Weekly Suggested Events for December 24-30, 2022

Hilltown Families’ list of weekly suggested events includes suggested learning ideas, resources, and fun events for all ages, each week!

Home > Suggested Events > Weekly Suggested Events for December 24-30, 2022
It's the last week of 2022, and we have a rich list of events to support learning during winter vacation week in Western MA!

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

NATURAL HISTORY/ ART STUDIES: Berkshire Museum. 413-443-7171. 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA.

LITERACY: Tilton Library. 413-665-4683. 75 North Main Street. South Deerfield, MA.

FOOD JUSTICE: Abundance Farm. 413-584-3593. 253 Prospect St. Northampton, MA.

AMERICAN HISTORY: Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA.

ANIMAL WELFARE: Equiculture: Alderman Farm. 413-813-2000. 67 Alderman Rd, Chester, MA.

Image Credit: Eric Carle, Illustration for Do Bears Have Mothers Too? by Aileen Fisher. Collection of Eric and Barbara Carle. © 1973 Penguin Random House LLC. 

Bring your art- and book-loving family to The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art over the holidays, December 21-23 & 28-31. The Museum, which is devoted to the art of children’s books, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with three special exhibitions: Eric Carle Book BirthdaysThe Carle Collection: Recent Acquisitions, and Celebrating Collage, A 20th Anniversary Exhibition. In addition to exploring art in the galleries, drop into their art studio to create 3-D sculptures, join in a storytime, and let the kids go on a scavenger hunt throughout the Museum. (Note: The Carle will be closed Jan 1-13 for routine maintenance.) The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is located at 125 W Bay Rd in Amherst, MA. For more info, visit www.carlemuseum.org.

Registration is open for spring semester classes at Holyoke Community College. More than 80 degree and certificate options are available. There is extensive academic and student support, flexible on-campus and online schedules, laptops for loan and WiFi hotspots to borrow, a student food pantry, a student emergency fund, and a drop-in child watch. Adult-focused programs include Pathways, New Directions for Adult Learners, Veterans Services, and college credit for work/life experience. Classes begin January 17. Flexible. Affordable. Holyoke Community College. Email admissions@hcc.edu today.

Inspired academics, gifted teachers, music and art in everyday learning, active land stewardship, and a culture of compassion: this is the Hartsbrook School. Whether exploring the nearby fields and stream or delving into deep inquiry, Hartsbrook students develop foundational learning skills that last a lifetime. Discover how meaningful a school experience can be, and enjoy a vibrant, active parent community. Now accepting applications for 2023-24, pre-K thru high school! For more information, call 413-586-1908 x116 to begin your exploration. Visit the school online at www.hartsbrook.org. Hartsbrook School is located at 193 Bay Road in Hadley, MA.

Collaborating community organizations will host Springfield’s annual citywide Dr. King Day Celebration on Monday, January 16, 2023, from 11am-1pm. This year’s theme, Chasing the Dream, Arriving Together, and Standing in the Light, will engage youth, community leaders, and artists with performances to reflect on the legacy of Dr. King and the struggle for social justice in communities across the country. Held in person at the MassMutual Center, the event is hosted by Martin Luther King Jr Family Services, Community Music School of Springfield, Inclusive Strategies LLC, Springfield College and Focus Springfield, Legacy Sounds, Springfield Cultural Partnership, Focus Springfield, Urban League of Springfield, and Springfield Public Schools.

Students interested in saving time and money can earn three college credits in just 11 days during the Holyoke Community College Wintersession. Wintersession is the perfect opportunity to complete college prerequisites and lighten spring course loads for students who want to earn college credit during the January break. Registration is due by Dec. 28, 2022, for classes that begin on Dec. 29. Holyoke Community College credits are affordable, and you can take your credits with you. (Many of their classes easily transfer to other institutions. Check-in with your receiving college or university for details.) hcc.edu/wintersession

Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School in South Hadley, MA, is committed to supporting the Artist in every student! Students from over 50 towns in Grades 7-12 thrive in an arts-centered, creative, challenging learning environment. No tuition or audition is required. They are now accepting applications for grades 7-11 for the 2023/24 school year at www.pvpa.org/admissions. Application deadline: February 10, 2023. Lottery: February 17, 2023. Limited seats available for the 2nd semester of the 2022/23 school year. Applications will be accepted for Grades 7, 10 & 11 until January 2, 2023. Lottery: January 6, 2023. Students will start by January 31, 2023. Questions? Email admissions@pvpa.org for more info.

FEATURED EVENT
Hancock Holiday Nights
Hancock Shaker Village

Hancock Holiday Nights are back with more nights, lights, and wonder. Stroll outdoors across the farm at Hancock Shaker Village to view artist Joe Wheaton’s stunning video projections on several historic buildings, including the iconic Round Stone Barn and Brick Dwelling in Pittsfield, MA. Enter the kitchen of the Brick Dwelling and the Round Stone Barn to see stabled farm animals reminiscent of the first Nativity. Shop for holiday gifts, make simple crafts, and gather for festive spirits by the fire. See the season, and Hancock Shaker Village, in a whole new light. Takes place on select evenings throughout December from 5-8pm. Member discounts and free for children five and under. For info and to buy tickets, visit their website.

FEATURED EVENT
Christmas by Candlelight
Old Sturbridge Village

Experience old cherished traditions and create new ones as you celebrate the season during Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village! Explore the beautifully decorated Village, watch a nightly lighting ceremony, stroll through the Christmas Tree Trail and Christmas Wish Bridge, watch demonstrations of classic Christmas projects, visit with Santa, taste samples of sweet treats, enjoy live music and storytelling, and so much more. Visit osv.org to learn more and purchase your tickets in advance.

Give the gift of music this holiday season with a private lesson package from the Berkshire Music School! The Holiday Private Lesson Package includes four 30-minute lessons, free instrument rental, waived membership fee, and a BMS tote bag, all for $154! Your loved ones can enjoy private lessons in-person at Berkshire Music School’s historic campus in Pittsfield or online from the comfort of their home. Berkshire Music School lessons are offered in all band and orchestra instruments, including voice and theory, for students of all levels and ages. For more information on how to register, visit the Berkshire Music School website: www.berkshiremusicschool.org. 
Questions? Call 413-442-1411 or email cpearson@berkshiremusicschool.org 

Make music with the Community Music School of Springfield! CMSS offers high-quality music instruction for students of all ages and levels with flexible scheduling and a choice of online or in-person learning. Whether you’re just starting or are a seasoned musician, CMSS takes the time to match you with a teacher who will connect with you while helping you accomplish your personal musical goals. Offering instruction in over 30 instruments and voice, their registration team can help you decide whether to rent or purchase your instrument. Getting started is easy – your future music lesson is a click or a phone call away! More info: www.communitymusicschool.com

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Partner with HIlltown Families!

