Sidewalks Dressed in Holiday Style as Village Kicks off Season

The village will be holding a variety of old and new holiday traditions beginning on Dec. 1.

“We have a great holiday tradition planned this year,” Economic & Community Development Director Peg Blanchard said. “Our theme will be ‘Celebrate Great Barrington Traditions’. It’s an opportunity partnered with the merchants where they will be sharing their traditions with the community as well as the community coming out and participating in a full week event.”

The holiday fun kicks off on Dec. 1 with the annual Luminary Night from 4 to 7 p.m. Luminaries will light the way for shoppers looking for gifts or just a bite to eat. Many shops and restaurants will participate in the event and offer specials and surprises for those who come in.

On Friday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., take advantage of the great restaurants in town by attending Shop and Dine Barrington. Restaurants are creating special menus for the occasion for a truly special dining experience.

Perhaps the most highly anticipated event of the holiday season is the village’s annual tree lighting ceremony, which will take place on Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. Before stopping by to see the village tree light up for the season, enjoy Barrington Aglow beginning at 1 p.m. There will be free carriage rides, strolling Madrigal Singers, holiday treats, and extended shopping hours. Santa will arrive at 5 p.m. and will set up shop in his house on South Cook Street.

The newest addition to the festivities in 2011 is a trolley sponsored by the that will take shoppers from downtown to the Ice House Mall, Lageschulte Street district and The Foundry Shopping Center.

“You can come in, part at one place and shop in the downtown, Lageschulte, and The Foundry,” Blanchard said.