Pittsfield Lights Christmas Tree Dec. 6By Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
12:34PM / Saturday, November 30, 2024 | |
 Pittsfield's planted fir at Park Square is growing into its position as the city's Christmas tree. This will be its second year. |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — 'Tis the season! The city will light its permanent Christmas tree for the second time in early December.
The Parks Commission last week approved the annual tree lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 6, beginning at 6 p.m. It will include warm beverages, pictures with the Grinch, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
"It will have all the fun annual tradition things we usually do. Santa will come on a fire truck, hot cocoa will be available," Park, Open Space and Natural Resource Program Manager James McGrath said.
"We are working with the Girl Scouts this year. They're going to have a table on Park Square. We're going to be asking for non-perishable food items to be brought when families for the event and the Girl Scouts will be accepting those."
He added that there will be free books available and each child will receive a small toy.
"It should be a really fun way to start the Christmas season," he said.
"There are other events happening that evening around the city and that weekend as well so the tree lighting is a great way to begin our festive December here in downtown Pittsfield."
The tree lighting is a beloved event held in the Park Square to ring in the holidays and is complemented by Downtown Pittsfield Inc.'s Festive Frolic, which continues the next day.
On Friday from 5:30 to 8 p.m., admission to the Berkshire Museum's Festival of Trees will be free. On Saturday, there will be a Holiday Market on Dunham Mall, a Berkshire Bazaar by Thistle 'n Thorn Floral at the Holiday Inn, a free kids' paint and sip at St. Stephen's Parish, photo ops with Santa, and the kickoff of a holiday Where's Winston Scavenger Hunt.
Last year, the city planted its first permanent tree in decades. Over the years, it has become harder to locate a suitable tree and transport it for installation and this option is seen as more environmentally friendly.
This type of fir has a silver-blue color, is said to be more desirable under urban conditions, and has the least pest problems of many evergreens. It will grow about 10 inches per year and will typically reach 30-50 feet tall and 15-25 feet wide when mature.
Last year, the young tree stood about 9 feet tall and while some were surprised by its stature, former Mayor Linda Tyer urged parents and caregivers to take photos of their children next to it so they can watch them grow together.
Also on Dec. 6, the Office of Cultural Development's 10th annual Wreath Art Auction will be held at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts at 6:30 p.m. Grab-and-go wreaths are available starting at 5.
Artists donate holiday wreaths, centerpieces, and more for the event that has raised about $30,000 over the last decade. There will also be a prize raffle.
All of the proceeds will benefit the South Community Food Pantry, which serves 1,200 families a week in Pittsfield. There is a $10 suggested donation at the door.
McGrath also highlighted the Department of Community Development's North Pole Calling Program, which returns for the 43rd year on Dec. 11.
"There are not many communities out there that have a fun little program like that that is nearing 50 years of consistent stuff," he said.
"So all the forms have been delivered and are ending up in the backpacks of these young school children. Some of them already started coming in today so we're excited."
Children who are signed up will receive a phone call from Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, or one of their helpers on Wednesday, Dec. 11, and Thursday, Dec. 12, between 5 and 7:30 p.m.
A volunteer will deliver messages in Spanish and the bilingual aspect is something the city hopes to expand on.
Signup forms were sent home with Pittsfield students in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and Grades 1 and 2 last week. Fillable forms, which can be saved and emailed, are available on the city website.
Hard copy forms are also available at the City Clerk's Office and in the Department of Community Development. Completed forms must be returned or submitted online to City Hall by Tuesday, Dec. 10.
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