Partner with Hilltown Families in your online advertising! Delivering your message each week to over 35,000 subscribers, web visitors, and social media followers each week, Hilltown Families can bring your message to thousands of families in Western Massachusetts. Serving the region since 2005, Hilltown Families is an award-winning, online communication network, recognized as a leading family strengthening initiative in the region, promoting “positive parenting through the social norm of community social connectedness.” A trusted partner in your online marketing! To find out how we can partner together in your online marketing and outreach, contact us for info on our affordable options and packages: swildfield@hilltownfamilies.org. Have an event, resource, or opportunity you’re ready to promote? Click HERE to submit your information.

2022 Class Directory

Class Directory

Discover virtual & adapted programming in our Class Directory for Western MA

2022 Preschool & Daycare Directory

Preschool Directory

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List of Weekly Suggested Events

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2022

FAMILY RADIO: 9-10am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM Northampton, MA. (Radio)

🎄 HOLIDAY FILM. 10 am. Christmas Eve Movie: Elf (2003) – Greenfield Garden Cinema. 413-773-9260. 361 Main St. Greenfield, MA.

🎄 CHRISTMAS EVE/ LIBRARY. 10 am. Christmas Eve at the Library – Cushman Library. 413-648-5402. 28 Church St, Bernardston, MA.

ENTOMOLOGY/ BUTTERFLIES. 10am-4:30pm. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory – An 8000 square-foot tropical conservatory with nearly 4000 free-flying tropical and native butterflies from all over the world. Learn about butterflies along with exotic reptiles, frogs, fish, birds, and insects! Ask about their guided tours. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. 413-665-2805. 281 Greenfield Road. South Deerfield, MA.

ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-3pm. The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) – One of the world’s liveliest centers for making and enjoying today’s most evocative art. With vast galleries and a stunning collection of indoor and outdoor performing arts venues, MASS MoCA embraces all forms of art: music, sculpture, dance, film, painting, photography, theater, and new, boundary-crossing works of art that defy easy classification. MASS MoCA offers various participatory learning opportunities, including hands-on art-making classes and docent-guided tours. A must-visit for families is Kidspace, a child-centered art gallery and hands-on studio that offers in-depth art education. Visit the ArtBar, a hands-on studio space in Kidspace, to make art or take a project home with you. MASS MoCA. 413-662-2111.1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA.

🛷 OUTDOOR ADVENTURES. 1 pm. Family-Friendly Outdoor Adventures – An afternoon of winter activities, including snow tubing for the little ones, a snowshoe demonstration, and a guided hike. Mount Greylock Visitor Center. 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 5-11pm. Bright Nights at Forest Park. 300 Sumner Avenue. Springfield, MA.

MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.

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Self-Directed Learning: Hanukkah

Hanukkah is the Jewish holiday known as the Festival of Lights. For eight days, Jewish families light one more candle of the eight that create the menorah each evening. Bring your family to celebrate while participating and learning about the holiday’s customs. In Western Massachusetts, there are many places to explore Jewish culture including events at community centers and local museums.

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Self-Directed Learning: Christmas Icons

Many contemporary Christmas icons have commercial roots. From Coca-Cola’s Santa Claus to Aebersold & Bell’s Elf on a Shelf. This holiday season, examine the history behind the commercialization of Christmas, and then compare and contrast with icons and traditions based on different cultures and values. Begin with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, first appearing in a booklet published by the department store chain Montgomery Ward, compared with reindeer’s traditional heritage.

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2022

FEATURED EVENT
Hancock Holiday Nights
Hancock Shaker Village

Hancock Holiday Nights are back with more nights, lights, and wonder. Stroll outdoors across the farm at Hancock Shaker Village to view artist Joe Wheaton’s stunning video projections on several historic buildings, including the iconic Round Stone Barn and Brick Dwelling in Pittsfield, MA. Enter the kitchen of the Brick Dwelling and the Round Stone Barn to see stabled farm animals reminiscent of the first Nativity. Shop for holiday gifts, make simple crafts, and gather for festive spirits by the fire. See the season, and Hancock Shaker Village, in a whole new light. Takes place on select evenings throughout December from 5-8pm. Member discounts and free for children five and under. For info and to buy tickets, visit their website.

PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley

PLAYGROUPSFamily Center & Playgroups in south Berkshire County   

PLAYGROUPS. Home. City. Families. in Springfield

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-4pm. Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum –  Ventfort Hall is an imposing Jacobean Revival-style mansion built in 1893 for Sarah Morgan, the sister of J. P. Morgan. It was one of the approximately seventy-five so-called “Cottages” built in Lenox in the late 19th century when the village became a popular Gilded Age resort. The museum can support interests in history and architecture, photography, film, art, and botany. Photography and film students can test their skills in the house, finding interesting areas to photograph. Art students are welcome to find a spot they enjoy and sketch, paint, and/or interpret the site as it fits their interests and studies. History classes may compare and contrast the architectural elements of Ventfort Hall with observations in their community. Botany students can investigate and identify trees and plants on the property that are of the era. And much more! Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA.

ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-6pm. The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) – One of the world’s liveliest centers for making and enjoying today’s most evocative art. With vast galleries and a stunning collection of indoor and outdoor performing arts venues, MASS MoCA embraces all forms of art: music, sculpture, dance, film, painting, photography, theater, and new, boundary-crossing works of art that defy easy classification. MASS MoCA offers various participatory learning opportunities, including hands-on art-making classes and docent-guided tours. A must-visit for families is Kidspace, a child-centered art gallery and hands-on studio that offers in-depth art education. Visit the ArtBar, a hands-on studio space in Kidspace, to make art or take a project home with you. MASS MoCA. 413-662-2111.1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA.

🌟 KWANZAA. 12–5 pm. Kwanzaa Celebration – During the days after Christmas, most people are sleeping in and recovering from a day filled with family, food, presents, and 24 hours of “A Christmas Story.” Those who celebrate Kwanzaa, however, are just beginning a celebration. Kwanzaa is a holiday designed to connect African American communities everywhere and is celebrated from Dec. 26th to Jan 1st. The Citywide Kwanzaa Celebration this year will include a Candle Lighting Ceremony that honors Faith, Family, Community, and African American cultural history, along with entertainers, panel discussions, and speakers who will address present circumstances and what is to come in our personal and communal lives. Takes place at the Boys & Girls Club Family Center. 413-739-4743. 100 Acorn St, Springfield, MA.

