Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Winter Events in Vermont!

The holiday season in Vermont is such a spectacular time of year, and if you’re anything like us it’s your favorite! With so many wonderful and fun local events to help you celebrate the holidays, it’s no surprise that people come from all over to get a little piece of the seasonal magic that Vermont has to offer! And with so many events going on at all the various locations, it can be hard to keep track of, so we’ve gone ahead and put together some of the most magnificent, fun and can’t miss holiday events throughout the state so you can start checking them off your list - we hope you enjoy!

Bristol

Event: Candy Cane Hunt

When: Friday, December 8th at 5:30 PM

Additional details: Help Santa find his lost candy canes at the Bristol town green! This free and public candy cane hunt begins at 5:30 PM and prizes will be awarded to all kids who find 10 candy canes, along with a special prize awarded to whoever finds the golden candy cane!

Burlington

Event: Tree lighting and Santa Parade

When: Friday, November 24th at 12:00 PM

Additional details: Begin this fun-filled day by coming to Church Street and checking out the annual Santa Parade! The parade begins at City Hall and will include Champ, the Special Olympics Penguin and athletes, and of course - Santa Claus himself! Then at 5:30 PM come take a look at the spectacular tree lighting ceremony at the top of Church Street Marketplace. The official lighting of the tree will happen at 6:00 PM and will showcase 100,000 lights brightening up the 30+ foot tall tree!

Event: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical

When: Wednesday, November 29th at 7:00 PM

Additional details: Visit the Flynn Theater and enjoy Rudolph on stage this winter season! Based on the classic - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, you and your family can see all your favorite characters including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, and more! Get your tickets here!

Event: The Polar Express Train Ride

When: Saturday, December 9th and Sunday, December 10th

Additional details: This is a favorite no matter your age! Hosted by Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation, this 20-minute train ride features yummy hot cocoa, cookies served by chefs, a sing-a-long lead by the train conductor, and you can even wear your pajamas! It’s unfortunately already sold out for this year and tickets do tend to go quickly, so if you want to be added to the mailing list to get notified of 2024’s Polar Express Ride, click here! 

Event: Vermont’s Own Nutcracker

When: Saturday December 16th at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and Sunday, December 17th at 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM.

Additional details: This go-to annual holiday event held at the Flynn Theater is the perfect show for families! With dancers from the Vermont Ballet Theater and fantastic music and choreography, this mystical and magical show isn’t one to miss! For tickets and more information, click here!