7 Festive Vermont Holiday Events to Celebrate the Season
December 04, 2019
Looking for Vermont holiday events in 2019? Small-town tractor parades, stunning light displays, and snowy sleigh rides are just a few of the ways to celebrate the holiday season in the Green Mountain State. Here are seven Vermont holiday festivities that are sure to bring joy to you and your loved ones.
Holiday Lights at the Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial in South Royalton
Visitors flock to the Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial in South Royalton every holiday season to enjoy a brilliant display of 120,000 lights. (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recognizes Smith as its first president and founding prophet). The lights, which are wrapped around trees, buildings, and fences, shine every evening starting at 4 p.m. between Thanksgiving weekend and New Year’s Eve (closed Christmas). The annual tradition, which began in 1988, draws thousands of visitors to the scenic hilltop property. Visit www.lds.org or the Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial Facebook page for details.
Country Christmas in Waitsfield
Historic Waitsfield Village is one of the prettiest places to visit during the holiday season. On Saturday, Dec. 7, the town’s Country Christmas event brings the town’s warm and welcoming vibe to a whole new level. Santa will visit Bridge Street at 11 a.m., and the Joslin Children’s Library will host cookie decorating from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy a special Christmas Cocktail Trail as all participating businesses will offer special cocktail tasters made by Mad River Distillers. Stop by the Mad River Chamber offices at noon to get photos of your kids, Santa, and even your pets. Catch the Holiday Chorale Concert at the Waitsfield United Church of Christ at 7:30 p.m. For details, visit the Country Christmas Historic Waitsfield Village Facebook page.
Manchester Merriment Lighted Tractor Parade
Watch decked-out tractors make their way around town during the 8th annual Manchester Merriment Lighted Tractor Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7. The parade will start at 5:30 p.m. at Manchester Elementary Middle School on School Street and head down Bonnet Street, Main Street, and Memorial Avenue. Judges and a viewing stand will be located in front of Factory Point Place on Main Street. For more information, visit the Manchester Merriment Facebook page.
Christmas in Weston
Now in its 35th year, Christmas in Weston on Saturday, Dec. 7 between 11 a.m. to 4:15 celebrates the magic of the holidays in this sweet southern Vermont town. Visit Santa at the Vermont Country Store, enjoy Christmas Caroling at the Church on the Hill, toast marshmallows at the Weston Village Store, and tour the Farrar Mansur House Museum and Mill. Enjoy craft making at the Wilder Memorial Library, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, and visit a petting farm behind Mildred’s Grill restaurant. For more information, visit www.westonvt.com.
Holiday Magic in Island Pond
Island Pond in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom will ring in the holidays the weekend of Dec. 6-8 with a variety of events, including a children’s Christmas party at the American Legion, a tree lighting on Main Street, sleigh rides, holiday music, pictures with Santa, food, a wine tasting, and more. A full schedule of events is listed in the Newport Dispatch or visit visitislandpond.com.
Holiday Tractor Parade in St. Albans
The 6th annual St. Albans Holiday Tractor Parade on Friday, Dec. 13 will feature about 45 brightly lit tractors and trucks. The fun starts at the St. Albans Co-op Store on Federal Street at 4 p.m. with kids’ activities, snacks, a visit with Santa, and more. Please bring a non-perishable food item to the Co-op for community neighbors in need. At 6 p.m., bundle up and head outdoors for the town’s festive tractor parade. The parade route will go from the St. Albans Co-op Store, up Main Street by Taylor Park, and back to the Co-op. For details, visit the Franklin County Regional Chamber of Commerce website.
Wassail Weekend in Woodstock
The 35th annual Wassail Weekend on Dec. 13-15 in Woodstock is one of the most eventful holiday traditions in Vermont. The weekend festival includes holiday lights, skating with Santa, historic house tours, sleigh rides, singing, and the famous Wassail Horse & Carriage Parade. The parade is at 2 p.m. on Saturday and is followed by the lighting of the Yule Log, Memory Tree, & Carol Sing on the Green. For more information, visit www.woodstockvt.com.
What are your favorite Vermont holiday events?
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