ICE SKATING. 2:30-4:20pm & 6-7:50pm. Public Ice Skate – Ice skating sessions for the public at UMass Mullins Center. Skate rentals are provided. Great opportunity to get moving on cold New England days! UMass Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Amherst, MA.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 5-11pm. Bright Nights at Forest Park. 300 Sumner Avenue. Springfield, MA.

🎶 MUSIC STUDIES/ UKULELE. 7 pm. Ukulele Play Along at the M. N. Spear Memorial Library. 413-259-1213. 10 Cooleyville Rd, Shutesbury, MA.

MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.

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Self-Directed Learning: Kwanzaa

In 1966, Dr. Maulana Karenga established an African American and Pan-African holiday, Kwanzaa, based on traditional African “first fruit” (harvest) celebrations. Organized around seven principles (unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith), Kwanzaa aims to preserve, continually revitalize, and promote African American culture. A week-long celebration was observed from December 26 to January 1. During this time, look for annual community-based celebrations in which to participate.

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2022

FEATURED EVENT
Hancock Holiday Nights
Hancock Shaker Village

Hancock Holiday Nights are back with more nights, lights, and wonder. Stroll outdoors across the farm at Hancock Shaker Village to view artist Joe Wheaton’s stunning video projections on several historic buildings, including the iconic Round Stone Barn and Brick Dwelling in Pittsfield, MA. Enter the kitchen of the Brick Dwelling and the Round Stone Barn to see stabled farm animals reminiscent of the first Nativity. Shop for holiday gifts, make simple crafts, and gather for festive spirits by the fire. See the season, and Hancock Shaker Village, in a whole new light. Takes place on select evenings throughout December from 5-8pm. Member discounts and free for children five and under. For info and to buy tickets, visit their website.

FEATURED EVENT
Christmas by Candlelight
Old Sturbridge Village

Experience old cherished traditions and create new ones as you celebrate the season during Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village! Explore the beautifully decorated Village, watch a nightly lighting ceremony, stroll through the Christmas Tree Trail and Christmas Wish Bridge, watch demonstrations of classic Christmas projects, visit with Santa, taste samples of sweet treats, enjoy live music and storytelling, and so much more. Visit osv.org to learn more and purchase your tickets in advance.

PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley

PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in Franklin County 

PLAYGROUPSFamily Center & Playgroups in south Berkshire County 

PLAYGROUPS. Home. City. Families. in Springfield

CREATIVE FREE-PLAY/ INTERACTIVE MUSEUM. 9am-4pm.  The Children’s Museum – Dedicated to enhancing children’s educational and cultural awareness through the arts, sciences, and the world around them. The Museum’s participatory exhibits and educational programming invite children and adults to interact and enjoy learning and self-discovery while at play. Young children almost always want to start on the Curvy Climber. And then, throughout the Museum, there are several other activities that older children might spend more time with, including the Legos Table, The Magna Tile Table, Maxi Rollways, and the Imagination Playground. There is also a state-of-the-art World of Motion room that stimulates children and adults’ curious minds. This room is STEM-based and encourages learning and play. Discover more at The Children’s Museum at Holyoke. 413-536-7048. 444 Dwight St, Holyoke, MA.

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-3pm. Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum –  Ventfort Hall is an imposing Jacobean Revival-style mansion built in 1893 for Sarah Morgan, the sister of J. P. Morgan. It was one of the approximately seventy-five so-called “Cottages” built in Lenox in the late 19th century when the village became a popular Gilded Age resort. The museum can support interests in history and architecture, photography, film, art, and botany. Photography and film students can test their skills in the house, finding interesting areas to photograph. Art students are welcome to find a spot they enjoy and sketch, paint, and/or interpret the site as it fits their interests and studies. History classes may compare and contrast the architectural elements of Ventfort Hall with observations in their community. Botany students can investigate and identify trees and plants on the property that are of the era. And much more! Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA.

NATURAL HISTORY/MUSEUM ADVENTURES: 10am-4pm. The Beneski Museum of Natural History – One of New England’s largest natural history museums, featuring three floors of exhibits with more than 1,700 specimens on display. Step inside the museum, and you’ll find: Dramatic displays of fossil skeletons, from fish to dinosaurs to Ice Age megafauna, an extraordinary collection of local dinosaur footprints, geological specimens and immersive exhibits that tell the history of the local landscape through geologic time, including when dinosaurs inhabited the area, and dazzling mineral specimens from around the world and meteorites from beyond Earth. Beneski Museum of Natural History. 413-542-2165. Amherst College. 11 Barrett Hill Dr, Amherst, MA.

JEWISH CULTURE/ HISTORY. 10am-4pm. Yiddish Book Center – Learning about Jewish culture and history often leads parents and children to conversations about their family’s history, culture, and traditions. Part of The Center’s mission is to offer engaging learning opportunities for curious visitors of all ages who come to the expansive, sunny museum designed to resemble a shtetl (Eastern European Jewish small town), which sits in an apple orchard adjacent to the Hampshire College campus. Visitors don’t need to be able to read or speak Yiddish to enjoy the Center—although, by the visit’s end, they’ll realize they probably knew more Yiddish words than they thought (noshschmooze, and shlep are all Yiddish words commonly used in English), and leave knowing even more. Yiddish Book Center. 413-256-4900. 1021 West Street. Amherst, MA.

ENTOMOLOGY/ BUTTERFLIES. 10am-4:30pm. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory – An 8000 square-foot tropical conservatory with nearly 4000 free-flying tropical and native butterflies from all over the world. Learn about butterflies along with exotic reptiles, frogs, fish, birds, and insects! Ask about their guided tours. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. 413-665-2805. 281 Greenfield Road. South Deerfield, MA.

🌎 ECOLOGY/ SCIENCE. 10am-5pm. Planet Earth: You Are Here – Celebrate the place we call home with hands-on art and science activities at the Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA. 

📖 STORYTIME. 10:30am. Grandparents Storytime – Tilton Library. 413-665-4683. 75 North Main Street. South Deerfield, MA.

