Experience the Holidays Vermont-Style on Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace
Note: Advertising is how we keep this site free for you to enjoy, and we earn a commission from affiliate links that may be included in this post. Thank you for supporting Vermont Explored!
The holidays are here, and there’s only one place to be: Church Street Marketplace in Burlington, Vermont.
If your Vermont holiday wish list includes sipping hot cocoa while wandering among dazzling lights, shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts, and mingling with a community of merrymakers, then Church Street is the place to be.
Each year, the Church Street Marketplace transforms into Vermont’s holiday hub, and there’s no better way to embrace the season.
The Holidays Are Back on Church Street in Burlington
There’s nothing quite like the moment the holiday season returns to Church Street Marketplace.
One minute you’re walking downtown in your fall jacket, mourning the loss of the leaves on the trees, and the next the whole street seems to glow with twinkling lights, evergreen garlands, and that unmistakable Burlington buzz.
I try to make it to Church Street at least once during December (it’s a long drive from Bennington), and every year it reminds me why this place feels like the heart of Vermont’s holiday spirit.
This year, the Marketplace once again transforms into a full-blown winter wonderland, with sparkling lights, festive events, local shopping, and special moments that make the season memorable.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a cozy date, or a day of gift-gathering, downtown Burlington is rolling out the red carpet for the holidays.
Celebrate Local This Season
Church Street has always been a champion of local small businesses, and the holidays are the perfect time to show them some love.
With more than 100 independent cafés, boutiques, and services lining the Marketplace, every purchase helps support the local community.
Grab a cozy dinner, find a Vermont-made treasure for someone on your list, or spend the afternoon exploring boutiques you haven’t visited in a while.
Your Guide to the Holidays on Church Street
The traditions you know and love are back this year: the Tree Lighting Ceremony, the Santa Parade, the Holiday Window Contest, free hot chocolate, live music, and plenty of old-fashioned merriment. And this season brings new surprises too, including the Postcard Club, a playful snowflake hunt for kids, and Festive Fridays with fresh themes each week.
If you’re like me and love wandering the Marketplace with no real agenda, consider this your invitation to let the lights, music, and events guide your Church Street adventures.
Below, you’ll find the major highlights to help you plan your visit.
A Day of Magic: Santa, Sparkle, and the Big ‘Ole Tree
Friday, November 28, 2025
I am a sucker for every town Christmas tree in Vermont, and I especially love the giant tree at the top of Chruch Street! Come see it come to life, but first, Santa.
The holiday season officially begins with the beloved Santa Parade at noon, starting at City Hall. Expect Santa himself, along with Aero the Griffin, Miss Vermont, Miss Vermont’s Teen, and a whole cast of festive characters spreading joy through downtown.
After the parade, Santa will greet families at Homeport until 4 pm.
The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony brings everyone back together at the top of the Marketplace starting at 5:15 pm with carols and a reading of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas.’ At 6 pm, the towering tree comes to life with more than 100,000 lights; it’s magic, I tell ya, no matter how many times you’ve seen it.
Friday Nights Filled With Holiday Cheer
November 28, December 5, December 12, December 19 | 4–8 pm
The Church Street Marketplace is the place to be on Friday evenings starting after Thanksgiving.
Every Friday, Church Street businesses stay open late, and the Marketplace fills with lights, music, and themed activities. It’s the perfect start to your weekend: stroll, shop, and sample local treats.
December 5: Jingle & Mingle
The annual Window Contest kicks off, and you can vote for your favorite displays in person. Pick up a pairing card and sample Vermont-made drinks and bites from local makers and vendors as you shop your way down the street.
December 12: Not So Silent Night
Local choirs and a cappella groups fill the Marketplace with holiday harmonies. Stores stay open late, and it’s the final evening to cast your vote in the Window Contest.
December 19: Light Up the Night
Join RunVermont for a colorful Fun Run at 5:30 pm, followed by a glowing Light Parade at 6 pm with festive trucks and bright displays.
More Holiday Magic (Yes, Church Street is Outdoing Itself)
Hot Chocolate Program
Spend $25 or more at participating businesses and treat yourself to a free hot chocolate at Ben & Jerry’s, Black Cap Coffee & Bakery, Burlington Bagel Bakery, or Muddy Waters.
North Pole Express Mailboxes
Kids can mail letters to Santa between November 28 and December 14. Drop off a letter at the mailbox by the tree or at City Hall (no postage necessary), and Santa will write back if you include a return address.
Small Business Saturday: November 29
Celebrate the businesses that make Burlington’s downtown so unique by choosing to shop small this season.
Family Fun on the Marketplace
Snowflake Hunt: November 28 – December 21
Kids ages 1–12 can pick up a Snowflake Hunt board at Homeport, find hidden snowflakes in participating businesses, collect stickers, and bring their completed board back for a Vermont Santa ornament.
Santa Visits: Saturdays & Sundays, November 29 – December 21
Find Santa at Homeport from 10 am to 2 pm for photos and holiday wishes.
Kids Train: Sundays, November 30 – December 21
Hop on The Big Blue Express for a free ride around the top block of Church Street.
A Week of Local Love
Marketplace Appreciation Week: December 1–7
This is a time to acknowledge the shop teams, baristas, hosts, servers, and behind-the-scenes staff who keep the Marketplace thriving.
Many businesses will offer exclusive employee discounts, and visitors are encouraged to say thank you to their neighbors, friends, and community members as they shop and dine downtown.
Snail Mail Magic Arrives: The Postcard Club
December 5–19
Stop by Daydream Art Supply to choose one of two holiday postcards and write a note to someone special. Staff will stamp and mail it for you. A simple gesture, but one that adds a little old-fashioned warmth to the season.
Menorah Lighting
December 14–22 | 3rd Block, outside Homeport
A nine-foot Menorah will be on display throughout Hanukkah, with a special community lighting and gathering on Sunday, December 21, from 4–5 pm.
Other Seasonal Events
The holiday season brings even more festivities to Burlington, including Tuba Christmas (December 13 at 1 pm outside of Homeport), the Krampus Walk (December 13 at 7 pm), Lyric Caroling (December 15 at 2 pm), and the BTV Winter Market inside City Hall’s Contois Auditorium (December 13 at from 11 am to 5 pm).
If you’re planning a visit to Burlington this winter, set aside time for Church Street Marketplace. Whether your tradition is sipping hot chocolate while window shopping, attending the tree lighting every year, or simply walking the blocks wrapped in holiday glow, this is a season worth savoring.
The magic is back, and it’s waiting for you on Church Street.
Parking and Getting Around
Holiday traffic and construction can be intimidating, but downtown Burlington has made things easier this season.
Starting at noon on Thanksgiving Day, Main Street reopens to traffic, and parking is available along the corridor. Seasonal construction downtime ensures a smoother, more welcoming walk through the Marketplace.
Parking perks include two hours of free parking at the Downtown Garage and one free hour at the Marketplace Garage through Thanksgiving when using ParkMobile. Sundays remain free all year long.
For real-time updates, check the city’s Parking Page before heading out.
Read Next: Christmas in Vermont: The Ultimate Holiday Guide for 2025
Follow us on social media for more Vermont inspiration!
