Weekend Outlook: Last Weekend of 2024By Sabrina Damms, iBerkshires Staff
12:05PM / Friday, December 27, 2024 | |
Although Christmas has passed, there are still several opportunities to celebrate the last weekend of the new year, including a Hanukkah celebration, live music, winter activities, and more.
Editor's Picks
We're extending the outlook a few days since New Year's Eve isn't until Tuesday.
Fireworks on the Mountain
Jiminy Peak, Hancock
Time: 10:15-10:45 p.m.
Jiminy Peak features the annual torchlight parade and fireworks on the mountain when the lifts close for the night; once the base patrol comes back and douses their torches at the base of the Berkshire Express, the sky will light up again with a fireworks display. The Hot Shot Hillbillies will be playing in Christiansen's Tavern from 8 to midnight.
North Adams Ball Drop
Center Street Parking Lot
Time 8 to 9:15 p.m.
North Adams rings in the New Year with its second annual ball drop, held earlier in the evening for the whole family to enjoy. Grab some of the swag and count down for the New Year at 8, then stay for refreshments. The ball is the creation of North Adams Sheet Metal. See last year's story here.
Noon Year's Eve Party
Bennington (Vt.) Museum
Time: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
The museum will have party hats and noisemakers and sparking grape juice for the younger crowd to enjoy as they count down to noon. Admission is $5 per child; adults can attend but have to pay admission if they wish to peruse the rest of the museum.
Friday
Supper Club
Dottie's Coffee Lounge, Pittsfield
Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
There will be a performance by Ben Kohn and Susan Davis, who will be playing a mix of jazz, blues and R&B, leaning towards the blues.
Dinner starts at 6 p.m., and the live music begins at 7. There is no cover charge. More information here.
Saturday
Kwanzaa Celebration
Zion Lutheran Church, Pittsfield
Time: 6 p.m.
The Women of Color Giving Circle and the Rites of Passage and Empowerment Program will present its annual community Kwanzaa celebration.
Kwanzaa is a non-religious celebration celebrating African and African American culture, emphasizing seven principles geared toward uplift and empowerment.
The event will feature a youth panel discussion, a special guest, jazz and blues singer Samirah Evans, and more.
There is a suggested fee of $20 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. Also, Kwanzaa-themed T-shirts will be on sale for $25-$35.
Marionette Show
Ventfort Hall, Lenox
Time: 3:30 p.m.
There will be a marionette show of Little Red Riding Hood by puppeteer Carl Sprague. Tickets are free for children 3 and younger, $10 for children up to 17 and under, and $20 for general admission.
Geocaching 101
Mount Greylock Visitor Center
Time: 1 to 2:30 p.m.
During a treasure-hunting hike, participants will learn how to use clues and GPS devices, and navigate trails by Kathy Gwozdz and members of Berkshire Geobash.
To participate fully, download the free app and bring your digital device. More information here.
Afro Glow Pop Party
Dottie's Coffee Lounge, Pittsfield
Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
Help raise funds for the "They Dance For Rain" program in Nairobi, Kenya, with a party featuring an East African-inspired food fest and live music.
They Dance For Rain is a collaborative and cross-cultural dance-making project taking place in Nairobi, founded and directed by Pittsfield native and action-based dance artist Stefanie Weber
A $55 ticket that covers a themed cocktail, glow body painting, and entry to a black light dance party at 8 p.m. or enter just the black light dance for $20.
Sunday
Koledy-Polish Christmas Carols
St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Adams
Time: 1 p.m.
St. Stanislaus' choir director Tim Rougeau will lead Polish Christmas carols. More information here.
Winter Wonderland Activity Day
Mount Greylock State Reservation Visitor Center, Lanesborough
Time: 1 p.m.
The freshly fallen snow makes this Sunday is the perfect opportunity to participate in the Winter Wonderland Activity Day.
This self-guided free event will be packed with winter activities, including winter- themed crafts, scavenger hunts, board games, and make-your-own snowman or sledding. Bring your own sled if you have one.
The activity day is free for all ages but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information, call the center at 413-499-4262 or contact them via Facebook for weather updates.
Celebrate Hanukkah
Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield
Sunday, 5 to 8 p.m.
Walk through the village's multisensory holiday experience, featuring farm animals, music, and art video projections by artist Joe Wheaton that illuminate the museum's historic buildings. Then, join the Berkshire Jewish community in celebrating the Festival of Lights.
At 6 p.m., they will light the menorah inside the Round Stone Barn and celebrate with live music, Hanukkah songs, treats, hot drinks, and special Hanukkah-themed light illuminations.
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