Naumkeag
A Gilded Age mansion and stunning gardens in the Berkshires, famous for its magical Pumpkin Show and festive Winterlights.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical pumpkin displays
Naumkeag
Best Time
Magical pumpkin displays
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Gilded Age mansion and stunning gardens in the Berkshires, famous for its magical Pumpkin Show and festive Winterlights.
"Absolutely stunning. The mansion is beautiful, but the real star is the gardens that surround it."
Book Tickets Online in Advance
Popular events like the Pumpkin Show sell out quickly. Secure your spot online before your visit.
Evening Visits for Ambiance
For the Pumpkin Show and Winterlights, evening visits offer the most magical, illuminated experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Incredible Naumkeag Pumpkin Show
Gardens
Thousands of hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns illuminate the grounds for a whimsical Halloween spectacle.
Winterlights at Naumkeag
Gardens
Experience the Gilded Age estate transformed into a glowing wonderland with decorated greenhouses and lit-up gardens.
Historic Naumkeag Mansion
House
Tour this stunning 44-room Shingle-style home, a summer retreat for a prominent New York attorney and his wife.
Spring Daffodil & Tulip Festival
Gardens
Wander through vibrant spring blooms in a whimsical garden setting, a beautiful display of nature's artistry.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Events
Consider Your Visit Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tickets Online in Advance
Popular events like the Pumpkin Show sell out quickly. Secure your spot online before your visit.
Evening Visits for Ambiance
For the Pumpkin Show and Winterlights, evening visits offer the most magical, illuminated experience.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The grounds involve walking on paths with some hills and uneven spots.
Consider Daytime for Gardens
To fully appreciate the landscape and architecture, a daytime visit is recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tickets Online in Advance
Popular events like the Pumpkin Show sell out quickly. Secure your spot online before your visit.
Evening Visits for Ambiance
For the Pumpkin Show and Winterlights, evening visits offer the most magical, illuminated experience.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The grounds involve walking on paths with some hills and uneven spots.
Consider Daytime for Gardens
To fully appreciate the landscape and architecture, a daytime visit is recommended.
Shuttle Service Available
For the Pumpkin Show, parking is off-site with frequent shuttle service to the estate.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Naumkeag, particularly its seasonal events like the Pumpkin Show and Winterlights, praising the magical atmosphere and creative displays. The historic mansion and beautifully maintained gardens are also highly appreciated, offering a glimpse into Gilded Age splendor. Some note that the grounds can be challenging for those with mobility issues, and advance booking is essential for popular events.
"My wife and I drove a little over an hour from the Hudson Valley to see The Incredible Naumkeag Pumpkin Show, and it was absolutely worth the trip!
Parking and shuttles were plentiful and well organized. We parked in town near the Red Lion Inn and only waited about five minutes for a shuttle to the estate. I imagine weekends get much busier, but visiting on a weekday made everything easy and relaxed.
The event itself is a beautiful walking tour through the Naumkeag gardens, all lit up with thousands of glowing pumpkins. Most of the displays are made with foam pumpkins (which makes perfect sense—real ones wouldn’t last the season), but they’re done so creatively that you barely notice.
The walk through the grounds was peaceful and enchanting. We never felt rushed or crowded and were able to take our time enjoying the displays and lights. Just note: the paths have some hills and uneven spots, so it could be challenging for anyone with mobility issues.
It reminded us of a similar event at an estate in the lower Hudson Valley—just on a slightly smaller, more intimate scale. All in all, a wonderful evening out and well worth both the ticket price and the drive. Not scary at all, so it’s perfect for families—kids will love all the glowing pumpkins! 🎃"
Thierry Croizer
"Beautiful Gilded Age home of the Choate family built 1885 and well preserved. Gorgeous maintained gardens on 48 acres of land. Tour guides are well versed and very informative.
Enjoy the glory and many acquisitions of the Choate family home as they expanded their magnificent abode from the Gilded Age to modern times, when they decided to preserve the home and grounds in their entirety to the Trustees landmark organization.
$20 admission - tours are included
Thank you!"
Cam E
"We attended their Halloween event. You buy tickets in advance online. Parking in Stockbridge was easy and the shuttle bus runs frequently. We never waited more than 5 minutes.
The displays are well done. The path leads you through the woods, a greenhouse, and the residence. We walked through in about 45-60 minutes, but you could easily spend 90 minutes there as there is so much to see.
The path has some steps or mild grades to walk up and down. Total distance of the walk is likely 1/3 mile, maybe a little more.
