As a mom of two (ages 12 and 9), I’m always looking for holiday outings that feel festive without being overwhelming--something cozy, affordable, local to the Berkshires, and fun for kids who are past the “Santa” phase but still young enough to love holiday magic. This year, we found exactly that at Berkshire Museum'sFestival of Trees: Barn to Be Wild at Hancock Shaker Village.
If you’ve visited Festival of Trees in years past, you know it as a signature Berkshire Museum tradition. This year, though, with the museum under exciting renovations, it’s been reimagined—temporarily relocated from downtown Pittsfield to the historic grounds of Hancock Shaker Village—and honestly, the collaboration is brilliant!
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When we arrived, the first thing I noticed was the glow. Warm lights peeked from the windows of the historic Shaker buildings, and bundled folks were making their way up the lantern-lit boardwalks.
Inside the iconic Round Stone Barn, the vibe felt creative and deeply local. Each tree is decorated by a different Berkshire business, school, or organization, all inspired by this year’s theme: Barn to Be Wild. My 12-year-old dove into analyzing the details–acting as unofficial judge to decide who used the theme best (we'll let you decide for yourself), while my 9-year-old declared a new favorite tree every five minutes. I loved watching them engage with lights, sounds, and even one another (and that it didn’t involve a screen!).
As someone who writes about Berkshire spaces and stories, I personally couldn’t help but appreciate how each tree felt like a little reflection of our community: creative, supportive, and proudly local.
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After a few turns in the circle of trees, my kids spotted the animals—a perk you won’t find at most holiday events—and we found ourselves enjoying the warmth of the barn and the menagerie of goats, chickens, sheep, cows, and pigs.
On our way back, we stopped inside the historic Poultry House, which was filled with miniature trees decorated by local schools. Just across the way, in the incredible kitchens of the Brick Dwelling, we learned a bit about the holiday traditions of the Shakers. We capped off the experience with a stop in the gift shop and some hard-earned hot cocoa at the Village Cafe (as promised!).
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For us, the Festival of Trees was one of those rare outings that everyone enjoyed. The kids were engaged the whole time, and the Village gave them space to explore without me constantly checking over my shoulder (too much, anyway). I got that semi-peaceful, wintery holiday feeling without the stress that often comes with crowded events.
The collab between Berkshire Museum and Hancock Shaker Village naturally complements each other. Berkshire Museum brings the tradition, creativity, and community-driven spirit, while Hancock Shaker Village brings the historic setting, animals, and the magical sense of stepping into another time.
Together they’ve created something that feels both nostalgic and new. It’s festive without being chaotic, fun without being commercial, and meaningful without being heavy-handed. It’s the kind of event you can spend an hour at or make an entire afternoon of.
It’s simple, it’s beautiful, and it’s so very Berkshires.
Plan Your Visit
Festival of Trees: Barn to Be Wild runs:
Fridays–Sundays, November 21 – December 28
Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Hancock Shaker Village
Address: 1843 West Housatonic Street, Pittsfield, MA
Note: Closed Friday, December 26 for the holiday.
