Christmas in Vermont: My Favorite Towns, Events, and Inns for 2026

Snow-dusted landscapes, cozy inns with even cozier 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. If you’re here for the 2016 movie A Christmas in Vermont, it’s on Prime Video. The rest of us are here for the real thing.

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 improve.

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?

The Best Christmas Towns in Vermont

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

No major thoroughfares run 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 whole 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 first weekend in December, you’re in for a treat!

Christmas in Grafton is a cherished event where locals and visitors gather to celebrate the holidays with a dog parade, tree and wreath sale, open houses throughout 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 5, 2026. 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

Read Next: An Enchanting Winter Weekend in Grafton, Vermont

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Brattleboro Festival of Miniatures: Throughout December

Brattleboro shines especially bright during the holidays, and last year’s hit festival is back for a second go around: the Brattleboro Festival of Miniatures, running from November 27, 2026 through January 10, 2027.

Presented by the Downtown Brattleboro Alliance, this free, townwide celebration transforms more than 90 storefronts, galleries, and public spaces into a magical world of tiny art, complete with intricate dollhouses, miniature dioramas, model trains, and handcrafted scenes with a distinctly Vermont twist.

The festival also includes hands-on workshops, puppet shows, theater, story contests, and the return of Market on Main, a rotating pop-up holiday market featuring nearly 60 local makers.

Paired with Brattleboro’s cozy shops, vibrant food scene, and creative spirit, the Festival of Miniatures makes the town an especially enchanting holiday destination worth the winter drive.

Where to Stay in Brattleboro, VT

Also Read: A Perfect Winter Weekend in Brattleboro, 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

Wassail Weekend in Woodstock is 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 runs December 11–13, 2026.

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 Victorian Christmas charm as you explore Billings Farm for Wassail Weekend.

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, VT

Read Next: Spend a Winter Weekend in Woodstock, Vermont

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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 for its natural beauty, and I’d love to entice you to visit when winter winds blow across the mountains and 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 4-6, 2026.

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!

16th Annual Holiday Lighted Tractor Parade

This year, Manchester will celebrate the holidays with the 16th Annual Holiday Lighted Tractor Parade.

This much-loved holiday event will take place on December 6th 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

Read Next: Plan a Perfect Winter Weekend in Bennington and Manchester

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More Holiday Events and Festivals Around Vermont

At-A-Glanc Vermont Christmas Events Calendar 2026

Event	Town	2026 dates	Cost	Dogs
Brattleboro Festival of Miniatures	Brattleboro	Nov 27, 2026 to Jan 10, 2027	Free	Brattleboro is very dog-friendly, but check individual shops before entering.
Canine Christmas Doggie Slumber Party	Manchester (Wilburton Inn)	Dec 4 to 6, 2026	Lodging plus $100 per person	Yes, that’s the point
Grafton Village Holiday Festival	Grafton	Sat., Dec 5, 2026	Free	Yes, there’s a dog parade, and your dog is invited!
Holiday Lighted Tractor Parade	Manchester	Sat., Dec 5, 2026, 5:30 pm	Free	On-leash
Wassail Weekend at Billings Farm	Woodstock	Dec 11 to 13, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm	With admission, $16-$23 per person	No pets
Wassail Weekend in the village	Woodstock	Dec 11 to 13, 2026	Free	On-leash
Winter Lights at Shelburne Museum	Shelburne	Nov 27, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027 (drive-through only Jan 4 to 9)	$20 adults, $10 kids 3 to 17 (advance)	No pets
A Forest of Lights	Quechee (VINS)	[TBA]	2025: $15 adults, $9 youth	No pets
Brandon Winter Village	Brandon	[TBA]	Free to stroll	On-leash; check individual stores/properties before entering
Very Merry Middlebury	Middlebury	Dec 3, 10, and 12	Free to stroll	On-leash; check individual stores/properties before entering
BTV Winter Market	Burlington	Nov 28, Dec 12 & 13	Free	No pets
Family Day at Bennington Museum	Bennington	Dec 5	$5	No pets

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.

Vermont Christmas Events: The Details

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 grown-ups alike. Welcome to Very Merry Middlebury!

Don’t miss the Thursday festivities on December 3rd and 10th. Come out from 5 – 8 pm on for specials, promotions, food trucks, and pop-ups around downtown.

Downtown will be bustling on Saturday, December 12th as well. First, come get your photos taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 9:30 – 11:30 am indoors at Town Hall Theater. Children can fill out a Letter to Santa (available while you wait!) to share their wish lists and then get their photos snapped by parents or caregivers.

There will be free horse and wagon rides from 10 am to noon, and the Hot Cocoa Hut will be open from 10 am to 2 pm, plus free caroling on the steps of the Congregational Church, and a great train exhibit at the Sheldon Museum from 10 am to 4 pm.

