUP. 10-11am. For ages 0-5 at St. Philip’s Church Parish Hall. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 126 Main St., Easthampton, MA.
NEW PARENT GROUP. 10:30am & 1pm. Beyond Birth groups meet weekly in both Northampton (Thurs) and Amherst (Wed)! New babies birth-6 mos are at 1pm and older babies 6 mos to 1 year are at 10:30am. Northampton & Amherst, MA.
MUSIC & MOVEMENT/ PreK. 10am. Music & Movement with the Montague Center Library. (Virtual)
ARTS & CRAFTS. 11am & 2pm. Crafts at Amelia Park Children’s Museum. 413-572-4014. 29 S Broad St, Westfield, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES/ UKULELE. 1pm. Ukulele Sing Along at the Erving Public Library. 413-423-3348. 2 Care Dr, Erving, MA.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4-9pm. Holiday Lights Display at Look Memorial Park. 413-584-5457. 300 N Main St, Florence, MA.
LIVING MUSEUM/ HOLIDAY NIGHTS. 5-8pm. Hancock Shaker Village sparkles in a multi-sensory experience. Stroll through the 19th-century village transformed with festive decorations. Hancock Shaker Village. 413-443-0188. 1843 W Housatonic St, Pittsfield, MA.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 5-9pm. Bright Nights at Forest Park. 300 Sumner Avenue. Springfield, MA
POLISH FOOD/COMMUNITY MEAL. 5:30pm. Experience Polish Christmas traditions through the lens of food with the Polish Center of Discovery and Learning at Elms College’s family-style Wigilia Supper at the Ludlow Country Club. 1 Tony Lema Drive, Ludlow, MA.
CULINARY ARTS/ SOUP. 6pm. Let’s Get Cooking 101: Making Homemade Soup. Gain confidence in the kitchen while learning new cooking techniques and skills with Big Y World Class Market. (Virtual)
MAKER LAB. 6pm. Explore your creativity with hands-on activities from electric circuits to origami at the Westfield Athenaeum Maker Lab. Best for kids ages 7-10. Westfield Athenaeum. 413-568-7833. 6 Elm Street, Westfield, MA.
INTERGENERATIONAL/ BINGO. 6:30pm. BINGO from the comfort of your own home with the Westfield Athenaeum. (Virtual)
SOCIAL JUSTICE/ YIDDISH CULTURE. 7pm. Join in a conversation about the roots of social justice in Yiddish literature and culture. The Yiddish Book Center will engage with scholars, authors, and cultural commentators. (Virtual)
THEATER STUDIES/ MUSICAL. 7-9pm. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical with the Berkshire Theatre Group at the Colonial Theatre. 111 South St, Pittsfield, MA.
PARENT GROUP. 8:30pm. Post Bedtime Parents Group with It Takes a Village (Virtual)
Self-Directed Learning: Literature in Translation
Every year in December, there are stories that are shared that mark the season. Some of these stories are often translated into film and theater. Take How the Grinch Stole Christmas, translated into an animated television special and a Hollywood blockbuster. Or A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, acted out as plays and performed as musicals. These are just a couple of examples of literature in translation that ties into the cultural traditions shared this time of year. Get curious and see what other writings have been translated into similar fashions, comparing and contrasting the original writing with the translated performance.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in Franklin County
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in south Berkshire County
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County
PLAYGROUP. 10-11am. For ages 0-5 at St. Philip’s Church Parish Hall. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 126 Main St., Easthampton, MA.
GRANDPARENTING SUPPORT. 1pm. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Tea Time, every 1st & 3rd Friday of the month, with Community Action’s Family Center. 413-475-1555. 90 Federal Street, Greenfield, MA.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4-9pm. Holiday Lights Display at Look Memorial Park. 413-584-5457. 300 N Main St, Florence, MA.
LIVING MUSEUM/ HOLIDAY NIGHTS. 5-8pm. Hancock Shaker Village sparkles in a multi-sensory experience. Stroll through the 19th-century village transformed with festive decorations. Hancock Shaker Village. 413-443-0188. 1843 W Housatonic St, Pittsfield, MA.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 5-11pm. Bright Nights at Forest Park. 300 Sumner Avenue. Springfield, MA.
THEATER STUDIES/ MUSICAL. 6pm. Elf the Musical with Ja’Duke Theater. 413-863-0001. 110 Industrial Blvd, Turners Falls, MA.
THEATER STUDIES/ MUSICAL. 7-9pm. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical with the Berkshire Theatre Group at the Colonial Theatre. 111 South St, Pittsfield, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Language Arts/Holidays
Christmas and Hanukkah have a bank of associated words that we can use to support learning about word origins and world languages. Let the holiday season lead the way in learning through language art!
Weekly eNewsletter
Online and in-person events and resources shared above are done so as a courtesy and not as an endorsement. While we do our best to share accurate and up-to-date information, please take the time to confirm information, age appropriateness, registration requirements, safety protocols, and associated costs.
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Hilltown Families’ list of Suggested Events is supported in part by grants from the Agawam, Amherst, Bernardston, Buckland, Charlemont/Hawley, Chester, Chesterfield, Chicopee, Colrain, Dalton, Deerfield, Easthampton, Gill, Goshen, Greenfield, Hadley, Hatfield, Heath, Hinsdale/Peru, Holyoke, Huntington, Leyden, Montgomery, Mt. Washington, New Salem, Northern Berkshire, Northfield, Palmer, Pelham, Plainfield, Rowe, Shelburne, Shutesbury, South Hadley, Southampton, Springfield, Tolland, Tyringham, Westhampton, Windsor, and Worthington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
