Christmas in Vermont is a magical experience filled with snow-covered landscapes, cozy villages, and festive activities. Whether you’re seeking picturesque winter wonderlands, charming holiday markets, or outdoor adventures, Vermont has something special to offer during the holiday season. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best destinations in Vermont to visit during Christmas time.
1. Burlington
Burlington, Vermont, is a picturesque city nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain. Known for its vibrant arts scene, bustling downtown, and stunning waterfront views, Burlington transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the Christmas season. Here’s why Burlington is a must-visit destination for holiday cheer:
Church Street Marketplace
Description: The Church Street Marketplace is the heart of downtown Burlington and the epicenter of Christmas festivities. During the holiday season, the marketplace comes alive with sparkling lights, festive decorations, and the sound of carolers singing.
Activities: Visitors can stroll along the cobblestone streets lined with charming boutiques, specialty shops, and local artisans selling handmade gifts. Stop by the outdoor Christmas market to browse unique crafts, decorations, and seasonal treats. Don’t miss the annual tree lighting ceremony, where families gather to witness the illumination of the towering Christmas tree adorned with colorful lights and ornaments.
Lake Champlain Waterfront
Description: Lake Champlain provides a stunning backdrop for Burlington’s Christmas celebrations. As the temperatures drop, the lake freezes over, creating a serene winter landscape dotted with ice fishermen and frosted trees along the shoreline.
Activities: Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront promenade, enjoying panoramic views of the lake and Adirondack Mountains. If conditions permit, lace up your ice skates and glide across the frozen surface of the lake for a quintessential winter experience. For a unique perspective, embark on a holiday cruise aboard a festively decorated boat, offering sightseeing tours and sunset cruises amidst the twinkling lights reflected on the water.
Festive Events and Activities
Description: Burlington offers a variety of festive events and activities to delight visitors of all ages during the Christmas season.
Activities: Attend the annual Santa Parade, where jolly St. Nick leads a procession of floats, marching bands, and costumed characters through the streets of downtown Burlington. Families can visit Santa’s Village, located in City Hall Park, to meet Santa Claus, take photos, and share their Christmas wishes. For a cultural experience, catch a performance of “The Nutcracker” ballet at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, featuring talented dancers and enchanting music that captures the spirit of the season.
Culinary Delights
Description: Burlington’s culinary scene offers a tempting array of seasonal delights to satisfy your holiday cravings.
Activities: Warm up with a cup of gourmet hot chocolate or spiced cider from one of the cozy cafes or bakeries scattered throughout the city. Indulge in traditional Christmas treats like gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark, and warm apple pie from local bakeries and pastry shops. For a festive dining experience, sample seasonal specialties and holiday-inspired menus at Burlington’s acclaimed restaurants, featuring farm-to-table cuisine and locally sourced ingredients.
2. Stowe
Stowe Mountain Resort
Description: Stowe Mountain Resort is a premier winter destination, attracting skiers and snowboarders from around the world. During Christmas, the resort becomes even more enchanting with its snow-covered slopes, twinkling lights, and festive decorations.
Activities: Hit the slopes and enjoy some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the Northeast, with trails suitable for all skill levels. After a day on the mountain, cozy up by the fire in one of the resort’s lodges or restaurants, savoring hot cocoa, mulled wine, and hearty comfort food. Don’t miss the annual torchlight parade and fireworks display on Christmas Eve, a spectacular event that lights up the night sky and fills the air with holiday magic.
Trapp Family Lodge
Description: The Trapp Family Lodge, owned by the von Trapp family (of “The Sound of Music” fame), offers a taste of Austrian hospitality and charm in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains.
Activities: Experience a traditional Austrian Christmas at the lodge, complete with festive concerts, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and a visit to the Christmas Market featuring local artisans and vendors. Enjoy classic holiday treats like gingerbread cookies, spiced cider, and glühwein (mulled wine) while taking in the scenic beauty of the surrounding mountains. Join in the holiday festivities, including caroling, tree decorating, and a visit from St. Nicholas himself.
Downtown Stowe
Description: Downtown Stowe exudes small-town charm year-round, but it becomes especially magical during the Christmas season, with its historic buildings, quaint shops, and festive decorations.
Activities: Take a leisurely stroll down Main Street, admiring the twinkling lights, holiday wreaths, and window displays showcasing unique gifts and handcrafted goods. Stop by the local chocolatier or bakery for seasonal treats like peppermint bark, eggnog truffles, and gingerbread cupcakes. Don’t miss the annual Christmas parade, featuring festive floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus himself, spreading holiday cheer to residents and visitors alike.
