USA TODAY recognizes signature event at Naumkeag & Bradley as top 10 in the nation

The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) today announces Winterlights—its popular, immersive holiday light display now in its third year that brings joy to tens of thousands of people—has been named a top 10 Public Holiday Light Displays in the country by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Winterlights landed at number six on the list, which includes holiday light shows from across America. Nominees for all categories are chosen by a panel of relevant experts which include a combination of editors from USA TODAY, editors from 10Best.com, relevant expert contributors, and voters from across the country who ultimately choose the winners. This win honors the two beloved properties where Winterlights takes place—Naumkeag, in Stockbridge, and the Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate, in Canton—and takes into account the extra safety precautions such as timed ticketing, limited capacity, one-way pathways, mandatory masks, and social distancing guidelines The Trustees implemented in 2020 due to COVID.

Due to the safe and successful implementation of Winterlights during the pandemic combined with the already overwhelming demand for tickets, The Trustees announces it will extend Winterlights until mid-January with 3,000 additional tickets per location now on sale.

“That Winterlights is now recognized on a national level in addition to being so beloved locally is incredibly heartening for us as an organization,” said Trustees Chief of Places & Engagement Christine Morin. “With high demand and limited capacity, we are thrilled to offer two additional weeks so more folks can safely experience the wonder of Winterlights.”

The displays will run Wednesday through Sunday, January 6-10 and January 13-17, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at both locations. Both garden properties will sparkle with hundreds of thousands of lights along with food, refreshments, and more to make for a magical experience for all.

Due to COVID restrictions, adjustments will be made to keep guests and staff safe during the events. The number of people allowed on the premises will be reduced for safety reasons and in accordance with recommended guidelines, and those wishing to attend must purchase online tickets in advance at thetrustees.org/program/winterlights/. Masks are required while on the property for anyone older than two; social distancing should take place at all times; guests will experience Winterlights on a one-way path and should limit their stay to one hour; and all parking will be on-site with no shuttle buses.

At the 90-acre Bradley Estate, people can enjoy an illuminated woodland trail as well as light displays and illuminations throughout the elegant, lattice-walled gardens. The Gilded Age mansion and estate at Naumkeag features artfully designed light displays like Rainbow Road, Laser Light Forest, and Blue Steps, as more than 150,000 energy-efficient LED lights showcase the amazing 48-acre grounds. Both locations will offer sweet and savory holiday-themed delights such as hot cocoa, hot cider, and cider doughnuts.

All events are subject to cancellation depending on new recommendations from the governor as well as changes in the number of or severity of COVID cases in these communities.

Tickets can be purchased today by visiting thetrustees.org/winterlights. Prices for adults are $20 for members and $25 for non-members on Fridays and Saturdays, $15 for members and $20 for non-members Sundays through Thursdays, and children ages 3-17 are $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Kids 2 and younger are free. People with questions about the event can email winterlights@thetrustees.org.

Those looking to enjoy reduced pricing and other perks can sign up to become Trustees’ members at thetrustees.org/membership/.

More about The Trustees

Founded by landscape architect Charles Eliot in 1891, The Trustees has, for more than 125 years, been a catalyst for important ideas, endeavors, and progress in Massachusetts. As a steward of distinctive and dynamic places of both historic and cultural value, The Trustees is the nation’s first preservation and conservation organization, and its landscapes and landmarks continue to inspire discussion, innovation, and action today as they did in the past. We are a nonprofit, supported by members, friends and donors and our 120 sites are destinations for residents, members, and visitors alike, welcoming millions of guests annually. www.thetrustees.org.

###