Snow-dusted landscapes, cozy inns with cozy fires, and horse-drawn sleigh rides through snowy landscapes. Welcome to winter in Vermont!
If there’s one place that knows how to bring Christmas magic to life, it’s Vermont. Whether you’re looking for a mellow staycation in the country or a bustling getaway filled with live music, art galleries, and farm-to-table restaurants, Vermont is the perfect destination for a holiday escape.
Dreaming of a White Christmas?
Snow is no longer guaranteed in some parts of Vermont, but as you head up in elevation, your chances of a white Christmas are vastly improved.
I’ve enjoyed more than 40 winters in Vermont, and I’ve discovered so many fantastic places to embrace holiday cheer. Today, I’m sharing my favorite festive towns, holiday events, and cozy inns so you can plan the ultimate Vermont Christmas.
Ready to unwrap the best of Vermont?
Christmas in Vermont: Our Favorite Vermont Christmas Towns and Events
Looking for all the best Christmas events and activities in Vermont? Here are some of our favorite Christmas towns to help you embrace the holiday spirit this year. Check out these annual December events for even more merrymaking ideas.
Grafton, Vermont: Celebrate the Holidays in the Cutest Vermont Town
There are no major thoroughfares through Grafton. No stoplights. No sidewalks either. Just a tiny hamlet of historic homes, a single sprawling inn, and a handful of wonderful local businesses with an eye toward community building.
With its historic homes and quiet streets, Grafton is a town straight out of a storybook. Most of the homes in Grafton Village were built in the 1800s, and with a population of fewer than 700 people, it’s a very close-knit community.
You may wonder if there’s enough to keep you busy for a full weekend in such a small town, and my answer is a resounding YES!
Grafton Village Holiday Festival
If you happen to be visiting Grafton during the second weekend in December, you’re in for a treat!
Christmas in Grafton is a cherished event when locals and visitors gather to celebrate the holidays with a dog parade, tree and wreath sale, open houses all over town, and fantastic food and drink.
Come see Grafton transformed into a winter wonderland. Ride in carriages pulled by horses, gather with friends around winter bonfires, visit with Santa, and enjoy live music, a silent auction, and so much more.
This year’s holiday festival is on Saturday, December 7, 2024. As December approaches, check out Visit Grafton, Vermont, for a complete schedule of events.
If you’re looking for that quintessential Vermont vacation — one where you can slow down, get outside, enjoy the scenery, and eat good food, plan your next winter getaway to Grafton, Vermont.
You may arrive a stranger, but by the end of your visit, you’ll be on a first-name basis with everyone in town, and you’ll be planning your next visit on your way home.
Where to stay for Christmas in Grafton, VT: The historic Grafton Inn is the heart of Grafton Village and is perfect for your quintessential winter getaway in Vermont. If you need more room to spread out, consider the historic Ephriam Bruce House, which sleeps eight and is family and dog-friendly.
Read Next: An Enchanting Winter Weekend in Grafton, Vermont
Step Back in Time: Christmas in Woodstock, Vermont
There’s nothing quite as magical as a winter weekend in Vermont, and while there are lots of adorable towns worth visiting, a stroll through the historic town of Woodstock at Christmas is like walking right into a snow globe!
The winter holidays in Woodstock are magical, with holiday decorations lighting up historic buildings throughout town. Restaurants and shops line the downtown streets, and there are plenty of trails, attractions, and events for kids and adults.
Wassail Weekend in Woodstock
If you happen to be visiting Woodstock during the second weekend in December, you’re in for a treat!
2024 will be the 40th Wassail Weekend in Woodstock, a cherished event when locals and visitors gather to celebrate a picture-perfect holiday that could easily be a scene from your favorite Hallmark movie.
Come see Woodstock transformed into a winter wonderland. Ride in carriages pulled by horses, take part in craft workshops, sing Christmas carols, visit with Santa, and enjoy a myriad of stories, theater performances, and live music.
This year’s Wassail Weekend happens on December 13 – 15, 2024.
Step into a Victorian Christmas at Billings Farm
Picture a cozy farmhouse parlor dressed in holiday cheer, the scent of freshly dipped candles, and mini mince pies warm from the oven. Discover the charm of Victorian Christmas as you explore Billings Farm at Christmas.
Enjoy the holiday tree and decorations that fill the Visitor Center and historic barn. Dip your own candle and make mini mince pies to take home. Warm up by the outdoor firepits with hot cocoa, hot spiced apple cider, and cider donuts, available in the Museum Gift Shop.
Light adventure can be found on a snowshoe, hike, or cross-country ski along the Ottauquechee River, weather permitting. Meet the farm’s resident cows, draft horses, and goats—oh, and did we mention sleigh rides through picturesque pastures?
Find unique Vermont gifts in the Museum Shop, from local treats to charming toys for little ones.
Where to stay for Christmas in Woodstock: Splurge on a few nights at Woodstock Inn & Resort for a memorable holiday experience. The Shire Woodstock offers budget-friendly accommodations within walking distance of the village.