Outdoor Adventures
Description: Stowe offers a wealth of outdoor adventures beyond skiing and snowboarding, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Vermont’s winter landscape.
Activities: Explore scenic trails on snowshoes or cross-country skis, traversing snow-covered forests and meadows blanketed in white. Embark on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the countryside, snuggled beneath blankets as you glide through snowy fields and woodlands. For adrenaline junkies, try snowmobiling, ice climbing, or fat biking on groomed trails, experiencing the thrill of winter sports in a pristine alpine setting.
3. Woodstock
Woodstock, Vermont, is a quintessential New England town known for its historic charm, scenic beauty, and vibrant community. During the Christmas season, Woodstock transforms into a magical winter wonderland, offering visitors a charming retreat filled with festive decorations, holiday traditions, and seasonal activities. Here’s why Woodstock is the perfect destination for a Christmas getaway:
Woodstock Village
Description: Woodstock Village is a postcard-perfect setting with its quaint streets, historic buildings, and picturesque town green. During Christmas, the village comes alive with twinkling lights, evergreen wreaths, and festive decorations adorning storefronts and lampposts.
Activities: Take a leisurely stroll through the village, admiring the festive decorations and holiday displays in the local shops and galleries. Stop by the town green, where a towering Christmas tree stands adorned with colorful ornaments and twinkling lights. Don’t miss the annual Wassail Weekend, a cherished tradition featuring a festive parade, tree lighting ceremony, and holiday market showcasing local artisans and vendors.
Billings Farm & Museum
Description: Step back in time at Billings Farm & Museum, a working dairy farm and museum that offers a glimpse into Vermont’s agricultural heritage. During Christmas, the farm is decked out in holiday splendor, with festive decorations, seasonal activities, and traditional celebrations.
Activities: Join in holiday-themed farm activities, such as sleigh rides, caroling, and crafting homemade ornaments. Explore the historic farm buildings, including the beautifully decorated farmhouse and barns adorned with wreaths and garlands. Warm up with hot cider and freshly baked cookies by the fireplace, soaking in the festive atmosphere of this charming Vermont landmark.
Outdoor Adventures
Description: Woodstock’s scenic surroundings offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures and winter activities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Vermont’s winter landscape.
Activities: Explore the trails of Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park on snowshoes or cross-country skis, traversing snow-covered forests and meadows with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Embark on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the countryside, bundled up in blankets as you glide through snowy fields and woodlands. For a thrilling experience, try ice skating on the town’s outdoor rink or go tubing down the slopes of a nearby snow park.
Culinary Delights
Description: Woodstock’s culinary scene offers a tempting array of seasonal delights to satisfy your holiday cravings, from traditional New England fare to gourmet treats and festive libations.
Activities: Indulge in classic comfort foods like hearty soups, roasted meats, and savory pies at one of Woodstock’s cozy taverns or restaurants. Sample seasonal specialties and holiday-inspired menus featuring locally sourced ingredients and farm-fresh produce. Treat yourself to decadent desserts like warm apple pie, gingerbread cake, and eggnog ice cream, paired with a steaming cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate.
4. Manchester
Manchester, Vermont, is a charming town nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, known for its picturesque landscapes, historic charm, and vibrant cultural scene. During the Christmas season, Manchester comes alive with holiday cheer, offering visitors a festive retreat filled with seasonal activities, charming decorations, and joyful celebrations. Here’s why Manchester is the perfect destination for a Christmas getaway:
Manchester Designer Outlets
Description: Manchester’s designer outlets are a shopper’s paradise, offering a wide selection of high-end brands and specialty stores in a picturesque outdoor setting.
Activities: Browse through the boutiques and shops, taking advantage of holiday sales and promotions on everything from fashion and accessories to home decor and gifts. Enjoy the festive atmosphere of the outdoor shopping center, with twinkling lights, holiday decorations, and seasonal music creating a magical ambiance. Don’t miss the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, where families gather to watch the lighting of the towering Christmas tree and enjoy live music, entertainment, and holiday treats.
Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home
Description: Hildene, the former estate of President Abraham Lincoln’s son, is a historic landmark that offers visitors a glimpse into the life and times of one of America’s most iconic families.