ART STUDIES. 11am-4pm. Smith College Museum of Art (SCMA) – SCMA is recognized as a leading academic museum. Their collection comprises 27,000+ objects, representing the diversity of art and material culture across periods and geographies. Visitors can discover artworks from across periods and geographies in their permanent collection galleries and temporary exhibitions, engaging people with first-hand experiences of art, artists, and museum practice. The museum’s collection ranges from ancient Greek vases to contemporary video art. The works in their permanent collection galleries are regularly rotated, so there’s something new to see each time you visit. Special exhibitions highlight a dynamic range of artworks and artists. Smith College Museum of Art. 413-585-2760. 20 Elm Street at Bedford Terrace. Northampton, MA.

ICE SKATING. 4-5:50pm. Public Ice Skate – Ice skating sessions for the public at UMass Mullins Center. Skate rentals are provided. Great opportunity to get moving on cold New England days! UMass Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Amherst, MA.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 5-11pm. Bright Nights at Forest Park. 300 Sumner Avenue. Springfield, MA.

MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.

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Self-Directed Learning: Polar Regions

If the North Pole is an ocean (Arctic Ocean) surrounded by land and the South Pole is a continent (Antarctica) surrounded by ocean, how could Santa call the North Pole home? Who else calls the North Pole home? Polar bears or penguins? With nearly 100% of Antarctica covered by ice a mile thick, why is it considered a desert? Is it colder at the North Pole or the South Pole? Why? ‘Tis the season we celebrate the folklore of the most famous resident of the North Pole, Santa Claus. Christmas is an excellent opportunity to get curious about the North and South Poles. Learn about geography, geology, meteorology, climate change, zoology, and much more through the lens of Earth’s polar regions.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2022
Image Credit: Eric Carle, Illustration for Do Bears Have Mothers Too? by Aileen Fisher. Collection of Eric and Barbara Carle. © 1973 Penguin Random House LLC. 

Bring your art- and book-loving family to The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art over the holidays, December 28-31. The Museum, which is devoted to the art of children’s books, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with three special exhibitions: Eric Carle Book BirthdaysThe Carle Collection: Recent Acquisitions, and Celebrating Collage, A 20th Anniversary Exhibition. In addition to exploring art in the galleries, drop into their art studio to create 3-D sculptures, join in a storytime, and let the kids go on a scavenger hunt throughout the Museum. (Note: The Carle will be closed Jan 1-13 for routine maintenance.) The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is located at 125 W Bay Rd in Amherst, MA. For more info, visit www.carlemuseum.org.

FEATURED EVENT
Christmas by Candlelight
Old Sturbridge Village

Experience old cherished traditions and create new ones as you celebrate the season during Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village! Explore the beautifully decorated Village, watch a nightly lighting ceremony, stroll through the Christmas Tree Trail and Christmas Wish Bridge, watch demonstrations of classic Christmas projects, visit with Santa, taste samples of sweet treats, enjoy live music and storytelling, and so much more. Visit osv.org to learn more and purchase your tickets in advance.

FEATURED EVENT
Hancock Holiday Nights
Hancock Shaker Village

Hancock Holiday Nights are back with more nights, lights, and wonder. Stroll outdoors across the farm at Hancock Shaker Village to view artist Joe Wheaton’s stunning video projections on several historic buildings, including the iconic Round Stone Barn and Brick Dwelling in Pittsfield, MA. Enter the kitchen of the Brick Dwelling and the Round Stone Barn to see stabled farm animals reminiscent of the first Nativity. Shop for holiday gifts, make simple crafts, and gather for festive spirits by the fire. See the season, and Hancock Shaker Village, in a whole new light. Takes place on select evenings throughout December from 5-8pm. Member discounts and free for children five and under. For info and to buy tickets, visit their website.

PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley

PLAYGROUPSSouth Berkshire County. 

PLAYGROUPSFamily Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County.

PLAYGROUPS. Home. City. Families. in Springfield

CREATIVE FREE-PLAY/ INTERACTIVE MUSEUM. 9am-4pm.  The Children’s Museum – Dedicated to enhancing children’s educational and cultural awareness through the arts, sciences, and the world around them. The Museum’s participatory exhibits and educational programming invite children and adults to interact and enjoy learning and self-discovery while at play. Young children almost always want to start on the Curvy Climber. And then, throughout the Museum, there are several other activities that older children might spend more time with, including the Legos Table, The Magna Tile Table, Maxi Rollways, and the Imagination Playground. There is also a state-of-the-art World of Motion room that stimulates children and adults’ curious minds. This room is STEM-based and encourages learning and play. Discover more at The Children’s Museum at Holyoke. 413-536-7048. 444 Dwight St, Holyoke, MA.

NEW ENGLAND HISTORY. 9:30am-4:30pm. Historic Deerfield – Founded in 1952, Historic Deerfield is an outdoor museum that interprets the history and culture of early New England and the Connecticut River Valley. Visitors can tour twelve carefully-preserved antique houses dating from 1730 to 1850 and explore world-class collections of regional furniture, silver, textiles, and other decorative arts on display in the authentic period houses; as well as the Flynt Center of Early New England Life, a state-of-the-art museum facility featuring exhibitions and a visible storage area. Support interests in history through the lens of architecture, New England antiques, arts and crafts needlework, ironware and basketry, cooking and baking, gardening, textiles, fashion, furniture, and much more! Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.

JEWISH CULTURE/ HISTORY. 10am-4pm. Yiddish Book Center – Learning about Jewish culture and history often leads parents and children to conversations about their family’s history, culture, and traditions. Part of The Center’s mission is to offer engaging learning opportunities for curious visitors of all ages who come to the expansive, sunny museum designed to resemble a shtetl (Eastern European Jewish small town), which sits in an apple orchard adjacent to the Hampshire College campus. Visitors don’t need to be able to read or speak Yiddish to enjoy the Center—although, by the visit’s end, they’ll realize they probably knew more Yiddish words than they thought (noshschmooze, and shlep are all Yiddish words commonly used in English), and leave knowing even more. Yiddish Book Center. 413-256-4900. 1021 West Street. Amherst, MA.

NATURAL HISTORY/MUSEUM ADVENTURES: 10am-4pm. The Beneski Museum of Natural History – One of New England’s largest natural history museums, featuring three floors of exhibits with more than 1,700 specimens on display. Step inside the museum, and you’ll find: Dramatic displays of fossil skeletons, from fish to dinosaurs to Ice Age megafauna, an extraordinary collection of local dinosaur footprints, geological specimens and immersive exhibits that tell the history of the local landscape through geologic time, including when dinosaurs inhabited the area, and dazzling mineral specimens from around the world and meteorites from beyond Earth. Beneski Museum of Natural History. 413-542-2165. Amherst College. 11 Barrett Hill Dr, Amherst, MA.

