Ah, December in Vermont… So much to do, and just a few weeks to squeeze it all in. Let’s take a look at some of the best things to do this holiday season that will bring out the Christmas spirit in everyone from the Grinch to Ebenezer Scrooge. We want to give you the gift of plenty of things to do in Vermont during Christmas this year.

  1. Manchester Vermont Lions Elf Express.

Facebook/Manchester Vermont Lions Elf Express On December 17 and 18, this whimsical holiday train will leave R.K. Miles Depot Station, taking its riders on a one-hour enchanting journey through the Green Mountains of Southern Vermont. Be sure to take a picture with the elf! Check up-to-date ticket info and times on the Manchester Vermont Lions Elf Express Facebook page. Depot Street, Depot St, Manchester, VT 05255, USA

  1. Ri Ra’s Santa 5K Run and Walk in Burlington.

Facebook/Camp Takumta What’s better than watching a road race of Santas? On December 4, Vermont’s 1st and Only All Santa Race will take place on a scenic route starting on Church Street. All participants get a Santa suit - $45 to participate, free to watch. Re Ra’s is a proud supporter of camp Ta-Kum-Ta, a camp for children affected by cancer. To check out the information on this unusual race, be sure to check out the Ri Ra’s Santa 5K website as they plan this wacky race for 2022. Burlington, VT, USA

  1. Santa Claus is Coming to town in Lyndonville.

Flickr/Rachael Moore On December 3, fun and festivities will start at Cobleigh Public Library and continue at the Darling Inn. Holiday crafts and Santa, along with hot cocoa, cookies, and candy canes - the North Pole Express Train will also be running, too! The North Pole Express Train, so hop on board and make sure you get your tickets for 2022. for any more information then please visit The North Pole Express Train website. Memorial Drive, Memorial Dr, Vermont, USA

  1. State House Tree Lighting in Montpelier.

Facebook/Montpelier Alive See the 40-foot tree light up in front of the State House In December. The date is still to be determined, so please make sure to visit the State Capitol website for updates on the event. Rumor has it that holiday treats will be involved so keep your eyes peeled. Vermont State House, 115 State St, Montpelier, VT 05633, USA

  1. Hidden ornament hunt in Middlebury.

Flickr/Loren Javier Artist Ashley Wolff has designed 10 ornaments that are hidden in 10 store windows in downtown Middlebury. The lucky winner receives $100 in Middlebury Money! Editor’s note: There is no sign that Ashley Wolff is doing this event in 2022, but you are more than welcome to enjoy her lovely art on her website.

  1. A Victorian Holiday in St. Johnsbury.

Discover St. Johnsbury/Facebook This is an annual celebration of the town’s historic beginnings. There will be treats, sweets, merry music, crafts, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more on December 10-11. They are still working out the details for this year’s celebration, but feel free to check out the massive amount of festivities that happened in 2021, and keep your eyes open on the Discover St. Johnsbury Vermont website for up-to-date information. Saint Johnsbury, St Johnsbury, VT, USA

  1. The Polar Express in Burlington.

Facebook/Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation This magical experience is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation. It’s a wonderful experience for the whole family while helping a worthwhile cause. Be sure to hop on board the Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation website for more information on ticket sales and this festive Christmas event.

  1. A Christmas Carol at the Flynn Center in Burlington.

Facebook/Flynn Center for the Performing Arts You won’t be saying Bah Humbug when you see this spirited ensemble where the Dickens’ fable of redemption on a magical set comes alive. You’ll enjoy the full array of timeless carols such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Away In a Manager” and “Here We Come A-Wassailing.” Editor’s note: The Flynn Center will be hosting two Christmas programs this December. A Celtic Family Christmas and the Vermont’s Own Nutcracker. Make sure you check out the Flynn Center event page for showtimes and tickets to these shows. The Flynn, 153 Main St, Burlington, VT 05401, USA

  1. Light the Village and Train Hop in Essex Junction December 9, 2022.

Facebook/Downtown Essex Junction Join the Village tree lighting at 6:15 p.m. and see your old favorites, including Santa at the Teen Center, the Roaming Railroad and model train displays in participating businesses and community partners. Grab a map and tour train hop stations for a chance to win amazing raffle prizes! And you won’t want to miss this year’s new attractions – catch the free trolley shuttle to Maple Street Park for the festive lighted trees and music. This event is sure to be great here in 2022, but you will have to wait for the details to roll out so keep an eye on the event page for Essex Junction for up-to-date information.