There is a snack shack for drinks and snacks. The bathrooms are closed but plenty of portapotties available."
John D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Naumkeag is located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. For popular events like the Pumpkin Show, parking is off-site in Stockbridge, and a shuttle service transports visitors to the estate.
During special events like the Pumpkin Show, parking is typically off-site in Stockbridge, with shuttle buses provided. For general visits, check The Trustees website for the most current parking information.
Public transport options to Stockbridge are limited. Driving is the most common way to reach Naumkeag. Consider ride-sharing services if you are not driving.
The paths on the grounds can have hills and uneven spots, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues. It's advisable to contact Naumkeag directly for specific accessibility details.
Naumkeag is located at 5 Prospect Hill Road, Stockbridge, MA. Use GPS navigation for the most accurate directions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees vary by event. For example, the Pumpkin Show has a specific ticket price, and tours of the mansion are often included with general admission.
Yes, for popular events like the Pumpkin Show and Winterlights, advance online ticket purchase is essential as they often sell out.
Hours vary significantly depending on the season and event. The Pumpkin Show typically runs from late September to October, and Winterlights from late November to early January. Check The Trustees website for current hours.
For special ticketed events like the Pumpkin Show and Winterlights, advance tickets are required. General garden and house tours may have different admission policies.
Check The Trustees website for potential membership discounts or special offers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the historic Gilded Age mansion, wander through beautifully maintained gardens, and enjoy seasonal events like the Pumpkin Show and Winterlights. +1
Yes, Naumkeag is very family-friendly, especially during the Pumpkin Show, which is described as not scary and perfect for kids.
Yes, Naumkeag is a great place for picnics on its landscaped grounds.
Typically, dogs are not permitted on the grounds or in the house, except for service animals. Please verify with The Trustees for specific policies.
Many visitors recommend visiting in the evening for the illuminated events, but a daytime visit is best to appreciate the gardens and architecture.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
During special events like the Pumpkin Show, there are often snack shacks offering treats like cider donuts and hot drinks.
Yes, Naumkeag is a wonderful spot for picnics, so you can bring your own food to enjoy on the grounds.
Stockbridge has several dining options, including the historic Red Lion Inn, offering a variety of cuisines.
During events like the Pumpkin Show, expect to find seasonal treats such as cider donuts and hot beverages.
Snack options are typically limited to seasonal treats. For full meals, dining in Stockbridge is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire property offers stunning photo opportunities, from the historic mansion and its interiors to the meticulously landscaped gardens, especially during the Pumpkin Show and Winterlights.
Photography policies inside historic homes can vary. It's best to check with staff on-site or The Trustees website for specific rules regarding interior photography.
For garden and architectural shots, daytime is ideal. For the Pumpkin Show and Winterlights, dusk or evening provides the most dramatic lighting.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historic sites and public gardens to protect the environment and visitor experience. Check The Trustees' drone policy.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for both landscapes and architectural details. For evening events, a fast lens or tripod can be helpful.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The grounds offer space for children to explore, and the mansion tour can be engaging for older children interested in history. For a more relaxed family outing, consider visiting during the spring bloom to see the gardens come alive with daffodils and tulips.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For the Pumpkin Show, visiting at dusk allows for capturing the transition from daylight to the magical glow of thousands of jack-o'-lanterns.
Similarly, Winterlights offers a unique opportunity to photograph the estate illuminated by festive lights. 🏛️ History Buffs
Beyond the house, the 48 acres of meticulously designed gardens also tell a story of landscape architecture and horticultural trends of the period.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Pumpkin Show
Visitors often describe the experience as magical and perfect for all ages, noting that it's not scary, making it ideal for families. While the displays are primarily made with foam pumpkins for durability, the creativity and artistry involved make them incredibly effective.
Advance ticket purchase is crucial, as this popular event sells out quickly. Practical tips for the Pumpkin Show include wearing comfortable shoes due to the hilly terrain and uneven paths.
A Glimpse into Gilded Age History
The estate spans 48 acres, featuring meticulously maintained gardens that are a significant attraction in themselves.
Naumkeag is preserved and managed by The Trustees, an organization dedicated to protecting historic and natural sites.
Winterlights: A Festive Transformation
The display features decorated greenhouses and beautifully lit-up gardens, offering a unique perspective on the estate after dark.
Winterlights typically runs from late November through early January, offering a prolonged opportunity to enjoy the spectacle.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit