NighttWood Returns to the Mount

Sixth Year

By: Mount - Oct 27, 2026

 

What happens when the woods come alive after dark? This November, NightWood returns to The Mount, Edith Wharton Cultural Center, for its sixth year of transforming the woodland landscape into an enchanting world of sound, light, and imagination.

Running November 21 through January 2, NightWood invites visitors of all ages to leave the everyday behind and embark on an after-dark journey where cinematic music, theatrical lighting, and scenic artistry reveal the woods in surprising new ways. Along the trail, the familiar becomes extraordinary, the landscape takes on a life of its own, and each turn offers the possibility of a new discovery.

Continuing the collaboration with Clerestory Light, The Mount celebrates NightWood’s sixth year with an expanded new trail and three new encounters blending storytelling, visual art, sound, and the natural environment to create moments of wonder and surprise for both new and returning visitors.

Among the highlights is a new installation that takes visitors across the meadow behind the Mansion, where the surrounding landscape becomes an integral part of the experience. Rather than simply placing artwork in the woods, NightWood brings the art into conversation with its setting, allowing trees, water, darkness, and light to become part of the story.

Sound is at the heart of this transformation. A carefully crafted musical score creates an atmosphere of anticipation and discovery, guiding visitors from one scene to the next. Paired with theatrical lighting and evocative visual elements, the music gives the woodland a cinematic quality, turning an evening walk into an immersive journey that unfolds with every step.

“One of the intentions behind NightWood from the very beginning was to give people a chance to see the property in a new way and to experience it, often for the first time, at night,” says Chris Bocchiaro, Creative Director, Clerestory Light. “This year we hope to delight and surprise visitors by taking them farther into the woodlands, closer to the pond, and through the meadow.”

Visitors can also visit the NightWood Café for drinks, hot chocolate, and treats, as well as browse the Gift & Bookstore for unique holiday gifts and books.

Tickets and Information

NightWood dates

• November:       21, 25, 27, 28
• December:       4, 5, 11, 12, 17–23, 26–31
• January:       1

The first entry is at 5 p.m., with timed admissions every 15 minutes through 7:30 p.m. On-site parking is available.

Golf cart rides are offered on select days at 4:30 p.m. Golf cart rides must be reserved in advance. To reserve a golf cart ride or with questions about accessibility, please call 413-551-5104.

Ticket prices:

Adults are $27 for members and $30 for non-members.

Youth tickets (ages 13–18) are $12, and children 12 and under are free.

For tickets and additional information, visit EdithWharton.org.

Clerestory Light

Clerestory Light is an interdisciplinary design and production studio specializing in unique immersive experiences and dynamic landmarks. With backgrounds in theatre, music, technology, architecture, anthropology, and public history, we seek out the spirit of special places and help to tell their stories.