  1. St. Albans Co-op Lighted Tractor Parade on December 9, 2022.

You Tube/St. Albans Co-op Lighted Tractor Parade 2015 Check out the parade from 2015! Festivities are from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

  1. Festival of Lights in Morristown in December

Facebook/MACC - Morristown Alliance for Culture & Commerce There will be events happening through the day in Morrisville, including a visit by Santa Claus, horse drawn wagon rides, a cookie walk, chorale music, and much more!

  1. Festival of Trees in St. Albans, Vermont on November 26th – December 4th 2022.

Facebook/Festival of Trees - St. Albans, Vermont The St. Albans Festival of Trees is a family event with activities, a parade, music, and more, all in downtown St. Albans Vermont. The concept of the festival is simple: create a Christmas tree and donate it. Anyone or any group can create a tree, in their own style, which is auctioned at the popular and highly attended Friday night gala. Editor’s note: This year they have a whole host of events and fun activities planned so head on over to the Vermont Festival of Trees website for all of the Christmas events for 2022. Saint Albans City, St Albans City, VT, USA

  1. Hartford Polar Express - All Aboard on December 10 & 11, 2022.

Facebook/Hartford, VT Polar Express On an exciting train ride along a meandering river to the North Pole, children of all ages will enjoy The Polar Express Story and holiday sing-alongs while sipping hot cocoa with a yummy homemade cookie. Santa will board the train to greet each child and to hand out the first gift of the season - The Polar Express Bell. Tickets are on sale now so head on over to the Hartford Vermont Polor Express website to pick up yours this year. 39 S Main St, White River Junction, VT 05001, USA

  1. Santa Festival in Newport in December

Facebook/Newport Parks & Recreation‎ Have you ever seen Santa’s Workshop? Before you do, you must complete the Elf Training Program - find Santa’s reindeer and catch all the gingerbread cookies! The weather might be cold, but the cocoa is always hot in downtown Newport during the Santa Festival. Just follow the sound of caroling to find winter sales, old fashioned games for the family and of course, the BIG MAN himself - SANTA! You won’t want to miss the ornament workshop, handbell choir, or wagon rides at this awesome event.

  1. A Traditional Christmas in Stowe on December 2-4, 2022.

Facebook/Stowe Vibrancy The community of Stowe and all of its visitors will, once again this year, kick off the holiday season with a tree lighting, a children’s lantern parade, festive holiday decorations, wagon rides, reindeer, Santa & Mrs. Claus, carolers, candy cane pulling, holiday cookie decorating, and much more in this charming village! For more information on the annual celebration please visit the Stowe Vermont website. Stowe, VT 05672, USA

  1. Annual Tree Lighting in Shelburne in December

Facebook/Shelburne Country Store Watch just about everything come to light at this family-friendly event.

  1. Breakfast with Santa at Holley Hall in Bristol.

Flickr/digipam Come and enjoy pancakes and sausages with Santa in Bristol. There will also be carriage rides, arts and crafts, live music, and more.

  1. Christmas Tree Lighting in Colchester.

Mariana Moreira/ Flickr On December 4, the trees will light up as kids enjoy the crafts, songs, cocoa, and cookies. Then, sing with the Colchester Community Chorus at the Meeting House. Editor’s note: This year the town is working on the best Christmas yet. There are tons of events planned and if you want to get updates on each one as they plan it, please visit the All Event Page for Colchester. Colchester, VT 05446, USA

  1. Community Christmas Caroling in Bristol.

Flickr/Charlotte Tai in December be sure to head to Holley Hall in Bristol. Everyone goes out to sing to the community. Keep an eye out for the exact date this year.

  1. The Festival of Trees and Light in Stowe.

Daniel Lee/ Flickr An afternoon of family fun on December 10 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Helen Day Arts Center kicks off the fabulous trees displayed at the center. Editor’s note: The Helen Day Arts Center has since rebranded to its new name, The Current. If you keep a close eye on The Current, they may be doing a Christmas event but they have not announced one yet. The Current, 90 Pond St, Stowe, VT 05672, USA

  1. Flashlight candy cane hunt in Bristol.

Flickr/Laura Gilmore Santa has hidden candy canes all around the Green in Bristol! Bring your flashlight and help find them! You might even find a very special candy cane with a prize-winning ribbon. Editor’s note: There has been no official announcement for this event to come back in 2022, but candy canes crossed, we hope it does!

  1. Gingerbread House Exhibit in Middlebury.

Flickr/m01229 The Vermont Folklife Center will host its 18th annual Gingerbread House Competition and Exhibit. This year’s theme is A Christmas Carol, so check out the displays from December 2 - December 22. Editor’s note: For the last two years, this event has been virtual but for the latest information, please visit the Vermont Folklife website. Vermont Folklife Center, 88 Main St, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA

We hope this year you have plenty of things to do in Vermont during Christmas to make the most of this magical time of the year. For a perfectly magical town this holiday season, be sure to check out Woodstock this Christmas!