ENTOMOLOGY/ BUTTERFLIES. 10am-4:30pm. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory – An 8000 square-foot tropical conservatory with nearly 4000 free-flying tropical and native butterflies from all over the world. Learn about butterflies along with exotic reptiles, frogs, fish, birds, and insects! Ask about their guided tours. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. 413-665-2805. 281 Greenfield Road. South Deerfield, MA.

🌎 ECOLOGY/ SCIENCE. 10am-5pm. Planet Earth: You Are Here – Celebrate the place we call home with hands-on art and science activities at the Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.

ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-6pm. The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) – One of the world’s liveliest centers for making and enjoying today’s most evocative art. With vast galleries and a stunning collection of indoor and outdoor performing arts venues, MASS MoCA embraces all forms of art: music, sculpture, dance, film, painting, photography, theater, and new, boundary-crossing works of art that defy easy classification. MASS MoCA offers various participatory learning opportunities, including hands-on art-making classes and docent-guided tours. A must-visit for families is Kidspace, a child-centered art gallery and hands-on studio that offers in-depth art education. Visit the ArtBar, a hands-on studio space in Kidspace, to make art or take a project home with you. MASS MoCA. 413-662-2111.1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA.

🧑‍🍳 CULINARY ARTS. 11am. Kids Can Cook – The Clark’s popular kids cooking class returns with Chef Elise. Kids can learn how to make the most important meal of the day: breakfast! The menu includes hearty pancakes, French toast, and fruit skewers. Clark Art Institute. 413-458-2303. 225 South St., Williamstown, MA.

ART STUDIES. 11am-4pm. Smith College Museum of Art (SCMA) – SCMA is recognized as a leading academic museum. Their collection comprises 27,000+ objects, representing the diversity of art and material culture across periods and geographies. Visitors can discover artworks from across periods and geographies in their permanent collection galleries and temporary exhibitions, engaging people with first-hand experiences of art, artists, and museum practice. The museum’s collection ranges from ancient Greek vases to contemporary video art. The works in their permanent collection galleries are regularly rotated, so there’s something new to see each time you visit. Special exhibitions highlight a dynamic range of artworks and artists. Smith College Museum of Art. 413-585-2760. 20 Elm Street at Bedford Terrace. Northampton, MA.

🧚‍♂️ ARTS & CRAFTS. 1 pm. Fairy Terrariums – Turn a simple jar into a magical terrarium that needs almost no care to keep going! Participants will use sand, moss, rocks, “air plants,” and more. Pre-register. Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA. 

🎥 FILM STUDIES/ STOP-MOTION. 1 pm. LEGO Stop-Motion Create and Share – Create a stop-motion video using LEGO, and share your videos with others. Kids will provide LEGO, tips, and support, but movie-makers will need to bring their own devices. Meekins Library. 413-268-7472. 2 Williams St, Williamsburg, MA.

🎥 FAMILY FILM. 1:30 pm. Family Interactive Movie – Families are invited to travel to Hogwarts for an interactive showing of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone! Berkshire Athenaeum. 1 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield, MA.

🧼 ARTS & CRAFTS. 2pm. Rubber Duckie Soap Making for Kids – Kids ages 8 – 12 will love this workshop, where they will create their own Rubber Duckie Soap. Children will choose from various rubber duckies to embed in the soap and top off with soap curls making waves. Participants will use glycerin-based soap and add color, scents, and more. Space is limited so sign up by calling or stopping in the library. South Hadley Public Library. 413-538-5045. 2 Canal St., South Hadley, MA.

🏠 ARCHITECTURE. 2–4 pm. Marshmallow Building Challenge – Kids are invited to make a tower, bridge, house, and more out of toothpicks and mini-marshmallows! Stockbridge Library. 413-298-5501. 46 Main Street, Stockbridge, MA.

🧬 STE(A)M. 3–4:30 pm. STEAM Workshop – Playful Engineers at the Jones Library for ages 9-11. 413-259-3223. 43 Amity St, Amherst, MA.

🌟 PUPPETRY. 3:30 pmMarionette Show – Puppeteer Carl Sprague will perform “The Very Late Christmas Present,” a comic story of how a family’s century-old Czech puppet theatre was created and how it came to America. There are lots of characters, lots of scenery, and lots of amusing drama. Fun for all. Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA.

ICE SKATING. 4-5:50pm. Public Ice Skate – Ice skating sessions for the public at UMass Mullins Center. Skate rentals are provided. Great opportunity to get moving on cold New England days! UMass Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Amherst, MA.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 5-11pm. Bright Nights at Forest Park. 300 Sumner Avenue. Springfield, MA.

🏀 SPORTS/ BASKETBALL. 7 pm. UMass Women’s Basketball vs. Dartmouth at Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Amherst, MA.

MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.

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Self-Directed Learning: National Card Playing Day

Card games have a rich history and are a popular family pastime. Over a decade ago, we asked our readers to share their favorite family card games, and they had many great games to recommend! But if all you have on hand is a deck of playing cards, knowing the rules to a few popular games can result in hours of fun and a load of learning! Today, our self-directed learning module looks through the lens of playing cards. When playing cards together, children have many sociological and emotional developmental benefits. Start by getting curious about playing cards, their history, how they are manufactured, the cultural differences between the suites, and the origin of associated folk games. Learn about the different types of card games (i.e., trick-taking, matching, shedding, fishing, etc.), and then select games you’d like to learn to play (or teach to your kids).

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2022
Image Credit: Eric Carle, Illustration for Do Bears Have Mothers Too? by Aileen Fisher. Collection of Eric and Barbara Carle. © 1973 Penguin Random House LLC. 

Bring your art- and book-loving family to The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art over the holidays, December 28-31. The Museum, which is devoted to the art of children’s books, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with three special exhibitions: Eric Carle Book BirthdaysThe Carle Collection: Recent Acquisitions, and Celebrating Collage, A 20th Anniversary Exhibition. In addition to exploring art in the galleries, drop into their art studio to create 3-D sculptures, join in a storytime, and let the kids go on a scavenger hunt throughout the Museum. (Note: The Carle will be closed Jan 1-13 for routine maintenance.) The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is located at 125 W Bay Rd in Amherst, MA. For more info, visit www.carlemuseum.org.