Read Next: Spend a Winter Weekend in Woodstock, Vermont
Get in the Holiday Spirit in Manchester, Vermont
One of our favorite Vermont destinations for a winter escape is the southwest corner of Vermont. Manchester is a well-known destination for skiers and shoppers, but there’s much more to discover here.
I live in this part of Vermont because of its natural beauty, and I’d love to entice you to visit when the winter winds blow across the mountains and the snow blankets the ground.
Manchester Merriment begins after Thanksgiving in November and runs through December, with special events, concerts, parades, inn tours, and slumber parties. Restaurants roll out special menus and the whole town is decked out with holiday cheer.
Here are some highlights for celebrating Christmas in Manchester, Vermont:
Christmas Eve 1912 at Hildene
Step back in time and enjoy Christmas at Hildene. Throughout December, the home will be decorated to evoke Christmas Eve 1912—one of a handful of years that the Lincoln Family spent the holidays in residence at their Vermont home.
On weekends, the festive ambiance of Hildene will be elevated with holiday music by talented artists playing on the Lincolns’ Steinway piano and Aeolian organ while you tour the home.
Wilburton Inn’s Canine Christmas Slumber Party: A Tail-Wagging Weekend!
Got a four-legged friend who loves adventure? Treat them to an unforgettable weekend at Wilburton Inn’s Dog Slumber Party on December 6-8, 2024.
With cozy accommodations, holiday festivities, and plenty of treats, this is the paw-fect escape for pets and their people. Join a community of dog lovers and spoil your pup with a weekend full of tail-wags and new friends. Don’t wait—fetch your reservation and prepare for the ultimate canine getaway!
14th Annual Holiday Lighted Tractor Parade
This year, Manchester will celebrate the holidays with the 14th Annual Holiday Lighted Tractor Parade.
This much-loved holiday event will take place on December 7th at 5:30 pm on Main and Bonnet Streets in the heart of downtown Manchester.
Tractors and floats decorated with lights and their best holiday décor will be cruising through downtown, spreading holiday cheer.
Where to stay for Christmas in Manchester, VT:
Inn at Ormsby Hill: For incredible luxury and attention to detail, you really can’t beat this gorgeous historic inn. Bedrooms all have luxurious jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, and high-end linens and decor.
The Wilburton Inn: The Wilburton is a majestic destination resort on a 30-acre hilltop estate. With two turn-of-the-century mansions, spacious vacation homes, and romantic suites, The Wilburton is a canvas for the Vermont vacation of your dreams.
The Kimpton Taconic: We don’t often recommend chain hotels on these pages, but we always recommend the Kimpton Taconic. It is beautifully decorated, within walking distance to many shops and restaurants, and dog-friendly!
Read Next: Plan a Perfect Winter Weekend in Bennington and Manchester
More Holiday Events and Festivals Around Vermont
Here are some of our favorite signature Christmas events, holiday light shows, craft fairs, and holiday markets in Vermont. For even more events, check out December in Vermont.
Get in the Holiday Spirit: Very Merry Middlebury
When: Select dates throughout December
Where: Middlebury, Vermont
Middlebury doesn’t just celebrate Christmas — it goes all out. From holiday strolls and caroling to food trucks and visits with Santa, this town becomes a playground for kids and grownups alike. Welcome to Very Merry Middlebury!
Don’t miss the First Saturday festivities on December 7th. From 10 am to 12 pm indoors at Town Hall Theater, come get your photos taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children can fill out a Letter to Santa (available while you wait!) to share their wish lists and then have their photos snapped by parents or caregivers.
Middlebury will be hosting free horse and wagon rides around town from 10 am to noon, and the hot cocoa hut is back in Cannon Park, serving cocoa with all the fixings from 9 am to 3 pm.
Enjoy caroling at the Congregational Church at 10 am, and stop in to see the beautiful train display at the Sheldon Museum.
Celebrate Family Day at Bennington Museum
When: December 7, 2024
Where: Bennington, Vermont
Mark your calendars for Family Day 2024 at Bennington Museum.
This special day includes free admission for everyone under 18 who brings a household or personal hygiene item to support P.A.V.E. It also includes a children’s shopping boutique (ages 5-12), a bake sale, crafts, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Explore the museum’s vibrant collections while celebrating the holidays in Vermont.
BTV Winter Market in Burlington
When: Weekends starting November 18, 2024
Where: Burlington, Vermont
Burlington City Arts and Love Burlington are joining forces to present the BTV Winter Market on weekends starting November 18 and running through December 23rd.
Building on the 20+ years of BCA’s Holiday Artist Market and the Love Burlington Winter Market, this European-style outdoor market will make for a magical month-long experience featuring a rotating group of 20 local artists, makers, and food vendors in a festive atmosphere that will capture the spirit of the season in City Hall Park.
The BTV Winter Market will support a wide spectrum of local artists while creating a vibrant, joyful space for our community to gather and celebrate the most wonderful time of year.
A Forest of Lights at VINS in Quechee
When: November 22, 2024 – Janauary 4, 2025
Where: Quechee, Vermont
This year, A Forest of Lights is back at VINS with brand-new, mesmerizing installations, including the Snow Shower Tower, Snow Globe, Whimsical Woodland, and Mandala Trees—all designed to transport you into a world of woodland enchantment.
