Celebrate the Holidays with a Traditional Christmas in Stowe, Vermont

Ready to light up your holidays?

Stowe’s beloved Christmas festival is back, promising a weekend of joyous celebration and enchanting moments from December 5 through 7, 2025.

Tree lighting in Stowe, Vermont. Photo by Teresa Merelman — Celebrate the holidays in Stowe this year! Photo by Teresa Merelman

Named a Top Ten Winter Event by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, this celebration is your perfect kickoff to the holiday season!

Imagine strolling through a picturesque village adorned with twinkling lights, experiencing the magic of the Children’s Lantern Parade, and the warmth of holiday music. Of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance, too.

Explore the holiday bazaar, hop on a festive wagon ride, and don’t miss the chance to support local businesses during the Santa Stroll.

Friday, December 5: The Festivities Begin in Stowe

Kick off the weekend with glowing lanterns and holiday lights as the Children’s Lantern Parade makes its way from Stowe Elementary School to the Stowe Free Library. Families can enjoy caroling, warm cider, and donuts at The Current — the perfect start to a festive weekend.

If you love Vermont’s winter sports history, stop by the Vermont Ski Museum between 5 and 8 pm for the opening of new exhibits, including Beginnings: Snurfing to Snowboarding and From the Alps to Vermont.

Round out the evening with some family-friendly cheer at the Stowe Community Church, where “Elf Jr.” takes the stage at 7 pm, a joyful performance that’s sure to delight audiences of all ages.

Saturday, December 6: A Full Day of Holiday Cheer

Celebrating the holiday season in Stowe with caroling. Photo by eresa Merelman — Celebrating the season in Stowe. Photo by eresa Merelman

Saturday is the heart of the celebration, with events and activities happening all over town.

Start your morning with the Christmas Craft Fair and Bake Sale at the Stowe Community Church from 9 am to 2 pm, a long-loved tradition filled with handmade gifts and sweet holiday treats.

Then take a stroll along Candy Cane Lane, where Stowe’s shops offer special treats, holiday sales, and a festive atmosphere that’s impossible to resist. Don’t miss the Hot Cocoa Tasting at Lake Champlain Chocolates or the Garlands of Hope art project at Northwood Gallery, where you can add your own wish to the community’s growing chain of hope and kindness.

Families can also take part in the Holiday Scavenger Hunt; pick up a card at the Stowe Area Association, solve clues, and earn a free chocolate bar for your efforts!

Late morning brings a special author event at Bear Pond Books, featuring George Woodard, author of The Christmas Calf, followed by carolers on Main Street from 11:30 to 12:30.

Santa Arrives in Style

Santa rides through Stowe in a wagon pulled by a tractor. Photo by Teresa Merelman — Be on the lookout for the man in a red suit. Photo by Teresa Merelman

At noon, the big moment arrives: Santa’s tractor parade rolls into Stowe Village! From 12 to 3 pm, kids can meet Santa at Stowe Mercantile, decorate cookies at Café on Main, make crafts at the Stowe Free Library, and enjoy wagon rides through the village.

Dance along with the Just for Kicks dancers during Swinging with the Santas at 12:30 PM, then get creative at The Current’s Family Art Day, where you can decorate your own gingerbread house and enjoy sweet treats.

If you need a cozy break, settle in for movie time at Stowe Village Inn with cocoa and cookies, or sample wine and raclette at Cork. Later, explore the Winter Market at Straw Corners, featuring live music, local food, fires, and handmade crafts from the Stowe Farmers Market.

Finish the afternoon with a swirl and a smile during Skate with Santa at Stowe Arena, complete with cocoa, candy canes, and a mini figure-skating show.

The evening wraps up with another performance of Elf Jr. at 7 pm at Stowe Community Church.

Sunday, December 7: One More Day of Magic

Before the weekend winds down, catch a final matinee of Elf Jr. at 2 pm.

All events are free and open to the public unless noted, and the entire schedule is subject to change. Check out the full schedule of events at Stowe Vibrancy.

Bundle up, bring your loved ones, and enjoy a weekend filled with live music, sweet treats, and timeless holiday traditions. Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, this event is guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit.

Also Read: Celebrate Christmas in Vermont with this Complete Holiday Guide