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 self-directed learning. And be sure to subscribe to our free weekly eNewsletter so you never miss out!
Support your local community this holiday season by shopping locally at The Mill District General Store & Local Art Gallery’s 3rd Annual Holiday Arts Market. The event is taking place on Saturday, November 18, 2023. (Rain date: Sunday, November 19). The market is open from 12-4pm at 91 Cowls Road in Amherst, MA. With over 30 local vendors, you can find unique & thoughtful gifts for your loved ones. There will be a variety of handmade jewelry, paintings, drawings, greeting cards, toys, books, pottery, ornaments, body products, sculpture, and much more! You can shop both indoors and outdoors, and enjoy their cozy warming station, where you can also roast free s’mores. Don’t miss this opportunity to support local makers and crafters & spread holiday cheer!
November at The Carle is your place to meet authors and illustrators! On Saturday, November 18 meet award-winning creator Sydney Smith as he reads from his new book, Do You Remember?Then, Sunday, November 19, join illustrator and educator Hanoch Piven in a family workshop where participants will use everyday materials to tell the story of their family. Learn more at www.carlemuseum.org
The Carle Museum Bookshop Holiday Sale! Shop local and save up to 15% off Friday, November 24 through Sunday, November 26, on unique toys, art supplies, and books signed by your favorite authors and artists. Their knowledgeable Shop staff can help you find the perfect gift. There is no admission price to shop in what Parents’ Choice calls “the very best bookstore for picture books in the entire world.” Plus, enjoy the Museum’s free parking. Become a member and save an additional 15% off. Save at The Carle Bookshop and feel good about your purchase – all proceeds support the Museum’s non-profit mission. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 W. Bay Road, Amherst, MA. www.carlemuseum.org
Experience a magical evening at Moonlight Magic in Shelburne Falls on November 24, from 4-9pm. This is an enchanting celebration of lights and community that you won’t want to miss! Families can participate in the Art Garden’s Paper Lantern Workshop on Nov. 17 & 18 to create their own paper lanterns, which they can carry during the Parade of Lights at Moonlight Magic. Dress up in your most imaginative Moonlight Magic-themed attire to make the night even more whimsical. Admission and parking are free, so take advantage of this opportunity to create magical memories that will last a lifetime. For more information on the Parade of Lights and all the other activities, shopping, and entertainment, visit https://linktr.ee/MoonlightMagicShelburneFalls.
It’s that time of year again! Join Hilltown Land Trust for this year’s 19th annual Gorge Après Gorge 5k Trail Run & Free Family Fun Walk on Sunday, November 26, at the Chesterfield Gorge. Runners and walkers use a well-marked course with a beautiful view of the Westfield River. Hot beverages and a potluck round off this event, which awards handmade hats to the winners and a locally baked cookie medal to all participants. The Chesterfield Gorge Reservation is located on River Rd in West Chesterfield, MA, off of Ireland St. Family Fun Walk is at 9:30am (Free, $15 suggested donation). 5k Trail Run is at 10:30am ($25 or $30 day of). Discounts are available for Hilltown Land Trust members, Trustees members & families! Free for runners under 10.
Imagine a school that values and encourages the unique qualities of your child: The Hartsbrook School in Hadley, MA, provides just that, with warmth and attentiveness. Beautiful outdoor classrooms, storytelling, music, and creative problem-solving all lay the foundations for future learning and deep social connection. Children’s imagination and empathy are awakened through the rich curriculum. Walking in the woods, visiting the school’s farm animals, and tending the gardens develop an awareness of, and care for, the natural world. Begin your exploration with a tour to learn more about their early childhood program. Ages 2.9-6yrs. For more information: admissions@hartsbrook.org; 413-586-1908 x116; www.hartsbrook.org.
Experience Moonlight Magic at the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum on November 24 from 4-8pm. Trolley Car #10 will be beautifully decorated and take families on a nostalgic ride under the moonlight and amid festive holiday lights from Salmon Falls to the Visitor’s Center. Families can enjoy warm beverages and cozy up in the museum’s Red Caboose. The museum’s gift shop offers a variety of holiday cards, tree ornaments, collectibles, and stocking stuffers that will please trolley enthusiasts & history buffs. Kids will love the wooden and electric trains at the visitor’s center. This annual event is a celebration of the rich history of the trolley car and a moment where the past and present come together. Visit www.sftm.org for more information.
The Academy at Charlemont is a community-oriented independent day school for grades 6-12. For over 40 years, Academy students have become engaged learners and articulate leaders through small classes, rigorous coursework, diverse electives in the arts and beyond, inclusive athletics, personalized advising, and student leadership. Visit The Academy’s campus along the Deerfield River and learn more from students and faculty at their Open House on Sunday, December 3rd, from 1-3pm. Generous financial aid and daily round-trip bus service from Amherst, Northampton, and the Hilltowns are available. Ready to learn more about The Academy family for your family? Pre-register for their Open House: www.charlemont.org/open-house-registration.