Activities: Explore the beautifully decorated mansion, adorned with festive wreaths, garlands, and holiday trimmings. Take a guided tour of the historic rooms, including the formal parlor, dining room, and library, where you can learn about the Lincoln family’s Christmas traditions and celebrations. Don’t miss the annual Christmas at Hildene event, featuring holiday music performances, craft workshops, and seasonal activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Outdoor Adventures
Description: Manchester’s scenic surroundings offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures and winter activities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Vermont’s winter landscape.
Activities: Explore the trails of Equinox Preserve on snowshoes or cross-country skis, discovering snow-covered forests, frozen ponds, and panoramic mountain views. Embark on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the countryside, bundled up in blankets as you glide through snowy fields and woodlands. For adrenaline junkies, try snow tubing or ice climbing at a nearby adventure park, experiencing the thrill of winter sports in a pristine alpine setting.
Culinary Delights
Description: Manchester’s culinary scene offers a tempting array of seasonal delights to satisfy your holiday cravings, from traditional New England fare to gourmet treats and festive libations.
Activities: Indulge in classic comfort foods like hearty stews, roasted meats, and savory pies at one of Manchester’s cozy taverns or restaurants. Sample seasonal specialties and holiday-inspired menus featuring locally sourced ingredients and farm-fresh produce. Treat yourself to decadent desserts like warm apple crisp, gingerbread cheesecake, and peppermint bark ice cream, paired with a steaming cup of mulled cider or hot chocolate.
5. Montpelier
Montpelier, Vermont, is the charming capital city known for its historic architecture, vibrant community, and scenic surroundings. During the Christmas season, Montpelier transforms into a cozy winter retreat, offering visitors a quaint and festive atmosphere filled with holiday cheer, seasonal activities, and cherished traditions. Here’s why Montpelier is the perfect destination for a Christmas getaway:
State House Christmas Tree Lighting
Description: One of the highlights of Christmas in Montpelier is the annual State House Christmas tree lighting ceremony, a beloved tradition that brings together residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday season.
Activities: Join in the festivities as the majestic Christmas tree on the State House lawn is illuminated with colorful lights, marking the official start of the holiday season in Montpelier. Enjoy holiday music performances, caroling, and hot cocoa as you soak in the festive atmosphere of this cherished community event. Don’t forget to take a stroll through nearby Hubbard Park, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, creating a magical winter wonderland for all to enjoy.
Downtown Montpelier
Description: Downtown Montpelier exudes small-town charm year-round, but it becomes especially magical during the Christmas season, with its historic buildings, quaint shops, and festive decorations.
Activities: Explore the streets of downtown Montpelier, admiring the twinkling lights, holiday wreaths, and window displays showcasing unique gifts and handcrafted goods. Warm up with a cup of gourmet hot chocolate or spiced cider from one of the cozy cafes or bakeries lining the streets. Don’t miss the annual Christmas parade, featuring festive floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus himself, spreading holiday cheer to residents and visitors alike.
Cultural Events and Festivals
Description: Montpelier offers a variety of cultural events and festivals during the Christmas season, providing visitors with opportunities to experience the local arts scene and community spirit.
Activities: Attend a holiday concert or performance at the historic Capitol Theater, featuring talented musicians, dancers, and theater groups showcasing seasonal favorites and festive classics. Explore the galleries and studios of local artists and artisans, discovering unique gifts and one-of-a-kind treasures for your loved ones. Don’t miss the annual Festival of Trees, where local businesses and organizations decorate Christmas trees displayed throughout the city, creating a festive and colorful holiday spectacle for all to enjoy.
Culinary Delights
Description: Montpelier’s culinary scene offers a tempting array of seasonal delights to satisfy your holiday cravings, from traditional New England fare to gourmet treats and festive libations.
Activities: Indulge in classic comfort foods like hearty soups, roasted meats, and savory pies at one of Montpelier’s cozy taverns or restaurants. Sample seasonal specialties and holiday-inspired menus featuring locally sourced ingredients and farm-fresh produce. Treat yourself to decadent desserts like warm apple pie, gingerbread cake, and eggnog ice cream, paired with a steaming cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Conclusion
Vermont offers a variety of enchanting destinations to celebrate Christmas, from charming villages and historic landmarks to outdoor adventures and festive events. Whether you’re seeking a cozy getaway with loved ones or an action-packed holiday escape, Vermont has something for everyone to enjoy during the most wonderful time of the year. Plan your Christmas vacation in Vermont and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.