Students interested in saving time and money can earn three college credits in just 11 days during the Holyoke Community College Wintersession. Wintersession is the perfect opportunity to complete college prerequisites and lighten spring course loads for students who want to earn college credit during the January break. Registration is due by Dec. 28, 2022, for classes that begin on Dec. 29. Holyoke Community College credits are affordable, and you can take your credits with you. (Many of their classes easily transfer to other institutions. Check-in with your receiving college or university for details.) hcc.edu/wintersession

FEATURED EVENT
Hancock Holiday Nights
Hancock Shaker Village

Hancock Holiday Nights are back with more nights, lights, and wonder. Stroll outdoors across the farm at Hancock Shaker Village to view artist Joe Wheaton’s stunning video projections on several historic buildings, including the iconic Round Stone Barn and Brick Dwelling in Pittsfield, MA. Enter the kitchen of the Brick Dwelling and the Round Stone Barn to see stabled farm animals reminiscent of the first Nativity. Shop for holiday gifts, make simple crafts, and gather for festive spirits by the fire. See the season, and Hancock Shaker Village, in a whole new light. Takes place on select evenings throughout December from 5-8pm. Member discounts and free for children five and under. For info and to buy tickets, visit their website.

FEATURED EVENT
Christmas by Candlelight
Old Sturbridge Village

Experience old cherished traditions and create new ones as you celebrate the season during Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village! Explore the beautifully decorated Village, watch a nightly lighting ceremony, stroll through the Christmas Tree Trail and Christmas Wish Bridge, watch demonstrations of classic Christmas projects, visit with Santa, taste samples of sweet treats, enjoy live music and storytelling, and so much more. Visit osv.org to learn more and purchase your tickets in advance.

PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley

PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in Franklin County 

PLAYGROUPSFamily Center & Playgroups in south Berkshire County 

PLAYGROUPS. Home. City. Families. in Springfield

CREATIVE FREE-PLAY/ INTERACTIVE MUSEUM. 9am-4pm.  The Children’s Museum – Dedicated to enhancing children’s educational and cultural awareness through the arts, sciences, and the world around them. The Museum’s participatory exhibits and educational programming invite children and adults to interact and enjoy learning and self-discovery while at play. Young children almost always want to start on the Curvy Climber. And then, throughout the Museum, there are several other activities that older children might spend more time with, including the Legos Table, The Magna Tile Table, Maxi Rollways, and the Imagination Playground. There is also a state-of-the-art World of Motion room that stimulates children and adults’ curious minds. This room is STEM-based and encourages learning and play. Discover more at The Children’s Museum at Holyoke. 413-536-7048. 444 Dwight St, Holyoke, MA.

NEW ENGLAND HISTORY. 9:30am-4:30pm. Historic Deerfield – Founded in 1952, Historic Deerfield is an outdoor museum that interprets the history and culture of early New England and the Connecticut River Valley. Visitors can tour twelve carefully-preserved antique houses dating from 1730 to 1850 and explore world-class collections of regional furniture, silver, textiles, and other decorative arts on display in the authentic period houses; as well as the Flynt Center of Early New England Life, a state-of-the-art museum facility featuring exhibitions and a visible storage area. Support interests in history through the lens of architecture, New England antiques, arts and crafts needlework, ironware and basketry, cooking and baking, gardening, textiles, fashion, furniture, and much more! Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-4pm. Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum –  Ventfort Hall is an imposing Jacobean Revival-style mansion built in 1893 for Sarah Morgan, the sister of J. P. Morgan. It was one of the approximately seventy-five so-called “Cottages” built in Lenox in the late 19th century when the village became a popular Gilded Age resort. The museum can support interests in history and architecture, photography, film, art, and botany. Photography and film students can test their skills in the house, finding interesting areas to photograph. Art students are welcome to find a spot they enjoy and sketch, paint, and/or interpret the site as it fits their interests and studies. History classes may compare and contrast the architectural elements of Ventfort Hall with observations in their community. Botany students can investigate and identify trees and plants on the property that are of the era. And much more! Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA.

JEWISH CULTURE/ HISTORY. 10am-4pm. Yiddish Book Center – Learning about Jewish culture and history often leads parents and children to conversations about their family’s history, culture, and traditions. Part of The Center’s mission is to offer engaging learning opportunities for curious visitors of all ages who come to the expansive, sunny museum designed to resemble a shtetl (Eastern European Jewish small town), which sits in an apple orchard adjacent to the Hampshire College campus. Visitors don’t need to be able to read or speak Yiddish to enjoy the Center—although, by the visit’s end, they’ll realize they probably knew more Yiddish words than they thought (noshschmooze, and shlep are all Yiddish words commonly used in English), and leave knowing even more. Yiddish Book Center. 413-256-4900. 1021 West Street. Amherst, MA.

NATURAL HISTORY/MUSEUM ADVENTURES: 10am-4pm. The Beneski Museum of Natural History – One of New England’s largest natural history museums, featuring three floors of exhibits with more than 1,700 specimens on display. Step inside the museum, and you’ll find: Dramatic displays of fossil skeletons, from fish to dinosaurs to Ice Age megafauna, an extraordinary collection of local dinosaur footprints, geological specimens and immersive exhibits that tell the history of the local landscape through geologic time, including when dinosaurs inhabited the area, and dazzling mineral specimens from around the world and meteorites from beyond Earth. Beneski Museum of Natural History. 413-542-2165. Amherst College. 11 Barrett Hill Dr, Amherst, MA.

ENTOMOLOGY/ BUTTERFLIES. 10am-4:30pm. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory – An 8000 square-foot tropical conservatory with nearly 4000 free-flying tropical and native butterflies from all over the world. Learn about butterflies along with exotic reptiles, frogs, fish, birds, and insects! Ask about their guided tours. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. 413-665-2805. 281 Greenfield Road. South Deerfield, MA.

🌎 ECOLOGY/ SCIENCE. 10am-5pm. Planet Earth: You Are Here – Celebrate the place we call home with hands-on art and science activities at the Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.

ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-6pm. The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) – One of the world’s liveliest centers for making and enjoying today’s most evocative art. With vast galleries and a stunning collection of indoor and outdoor performing arts venues, MASS MoCA embraces all forms of art: music, sculpture, dance, film, painting, photography, theater, and new, boundary-crossing works of art that defy easy classification. MASS MoCA offers various participatory learning opportunities, including hands-on art-making classes and docent-guided tours. A must-visit for families is Kidspace, a child-centered art gallery and hands-on studio that offers in-depth art education. Visit the ArtBar, a hands-on studio space in Kidspace, to make art or take a project home with you. MASS MoCA. 413-662-2111.1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA.