Pioneer Valley Ballet presents The Nutcracker, an annual holiday favorite at the Academy of Music Theatre, located in Northampton, MA. Each year, PVB’s Nutcracker is reinvented by Artistic Directors Maryanne Kodzis and Thomas Vacanti. Celebrate the history of the company with the tradition of Clara’s magical story. In addition to their own PVB dancers and members of the local community, they welcome guest artists from Carolina Ballet. Join PVB for this classic holiday tradition that all ages will enjoy! Performances are December 8, 9 & 10, 2023. The Friday 4pm performance is their sensory safe/family friendly show. Tickets are available at www.aomtheatre.com/event/the-nutcracker-3
Students interested in saving time and money can earn three college credits in just 10 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 December28, 2023, for classes that begin on December 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
Celebrate the whole child! The Giving Tree preschool program is thoughtfully designed to support young children’s social-emotional growth, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills. Students enjoy ample outdoor exploration and playtime each day in their rambling and rugged Outdoor Classroom. Only 15 minutes from downtown Greenfield, set among the woods and pastures of Gill. Giving Tree is committed to fostering active, hands-on early learning experiences that are playful and purposeful, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Licensed by EEC and accredited by NAEYC & HighScope. Sliding scale tuition. For more information: givingtreeschool.org, admin@givingtreeschool.org, or call 413-863-9218.
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November at The Carle is your place to meet authors and illustrators! On Saturday, November 18 meet award-winning creator Sydney Smith as he reads from his new book, Do You Remember?Then, Sunday, November 19, join illustrator and educator Hanoch Piven in a family workshop where participants will use everyday materials to tell the story of their family. Learn more at www.carlemuseum.org
FAMILY RADIO: 9-10am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM Northampton, MA. (Radio)
The history of knives and forks is a fascinating journey through culture, etiquette, and technology. Knives have been used for cutting and spearing food since prehistoric times, evolving from flint tools to metal blades. The fork, on the other hand, has a more complex history. Initially, it was viewed with skepticism in the West, but it gained popularity in Byzantine and later in Italian noble courts in the 11th century, primarily as a way to keep hands clean and to handle tricky foods like pasta. The fork’s use spread slowly; in some cultures, fingers were considered perfectly adequate for dining, and the fork was considered pretentious. However, by the 18th century, the fork had become commonplace in Europe. The Industrial Revolution and subsequent mass production made cutlery more accessible, standardizing the design we recognize today with a knife for cutting, a fork for holding, and, later, a spoon for soup. Studying the history of these utensils not only provides insight into changes in dining conventions but also reflects broader societal shifts in manners, social norms, technology, and manufacturing. Check outThe History of Spoons, Forks, and Knives to discover the history of cutlery and get curious about the origins of your utensils during your holiday and family meals!
November at The Carle is your place to meet authors and illustrators! On Saturday, November 18 meet award-winning creator Sydney Smith as he reads from his new book, Do You Remember?Then, Sunday, November 19, join illustrator and educator Hanoch Piven in a family workshop where participants will use everyday materials to tell the story of their family. Learn more at www.carlemuseum.org
Support your local community this holiday season by shopping locally at The Mill District General Store & Local Art Gallery’s 3rd Annual Holiday Arts Market. The event is taking place on Saturday, November 18, 2023. (Rain date: Sunday, November 19). The market is open from 12-4pm at 91 Cowls Road in Amherst, MA. With over 30 local vendors, you can find unique & thoughtful gifts for your loved ones. There will be a variety of handmade jewelry, paintings, drawings, greeting cards, toys, books, pottery, ornaments, body products, sculpture, and much more! You can shop both indoors and outdoors, and enjoy their cozy warming station, where you can also roast free s’mores. Don’t miss this opportunity to support local makers and crafters & spread holiday cheer!
FAMILY RADIO: 7-8am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM Northampton, MA. (Radio)
Humans have been eating pies for thousands of years. Pie recipes have been recovered from ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Some of these early pies were designed as portable containers for meat or dairy, but many were surprisingly similar to the pies we would recognize today. Learning about the history of food extends our connection to the culinary and pastry arts. It also opens up pathways for discovering new interests… like botany. Take the Apple Pie into consideration and think about the different apples that we could select for dessert. Not all apples are made the same. Why? What’s different? Why are some better for pies and others for eating out of hand? Learn about the varieties of apples and which ones would be better for your pie… and why! Also, sweet potatoes and pie pumpkins make delicious pies for the holidays!
When you think of an apron, you might think of a homemaker wearing one while cooking for the holidays or a white chef apron worn by the cook at your favorite restaurant. Historically, people wore aprons for much more than just cooking. There were fancy taffeta aprons worn as a social status by women hosting guests, aprons made of wool for scullery maids that were fire retardant, and occupational aprons made of leather or heavy canvas, which men wore at work. Aprons can be a lens to learn about cultural heritage through the life stories of the homemakers who wore them. They can also support interests in textile arts, sewing, art history, and fashion.