Winter Lights at Shelburne Museum

When: November 27, 2026 through January 3, 2027
Where: Shelburne Museum, Shelburne, Vermont

Every winter, Shelburne Museum installs entirely new and always stunning light installations that wind through the grounds. The big showstopper is the 220-foot steamboat Ticonderoga, all lit up, plus a model train village tucked inside the Diamond Barn. This season brings glowing woodland creatures by artist Calvin Laituri in the pine grove of Beach Woods.

The walk-through covers about half a mile of packed gravel with some ups and downs. Thaw out afterward with hot chocolate from Lake Champlain Chocolates at the Weathervane Café, which is open Thursday through Sunday.

Advance timed tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids 3 to 17, compared with $25 and $12 at the gate, and the time slots fill up. If you can’t commit to a time, a $35 Anytime VIP ticket gets you in on any walk-through night without a reservation, even when the online slots sell out. Sensory-friendly nights are November 30 and December 14.

Get Outside at the Winter Village in Brandon

When: December 3, 5, 6, 11,12, 13,19, and 20, from 4 to 7 pm
Where: Green Park, Brandon, Vermont

Come to downtown Brandon for a European-style Christmas Market!

Discover an array of crafters and local businesses selling gifts for everyone on your list. Stroll among the glowing tents and twinkling lights while listening to holiday music and drinking hot mulled wine or steaming cocoa.

On Saturdays, there will be games, crafts, and entertainment for children at the Brandon Town Hall, and each evening there will be hot food, warm drinks, live entertainment, and shopping in the outdoor Winter Village.

Celebrate Family Day at Bennington Museum

When: December 5, 2026
Where: Bennington, Vermont

Mark your calendars for Family Day 2026 at Bennington Museum, which includes a bake sale, a children’s shopping boutique (ages 5-12), 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: Saturday, November 28, Friday, December 11 & Saturday, December 12
Where: Burlington, Vermont

Burlington City Arts and Love Burlington are joining forces to present the BTV Winter Market for two weekends in 2026.

Featuring local artists and makers, the Winter Market will offer unique gifts, seasonal flavors, and a lively holiday atmosphere that makes every moment count.

Check out BCA Studios on November 28th and Burlington City Hall on December 11 and 12 for all the cheer you’ve come to expect from this amazing market.

The BTV Winter Market will support a diverse range of local artists while creating a vibrant and joyful space for our community to gather and celebrate the most wonderful time of year.  

A Forest of Lights at VINS in Quechee

When: Late November 2026 to early January 2027
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!

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Outdoor Activities to Celebrate Christmas in Vermont

Vermont takes winter recreation seriously, with plenty 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 to bring their heady fragrance and stately grace to your living room this 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.

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 are 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) 798-9769 to make a reservation.
• 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 lets you explore the woods at a more leisurely pace than downhill skiing, and trail passes and rentals are usually cheaper than resort lift tickets.
Many of Vermont’s cross-country ski centers offer lessons to help you get started.

von 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 more than 60 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 von Trapp Family Lodge are $37 on weekends and $33 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 December isn’t always cold enough 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.

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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:

Christmas in Vermont FAQ

What is the most Christmassy town in Vermont?

Woodstock is my pick. Wassail Weekend (December 11 to 13, 2026) brings lots to do, great shopping, and that quintessential Christmas town vibe, so book early and expect crowds. For something smaller and quieter, Grafton’s holiday festival on December 5 features carriage rides, bonfires, and Santa in a village of fewer than 700 people.

Is Vermont a good place to spend Christmas?

Yes, if you like small towns, cozy inns, and cold weather. December is a great time for village festivals, holiday markets, sleigh rides, and holiday light shows. Snow isn’t guaranteed in the valleys, so head up in elevation for the best shot at a white Christmas.

Where is the best place to stay in Vermont for Christmas?

Pick a walkable village so you can skip driving snowy roads after dark. The Woodstock Inn & Resort, the Latchis Hotel in Brattleboro, and the Kimpton Taconic in Manchester all put you within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and holiday events, and all three accept dogs.

Is it worth visiting Vermont in December?

Early and mid-December are the sweet spot. In 2026, most of the big festivals fall between December 4 and 13, while the Brattleboro Festival of Miniatures runs into January. Book lodging early, and buy tickets for Winter Lights at Shelburne Museum and A Forest of Lights at VINS as soon as they go on sale.

Is there a Christmas village in Vermont?

Vermont doesn’t have a theme-park Christmas village. Its real villages do the decorating instead. Brandon’s Winter Village is a European-style outdoor holiday market, and Brattleboro fills more than 80 storefronts with miniature holiday scenes.

Can I bring my dog for Christmas in Vermont?

Yes. The Wilburton Inn in Manchester hosts a Canine Christmas Doggie Slumber Party December 4 to 6, and the Woodstock Inn, the Shire Woodstock, the Kimpton Taconic, and the Ephriam Bruce House in Grafton all welcome dogs. Check each inn’s fees and size limits before you book.

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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