Something spectacular is happening this winter in Montpelier, and you don’t want to miss it.
For the first time ever, Montpelier Alive will light up all seven of Montpelier, Vermont’s iconic downtown bridges.
But that’s not all…
To kick off this incredible project, Montpelier Alive is hosting a Bridge Lighting Ceremony on November 16th, with special guest speakers, live music, circus performers, and even a lantern parade! It’s more than just an event—it’s a celebration of light, warmth, and community as we head into winter.
What’s the big idea behind lighting these bridges?
Montpelier’s bridges aren’t just structures—they’re symbols of connection and resilience, linking neighborhoods and communities together. Each bridge will be uniquely illuminated, becoming a beautiful work of art to brighten long winter nights, improve safety, and draw people downtown to shop, dine, and explore.
Here’s where the magic happens…
Seven bridges, four along the Winooski River and three along the North Branch, will each have custom lighting designs. These designs will showcase the beauty and unique character of the bridges and their important roles in the city. The energy-efficient LED lights will be tied to Montpelier’s municipal grid, powered by more than 80% renewable energy.
Montpelier Alive isn’t just lighting up bridges; it’s lighting up the entire community. The project will help stimulate the local economy, inviting both residents and visitors to enjoy evenings in downtown Montpelier. From shopping and dining to music and theater, the bridge lights are designed to breathe new life into Montpelier’s winter nights.
The bridges will be customizable throughout the winter—think pink for Valentine’s Day or red, white, and blue for Independence Day. Montpelier Alive invites the community to share feedback and even play a role in shaping the evolving art installation.
Why now?
During challenging times, Montpelier Alive believes it’s important to make space for beauty and joy in our community. This project isn’t just about lighting bridges—it’s about celebrating the resilience of Vermont’s capital city and creating a sense of connection in the darkest months of the year.
The bridge illumination project also aims to raise awareness of the challenges associated with catastrophic flooding. Montpelier Alive is working with historians, naturalists, and the Commission on Recovery and Resilience to offer educational opportunities and events that will deepen the community’s understanding of how our human-built environment impacts downtown flooding.
Want to get involved?
In the lead-up to the Bridge Lighting Ceremony, Montpelier Alive and The T.W. Wood Gallery will offer lantern-making workshops in early November. These workshops give the community a chance to craft their own lanterns for the parade on November 16th, where we’ll celebrate a new season of light together.
Mark your calendars!
The Bridge Lighting Ceremony will take place on November 16th, starting at 4:30 pm.
Montpelier Alive’s Bridge Illumination Project is supported by the Better Places Program, Vermont Community Foundation, Vermont Arts Council, and many generous local sponsors. No additional municipal tax dollars will be used beyond those designated for the arts.
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.
