Winter Lights Return to Shelburne Museum

Imagine a place where history, art, and holiday spirit collide in a spectacular sea of lights.

Shelburne Museum’s Winter Lights is back for its fifth season, transforming the historic campus into a celebration of holiday magic.

Running from November 21, 2025, through January 4, 2026, with additional Drive-around nights on January 5 and 6, this beloved annual event invites visitors to stroll, or drive, through an enchanting landscape of lights and music.

A Walk Through a Winter Wonderland

Step onto the grounds at Shelburne Museum, and you’re immediately surrounded by thousands of lights illuminating the museum’s most iconic landmarks.

The 220-foot steamboat Ticonderoga appears to float in a sea of color, the 1871 Lighthouse gleams like a beacon of nostalgia, and the Beach Woods glimmer with cascading lights that mimic a thousand fireflies.

As always, this year’s event features new surprises and displays. Children will love the interactive Illumination Station outside the Weathervane Café, and visitors of all ages will marvel at the model train installation in Diamond Barn and the illuminated weathervanes adorning the Round Barn.

On Saturday evenings and on December 26, the museum will host roving performers: mesmerizing flow artists from Maiz on Fire Productions and whimsical puppet creatures from Puppet Ruckus, who will wander the grounds.

Walk-Through or Drive-Around Experiences

A lighthouse at the Shelburne Museum covered with twinkling lights as part of Winter Lights.

Guests can choose between a traditional walk-through experience or the cozy drive-around tour.

Walk-through evenings are generally held Thursdays through Sundays from November 21 through January 4, with additional dates during the December school break. Hours run from 4 to 8 pm, with last entry at 7.

Timed walk-through tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children (ages 3–17), with free admission for kids under 3.

Tickets purchased at the door are $20 for adults and $12 for children. If you’d like more flexibility, the Anytime VIP ticket is $30 and allows entry on any walk-through evening, no reservation required, even on sold-out nights.

On select dates, visitors can enjoy the lights from the warmth of their car while following a lead vehicle through the illuminated loop. The drive takes about 15 minutes, with opportunities to pause, take photos, or enjoy the music.

Tickets are $65 per vehicle and must be purchased online in advance.

For guests seeking a quieter experience, Sensory Friendly Winter Lights will be held on December 1 and 15.

These evenings offer a gentle, low-sensory environment for visitors who appreciate reduced crowds and softer lighting. Tickets are the same as regular admission, and advance registration is encouraged.

Amenities, Performances, and Accessibility

The Steamship Ticonderoga at Winter Lights 2024.

The Weathervane Café will be open Thursday through Sunday evenings from 4:30 to 8 pm, serving light snacks and hot chocolate from Lake Champlain Chocolates. The café is closed during drive-around evenings.

The Museum Store and the Store at Diamond Barn will also be open during Winter Lights, offering a selection of holiday gifts and keepsakes to commemorate your visit.

Performances by Maiz on Fire Productions or Puppet Ruckus take place every Saturday night and on December 26, with dates including November 22 and 29, December 6, 13, 20, 26, and 27, and January 3.

Since Winter Lights is an outdoor experience, visitors are advised to dress warmly and wear shoes suitable for uneven or snowy terrain.

The illuminated pathway spans approximately half a mile and features both flat and gently sloped sections.

While the museum works hard to keep pathways clear, snow and ice can accumulate, so plan accordingly. Wheelchairs, strollers, and wagons are welcome, though wet or icy conditions can make navigation more challenging.

Tickets, Hours, and Important Details

Winter Lights runs from 4 to 8 pm, with the last admission at 7 pm.

The event will be closed on November 26–27 and December 8, 24, and 25. It takes place rain or shine, and only in rare cases of extreme weather will it be canceled. In that case, tickets will automatically be honored on a later date during the season.

To make the most of your visit, purchase tickets in advance through the Shelburne Museum website. Group inquiries can be made by emailing winterlights@shelburnemuseum.org or calling 802-985-0831.

Winter Lights is a celebration that captures the beauty of Vermont’s coldest season. Don’t miss highlights like the steamboat Ticonderoga, the Beach Woods light forest, the Diamond Barn trains, and the lively Saturday performances.

Bring your sense of wonder and let the glow of Winter Lights brighten your Vermont winter.