Welcome to the one and only St. Johnsbury, Vermont!
With a name gifted by the French Consul Hector St. Jean de Crèvecoeur and a history dating back to 1787, this gem in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom is steeped in heritage, brimming with community spirit, and ready to welcome you to one of the year’s most festive weekends!
On Friday, December 13, and Saturday, December 14, the town comes alive with festive cheer, family-friendly fun, and magical moments that will warm your heart—no matter the winter chill.
Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store at St. J Sparkles
Friday, December 13: Nightlife Sparkle (5 – 8 pm at the Welcome Center)
- Free Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides: Glide through the crisp evening air courtesy of Rainbows Edge Farm (until 7:30 pm).
- Holiday Train Display: Marvel at Dr. Tom Turek’s intricate creations.
- Warm Treats: Enjoy free hot cocoa from St. Johnsbury Academy’s NHS and cookies by Caledonia Food Co-op.
- Family Fun: Try your hand at snowflake cutting with Kingdom Recovery Center.
- Sparkle Outfit Competition: Strut your stuff at 7:30 pm for fabulous prizes.
- Fireworks Finale: End the evening with a bang—Northstar Fireworks at 8 pm.
Downtown Delights
- Cozy up by one of the fire pits along Railroad Street.
- Listen to the United Community Handbell Choir (5:30 – 7:30 pm).
- Laugh out loud at the “You’ve Got to Be Kidding” Vaudeville Review.
- Celebrate with Haven & The Buttery at “A Very Haven Holiday Party.”
Saturday, December 14: All-Day Family Fun
Welcome Center Activities (10 AM – 2 PM):
- Free Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides (until 1 pm).
- A Farm Animal Petting Zoo with adorable goats from Morrison’s Feed Bag.
- Free popcorn from NEK Human Services.
- Watch a Quahog Dance Company demonstration (10 – 11 am).
- Enjoy free hot coffee and crafts from ReMAX Heritage.
Around Town Highlights
- Expansion Grand Opening and Letters to Santa at 802 Notarize (10 am – 2 pm).
- Kingdom Animal Shelter Open House (noon – 3 pm).
- A dramatic reading of A Christmas Carol by St. Johnsbury Players at United Community Church, UCC (3 pm).
- An enchanting evening of music with the Highlands View Chamber Ensemble and Children’s Choir at South Hall (7 pm).
Find Your Sparkle Shop local and earn DOUBLE rewards during the “Find Your Sparkle” Shop Local Rewards Program. Every purchase during the event brings you closer to exclusive perks!
About Discover St. Johnsbury Since 2002, Discover St. Johnsbury has been championing the community’s vitality by promoting local culture, commerce, and connections. Through events like this, we continue to highlight the unique charm that makes St. Johnsbury one of a kind.
Celebrate the holiday season in a town where history, community, and festive cheer come together. St. Johnsbury is ready to sparkle and shine—all that’s missing is you!
Read Next: Christmas in Vermont: The Ultimate Holiday Guide for 2024
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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.