In the Norman Rockwell world, Christmas is a big deal, and nowhere in the artist’s hometown of Stockbridge is it a bigger deal than at the Red Lion Inn. The Thanksgiving dishes are barely cleared before the decorating begins with setting up the gumdrop sculptures. Figurines of carolers cover the mantelpiece, and the inn keeps a log fire roaring throughout the day and evening, making the padded lobby chairs as coveted as summer’s front-porch rockers. Often with the aid of guests, staff members deck a bushy spruce in the front parlor with rocking horses, angels, and Santas. A pianist or harpist supplies the live music throughout the season — except when a troupe of carolers performs. Out front, the porch of the former stagecoach inn is lined with another half-dozen trees festooned with big-bulb colored lights. No wimpy white twinklers here. This is an old-fashioned Christmas, after all.

30 Main St., 413-298-5545, redlioninn.com, doubles $89-$260.