Zines, or self-published, small-circulation booklets and magazines, are a popular medium for a wide range of subjects, including poetry, art, politics, and personal narratives. They originated in the science fiction fandom of the 1930s and encouraged writers to express themselves freely without the constraints of mainstream publishing. Zines foster creativity in literary art and serve as an experimental platform for writers and artists to explore unconventional or avant-garde topics. They provide a tangible medium to experiment with layout, collage, and illustration, blending visual and textual storytelling. Self-publishing through zines empowers individuals to share their voices, build communities around niche interests, and challenge traditional gatekeeping in literature and media. Engaging with zines provides a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience in independent publishing, enriching one’s skills in editing, design, and distribution.
🎄🎅 TREE LIGHTING/ SANTA. 5-7pm. Tree Lighting Ceremony – Join the North Adams community for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on the eve of Thanksgiving, which marks the beginning of the holiday season. The much-awaited countdown will culminate when the switch is flipped, illuminating downtown with thousands of sparkling lights. After the ceremony, children can enjoy the excitement as Santa visits and hands out complimentary treats. This beloved tradition brings residents and visitors together, spreading joy and festive spirit. Monument Square. 131 Main Street. North Adams, MA.
3D printing is a groundbreaking technology that enables the precise layering of materials to build complex structures from digital models, transforming various industries from engineering to medicine. Local libraries and learning centers often provide access to 3D printers, creating educational opportunities across multiple disciplines. Integrating 3D printing into learning environments stimulates hands-on engagement with STEM concepts, nurturing problem-solving and design-thinking skills. By understanding the mechanics and software behind 3D printing, individuals can gain insights into robotics and computer-aided design while supporting integrative learning by blending technology, science, and creativity, preparing learners for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Thanksgiving food traditions are a blend of Native American practices and European influences. The cranberry, once gathered by the Wampanoag Native American people as a small wild fruit called ‘sasumuneash’, has now been cultivated into the larger, juicier berries accompanying our Thanksgiving turkeys. By exploring the origins of Thanksgiving dishes, we can learn about agriculture, pastry arts, and history. Investigating the evolution of corn, pecan pie, and cranberry sauce offers insights into farming, culinary arts, and animal domestication. Examining these traditional foods helps us understand the holiday’s culinary legacy and cultural significance.
The Carle Museum Bookshop Holiday Sale! Shop local and save up to 15% off Friday, November 24 through Sunday, November 26, on unique toys, art supplies, and books signed by your favorite authors and artists. Their knowledgeable Shop staff can help you find the perfect gift. There is no admission price to shop in what Parents’ Choice calls “the very best bookstore for picture books in the entire world.” Plus, enjoy the Museum’s free parking. Become a member and save an additional 15% off. Save at The Carle Bookshop and feel good about your purchase – all proceeds support the Museum’s non-profit mission. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 W. Bay Road, Amherst, MA. www.carlemuseum.org
Experience a magical evening at Moonlight Magic in Shelburne Falls on November 24, from 4-9pm. This is an enchanting celebration of lights and community that you won’t want to miss! Families can participate in the Art Garden’s Paper Lantern Workshop on Nov. 17 to create their own paper lanterns, which they can carry during the Parade of Lights at Moonlight Magic. Dress up in your most imaginative Moonlight Magic-themed attire to make the night even more whimsical. Admission and parking are free, so take advantage of this opportunity to create magical memories that will last a lifetime. For more information on the Parade of Lights and all the other activities, shopping, and entertainment, visit https://linktr.ee/MoonlightMagicShelburneFalls.
Experience Moonlight Magic at the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum on November 24 from 4-8pm. Trolley Car #10 will be beautifully decorated and take families on a nostalgic ride under the moonlight and amid festive holiday lights from Salmon Falls to the Visitor’s Center. Families can enjoy warm beverages and cozy up in the museum’s Red Caboose. The museum’s gift shop offers a variety of holiday cards, tree ornaments, collectibles, and stocking stuffers that will please trolley enthusiasts & history buffs. Kids will love the wooden and electric trains at the visitor’s center. This annual event is a celebration of the rich history of the trolley car and a moment where the past and present come together. Visit www.sftm.org for more information.
Self-Directed Learning: Social Studies/Black Friday
Black Friday is considered the start of the holiday shopping season in the US, occurring after Thanksgiving. It is a day when retailers offer significant discounts to lure shoppers, leading to massive crowds and consumerism. However, there is a growing awareness and critique of the impact of such behavior on society and the environment. As a result, alternatives like Green Friday for eco-consciousness, Artists Sunday for supporting local artists, Giving Tuesday for philanthropy, Small Business Saturday for local economies, and Buy Nothing Day to protest consumerism have emerged. Understanding these alternative days can encourage critical thinking about consumer behavior, financial literacy, and cultural awareness. These events offer a platform for discussing broader topics such as sustainability, community building, and the role of the individual in society.
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.
Hilltown Families’ list of Suggested Events is supported in part by grants from the Agawam, Amherst, Bernardston, Buckland, Goshen, Greenfield , Hadley, Heath, Huntington, Lee, Montgomery, Northern Berkshire, Orange, Pelham, Plainfield, Rowe, Shelburne, Shutesbury, South Hadley, Southampton, Springfield, Tolland, Washington, Westhampton, Windsor, and Worthington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Hilltown Families 