Whether you’re returning for another year or planning to see it for the first time, prepare to be captivated by the magic in the forest. Reserve your tickets in advance and enjoy the magic of these enchanting holiday lights!
🛷 Outdoor Activities to Celebrate Christmas in Vermont
Vermont takes its winter recreation seriously, with an abundance of outdoor activities, winter festivals, ice-skating rinks, cross-country ski trails, and, of course, downhill skiing.
But even if you’ve no interest in strapping on skis and careening down a mountain, there are so many things to do in Vermont during the Christmas season.
Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree
‘Tis the season for freshly cut Vermont Christmas trees, ready and waiting to bring their heady fragrance and stately grace to your living room for the holiday season. Here are 13 of our favorite Christmas tree farms where you can cut your own.
Enjoy a Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride
Glide through snowy fields by horse-drawn sleigh. Many inns and farms offer rides, so layer up, bundle in, and enjoy the ride.
Here are a few spots to enjoy a Christmas sleigh ride in Vermont:
- Bass Brook Farm and Forest in Braintree: Book a private group sleigh ride for your group, and enjoy a beautiful two-mile sleigh ride through the White River Valley of Vermont. Complimentary hot cocoa and coffee is provided.
- Gentle Giants Sleigh & Wagon Rides in Stowe: Beautiful Belgian or Percheron draft horses pull a sleigh (or carriage when there’s no snow) through the Stowe countryside. Call 802) 253-2216 to reserve.
- Rainbow’s Edge Farm in Sutton: Horse-drawn sleigh rides through the scenic woods and snowy fields of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.
- Mountaintop Resort in Chittenden: 30-minute tours around the resort property near Killington.
Go Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing
Cross-country skiing allows you to explore the woods at a more leisurely pace than downhill skiing, and trail passes and rentals are usually more affordable than resort lift tickets.
Many of Vermont’s cross-country ski centers offer lessons to help you get started.
Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe: Home to the first cross-country ski center in the country and one of the best places to learn Nordic skiing, Trapp Family Lodge maintains 100 kilometers of trails on 2,500 acres. Rent skis or snowshoes, take a group lesson, and get busy exploring the snowy landscape.
Trail passes at Trapp Family Lodge are $34 on weekends and $30 on weekdays. Dogs are not permitted on winter trails.
We’ve also enjoyed skiing at Craftsbury Outdoor Center in Craftsbury, Viking Nordic Center in Londonderry, and Prospect Mountain in Woodford.
Go Ice Skating
Many towns and municipalities maintain outdoor or indoor ice skating rinks in the winter, but it’s not always cold enough in December for outdoor skating. For indoor skating rinks, consider Riley Rink in Manchester or Leddy Park in Burlington.
If your winter adventures take you to Stowe, head up to the Village at Spruce Peak, where you can skate for free on a beautiful outdoor rink before heading inside for cocktails and dinner. Bring your own skates or rent them at the Adventure Center.
🏔 Tips for First-Time Visitors: December in Vermont
Visiting Vermont for Christmas? Below-freezing mornings and snow-covered roads are part of the experience! Here’s how to stay warm and get around safely:
Prepare your Vehicle: Renting a car? Opt for one equipped for winter conditions. Bringing your own? Snow tires are highly recommended. Vermont’s best spots often mean a bit of a drive, so be ready to enjoy a scenic road trip.
Cell service is limited in some areas, so it’s always wise to have extras on hand: winter clothing, blankets, food, water, and a fully inflated spare tire. I also keep this combination jump starter/air compressor in my bag of tricks. It’s saved me on many occasions!
Bring All the Winter Layers: Expect temps below 10°F, and pack your best winter boots, heavy jackets, hats, gloves — all of it! The northern part of the state and the mountains are especially chilly, so trust me, every layer counts. I love Merino wool layers to keep me cozy all through the winter.
Discover the Magic of Christmas in Vermont
From snow-dusted mountains to the most charming towns aglow with holiday lights, Christmas in Vermont offers a magical blend of winter beauty and holiday traditions you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you’re strolling through Woodstock during Wassail Weekend, savoring a cozy fireside meal at a historic inn, or riding through snow-covered fields on a horse-drawn sleigh, each moment in Vermont feels like a scene from your favorite holiday story.
As you plan your Christmas escape, remember that Vermont’s holiday spirit goes beyond picturesque landscapes—it’s in the welcoming smiles, the warmth of small-town traditions, and the joy of gathering with friends and family in a truly special place.
Vermont isn’t just a holiday destination; it’s an experience that stays with you long after the snow melts.
So, this season, unwrap the magic of Christmas in Vermont. This little state is waiting to help you make the best holiday memories. We’ll see you under the twinkling lights!
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Tara Schatz is a freelance writer and the founder and editor-in-chief of Vermont Explored and Back Road Ramblers, an American road trip blog. She is also the co-author of the 3rd edition of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont, released in May 2023, and the author of 100+ Wonderful Ways to Experience Vermont.