ARTS & CRAFTS. 11am & 2pm. Crafts at Amelia Park Children’s Museum. 413-572-4014. 29 S Broad St, Westfield, MA.

ART STUDIES. 11am-4pm. Smith College Museum of Art (SCMA) – SCMA is recognized as a leading academic museum. Their collection comprises 27,000+ objects, representing the diversity of art and material culture across periods and geographies. Visitors can discover artworks from across periods and geographies in their permanent collection galleries and temporary exhibitions, engaging people with first-hand experiences of art, artists, and museum practice. The museum’s collection ranges from ancient Greek vases to contemporary video art. The works in their permanent collection galleries are regularly rotated, so there’s something new to see each time you visit. Special exhibitions highlight a dynamic range of artworks and artists. Smith College Museum of Art. 413-585-2760. 20 Elm Street at Bedford Terrace. Northampton, MA.

❄️ OUTDOOR ADVENTURES/ WINTER. 1-3pm. Winter Wonderland Activity Day – A fun-packed time of winter activities. Take your pick of winter-themed crafts, scavenger hunts, board games, and make-your-own snowman or sledding if weather permits. Bring your own sled if you have one. Mount Greylock Visitor Center. 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA.

📚 PUBLISHING ARTS/ ZINES. 2 pm. Zines for Teens – ROOTS Teen Center. 51 Ashland St. North Adams, MA.

🪄 PSYCHOLOGY/ MAGIC. 3:30 pm. Kids Comedy Magic – Magic show presented by Ed Popielarczyk where the kids are the stars because they make the magic happen. Storrs Library. 413-565-4181. 693 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, MA.

ICE SKATING. 4-5:50pm. Public Ice Skate – Ice skating sessions for the public at UMass Mullins Center. Skate rentals are provided. Great opportunity to get moving on cold New England days! UMass Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Amherst, MA.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 5-11pm. Bright Nights at Forest Park. 300 Sumner Avenue. Springfield, MA.

🌟 KWANZAA. 6 pm. KWANZAA Celebration – Annual Kwanzaa celebration will highlight the first principle Umoja ( Unity in the country, community, and youth). Speakers include Attorney Aimee Griffin-Joyner of Life & Legacy Counselors, R.O.P.E. scholars in a skit written by Sandra Nunley West, music by Christine Bile and more. Tyler St. Lab- 741 Tyler Street. Pittsfield, MA.

ROLLER SKATING. 7-9:30pm. Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA.

MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.

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Self-Directed Learning: Citrus Season 

Supermarkets and food co-ops are living laboratories for learning! These community-based educational resources are accessible to everyone and have something new to discover every week as we move through harvest seasons and holidays rich in food traditions. Citrus is abundant in the winter, and a delicious opportunity to learn about the wide citrus varieties. Pick up a variety of oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes at your local market this winter, and get curious! Culinary arts, literature, agriculturenutritionarts & crafts, and even STEM are interests citrus can support.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2022
Image Credit: Eric Carle, Illustration for Do Bears Have Mothers Too? by Aileen Fisher. Collection of Eric and Barbara Carle. © 1973 Penguin Random House LLC. 

Bring your art- and book-loving family to The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art over the holidays, December 28-31. The Museum, which is devoted to the art of children’s books, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with three special exhibitions: Eric Carle Book BirthdaysThe Carle Collection: Recent Acquisitions, and Celebrating Collage, A 20th Anniversary Exhibition. In addition to exploring art in the galleries, drop into their art studio to create 3-D sculptures, join in a storytime, and let the kids go on a scavenger hunt throughout the Museum. (Note: The Carle will be closed Jan 1-13 for routine maintenance.) The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is located at 125 W Bay Rd in Amherst, MA. For more info, visit www.carlemuseum.org.

FEATURED EVENT
Christmas by Candlelight
Old Sturbridge Village

Experience old cherished traditions and create new ones as you celebrate the season during Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village! Explore the beautifully decorated Village, watch a nightly lighting ceremony, stroll through the Christmas Tree Trail and Christmas Wish Bridge, watch demonstrations of classic Christmas projects, visit with Santa, taste samples of sweet treats, enjoy live music and storytelling, and so much more. Visit osv.org to learn more and purchase your tickets in advance.

FEATURED EVENT
Hancock Holiday Nights
Hancock Shaker Village

Hancock Holiday Nights are back with more nights, lights, and wonder. Stroll outdoors across the farm at Hancock Shaker Village to view artist Joe Wheaton’s stunning video projections on several historic buildings, including the iconic Round Stone Barn and Brick Dwelling in Pittsfield, MA. Enter the kitchen of the Brick Dwelling and the Round Stone Barn to see stabled farm animals reminiscent of the first Nativity. Shop for holiday gifts, make simple crafts, and gather for festive spirits by the fire. See the season, and Hancock Shaker Village, in a whole new light. Takes place on select evenings throughout December from 5-8pm. Member discounts and free for children five and under. For info and to buy tickets, visit their website.

PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley

PLAYGROUPSFamily Center & Playgroups in south Berkshire County 

PLAYGROUPS. Home. City. Families. in Springfield

CREATIVE FREE-PLAY/ INTERACTIVE MUSEUM. 9am-4pm.  The Children’s Museum – Dedicated to enhancing children’s educational and cultural awareness through the arts, sciences, and the world around them. The Museum’s participatory exhibits and educational programming invite children and adults to interact and enjoy learning and self-discovery while at play. Young children almost always want to start on the Curvy Climber. And then, throughout the Museum, there are several other activities that older children might spend more time with, including the Legos Table, The Magna Tile Table, Maxi Rollways, and the Imagination Playground. There is also a state-of-the-art World of Motion room that stimulates children and adults’ curious minds. This room is STEM-based and encourages learning and play. Discover more at The Children’s Museum at Holyoke. 413-536-7048. 444 Dwight St, Holyoke, MA.

NEW ENGLAND HISTORY. 9:30am-4:30pm. Historic Deerfield – Founded in 1952, Historic Deerfield is an outdoor museum that interprets the history and culture of early New England and the Connecticut River Valley. Visitors can tour twelve carefully-preserved antique houses dating from 1730 to 1850 and explore world-class collections of regional furniture, silver, textiles, and other decorative arts on display in the authentic period houses; as well as the Flynt Center of Early New England Life, a state-of-the-art museum facility featuring exhibitions and a visible storage area. Support interests in history through the lens of architecture, New England antiques, arts and crafts needlework, ironware and basketry, cooking and baking, gardening, textiles, fashion, furniture, and much more! Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.

🪵 BIOLOGY/ ENTOMOLOGY. 10 am. What a Rotten Place to Live: Life in a Rotting Log – Children ages 8 – 12 will love getting dirty with Doug Fleury, AKA the Bug Man. Kids will learn all about what lives in a rotting log by actually tearing a log apart. They’ll find lots of creepy crawlies that survive the winter inside logs. Kids will be paired up, and each couple will have a log to make their discoveries. Pre-registration is REQUIRED by stopping in the library or calling. South Hadley Public Library. 413-538-5045. 2 Canal St., South Hadley, MA.

JEWISH CULTURE/ HISTORY. 10am-4pm. Yiddish Book Center – Learning about Jewish culture and history often leads parents and children to conversations about their family’s history, culture, and traditions. Part of The Center’s mission is to offer engaging learning opportunities for curious visitors of all ages who come to the expansive, sunny museum designed to resemble a shtetl (Eastern European Jewish small town), which sits in an apple orchard adjacent to the Hampshire College campus. Visitors don’t need to be able to read or speak Yiddish to enjoy the Center—although, by the visit’s end, they’ll realize they probably knew more Yiddish words than they thought (noshschmooze, and shlep are all Yiddish words commonly used in English), and leave knowing even more. Yiddish Book Center. 413-256-4900. 1021 West Street. Amherst, MA.

NATURAL HISTORY/MUSEUM ADVENTURES: 10am-4pm. The Beneski Museum of Natural History – One of New England’s largest natural history museums, featuring three floors of exhibits with more than 1,700 specimens on display. Step inside the museum, and you’ll find: Dramatic displays of fossil skeletons, from fish to dinosaurs to Ice Age megafauna, an extraordinary collection of local dinosaur footprints, geological specimens and immersive exhibits that tell the history of the local landscape through geologic time, including when dinosaurs inhabited the area, and dazzling mineral specimens from around the world and meteorites from beyond Earth. Beneski Museum of Natural History. 413-542-2165. Amherst College. 11 Barrett Hill Dr, Amherst, MA.

ENTOMOLOGY/ BUTTERFLIES. 10am-4:30pm. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory – An 8000 square-foot tropical conservatory with nearly 4000 free-flying tropical and native butterflies from all over the world. Learn about butterflies along with exotic reptiles, frogs, fish, birds, and insects! Ask about their guided tours. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. 413-665-2805. 281 Greenfield Road. South Deerfield, MA.

🌎 ECOLOGY/ SCIENCE. 10am-5pm. Planet Earth: You Are Here – Celebrate the place we call home with hands-on art and science activities at the Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.

ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-6pm. The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) – One of the world’s liveliest centers for making and enjoying today’s most evocative art. With vast galleries and a stunning collection of indoor and outdoor performing arts venues, MASS MoCA embraces all forms of art: music, sculpture, dance, film, painting, photography, theater, and new, boundary-crossing works of art that defy easy classification. MASS MoCA offers various participatory learning opportunities, including hands-on art-making classes and docent-guided tours. A must-visit for families is Kidspace, a child-centered art gallery and hands-on studio that offers in-depth art education. Visit the ArtBar, a hands-on studio space in Kidspace, to make art or take a project home with you. MASS MoCA. 413-662-2111.1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA.

ART STUDIES. 11am-4pm. Smith College Museum of Art (SCMA) – SCMA is recognized as a leading academic museum. Their collection comprises 27,000+ objects, representing the diversity of art and material culture across periods and geographies. Visitors can discover artworks from across periods and geographies in their permanent collection galleries and temporary exhibitions, engaging people with first-hand experiences of art, artists, and museum practice. The museum’s collection ranges from ancient Greek vases to contemporary video art. The works in their permanent collection galleries are regularly rotated, so there’s something new to see each time you visit. Special exhibitions highlight a dynamic range of artworks and artists. Smith College Museum of Art. 413-585-2760. 20 Elm Street at Bedford Terrace. Northampton, MA.

🎉 NEW YEAR’S EVE. 12 pm. Noon Year’s Eve Dance Party – Friends of all ages are invited to a rocking Noon Year’s Eve dance party. Dress for the occasion in your best party clothes to dance to all your favorite tunes. Storrs Library. 413-565-4181. 693 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, MA.

🎉 NEW YEAR’S EVE. 1–4 pm. New Year’s Day Party for Kids –Celebrate the New Year with Games, crafts, and fun activities. For ages 5 – 12. West Springfield Public Library. 413-736-4561. 200 Park St, West Springfield, MA.

ICE SKATING. 2-3:20pm & 7:30-9:20pm. Public Ice Skate – Ice skating sessions for the public at UMass Mullins Center. Skate rentals are provided. Great opportunity to get moving on cold New England days! UMass Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Amherst, MA.

🌟 PUPPETRY. 3:30 pmMarionette Show – Puppeteer Carl Sprague will perform “The Very Late Christmas Present,” a comic story of how a family’s century-old Czech puppet theatre was created and how it came to America. There are lots of characters, lots of scenery, and lots of amusing drama. Fun for all. Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA.

PLACEMAKING/ CREATIVE ECONOMY. 5-8pm. Greenfield Arts Walk. On every last Friday of the month, downtown Greenfield comes alive in a celebration of the local creative community. The Greenfield Arts Walk is a town-wide event featuring a cohort of local arts organizations. Downtown Greenfield, MA. 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 5-11pm. Bright Nights at Forest Park. 300 Sumner Avenue. Springfield, MA.

MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.

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Self-Directed Learning: Winter Farmers’ Markets

Winter farmers’ markets provide a fresh and colorful oasis during the winter months, reminding us that farm-fresh foods of all kinds are still available despite the blustery, snow drift-covered fields that surround us. Connecting to the local food chain year-round is not only healthy for your body, your family, and your community, but it can be educational as well! Exposing children to the vast array of foods available from winter farmers’ markets can help them recognize that there are many different methods for growing and producing food while connecting them to where their food comes from.

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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, Becket, Bernardston, Buckland, Chester, Chicopee, Colrain, Cummington, Easthampton, Goshen, Granby, Greenfield, Hadley, Hatfield, Heath, Hinsdale/Peru, Huntington, Leyden, Montgomery, Mount Washington, Northern Berkshire, Orange, Otis, Palmer, Pelham, Rowe, Shelburne, Shutesbury, South Hadley, Tolland, Tyringham, Westhampton, Windsor, and Worthington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

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