Facebook/Manchester Vermont Lions Elf Express

On December 17 and 18, this whimsical holiday train will leave R.K. Miles Depot Station, taking its riders on a one-hour enchanting journey through the Green Mountains of Southern Vermont. Be sure to take a picture with the elf! Check up-to-date ticket info and times on the Manchester Vermont Lions Elf Express Facebook page.

Depot Street, Depot St, Manchester, VT 05255, USA

Facebook/Camp Takumta

What’s better than watching a road race of Santas? On December 4, Vermont’s 1st and Only All Santa Race will take place on a scenic route starting on Church Street. All participants get a Santa suit - $45 to participate, free to watch. Re Ra’s is a proud supporter of camp Ta-Kum-Ta, a camp for children affected by cancer. To check out the information on this unusual race, be sure to check out the Ri Ra’s Santa 5K website as they plan this wacky race for 2022.

Burlington, VT, USA

Flickr/Rachael Moore

On December 3, fun and festivities will start at Cobleigh Public Library and continue at the Darling Inn. Holiday crafts and Santa, along with hot cocoa, cookies, and candy canes - the North Pole Express Train will also be running, too! The North Pole Express Train, so hop on board and make sure you get your tickets for 2022. for any more information then please visit The North Pole Express Train website.

Memorial Drive, Memorial Dr, Vermont, USA

Facebook/Montpelier Alive

See the 40-foot tree light up in front of the State House In December. The date is still to be determined, so please make sure to visit the State Capitol website for updates on the event. Rumor has it that holiday treats will be involved so keep your eyes peeled.

Vermont State House, 115 State St, Montpelier, VT 05633, USA

Flickr/Loren Javier

Artist Ashley Wolff has designed 10 ornaments that are hidden in 10 store windows in downtown Middlebury. The lucky winner receives $100 in Middlebury Money! Editor’s note: There is no sign that Ashley Wolff is doing this event in 2022, but you are more than welcome to enjoy her lovely art on her website.

Discover St. Johnsbury/Facebook

This is an annual celebration of the town’s historic beginnings. There will be treats, sweets, merry music, crafts, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more on December 10-11. They are still working out the details for this year’s celebration, but feel free to check out the massive amount of festivities that happened in 2021, and keep your eyes open on the Discover St. Johnsbury Vermont website for up-to-date information.

Saint Johnsbury, St Johnsbury, VT, USA

Facebook/Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation

This magical experience is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation. It’s a wonderful experience for the whole family while helping a worthwhile cause. Be sure to hop on board the Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation website for more information on ticket sales and this festive Christmas event.

Facebook/Flynn Center for the Performing Arts

You won’t be saying Bah Humbug when you see this spirited ensemble where the Dickens’ fable of redemption on a magical set comes alive. You’ll enjoy the full array of timeless carols such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Away In a Manager” and “Here We Come A-Wassailing.” Editor’s note: The Flynn Center will be hosting two Christmas programs this December. A Celtic Family Christmas and the Vermont’s Own Nutcracker. Make sure you check out the Flynn Center event page for showtimes and tickets to these shows.

The Flynn, 153 Main St, Burlington, VT 05401, USA

Facebook/Downtown Essex Junction

Join the Village tree lighting at 6:15 p.m. and see your old favorites, including Santa at the Teen Center, the Roaming Railroad and model train displays in participating businesses and community partners. Grab a map and tour train hop stations for a chance to win amazing raffle prizes! And you won’t want to miss this year’s new attractions – catch the free trolley shuttle to Maple Street Park for the festive lighted trees and music. This event is sure to be great here in 2022, but you will have to wait for the details to roll out so keep an eye on the event page for Essex Junction for up-to-date information.

You Tube/St. Albans Co-op Lighted Tractor Parade 2015

Check out the parade from 2015! Festivities are from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Facebook/MACC - Morristown Alliance for Culture & Commerce

There will be events happening through the day in Morrisville, including a visit by Santa Claus, horse drawn wagon rides, a cookie walk, chorale music, and much more!

Facebook/Festival of Trees - St. Albans, Vermont

The St. Albans Festival of Trees is a family event with activities, a parade, music, and more, all in downtown St. Albans Vermont. The concept of the festival is simple: create a Christmas tree and donate it. Anyone or any group can create a tree, in their own style, which is auctioned at the popular and highly attended Friday night gala. Editor’s note: This year they have a whole host of events and fun activities planned so head on over to the Vermont Festival of Trees website for all of the Christmas events for 2022.

Saint Albans City, St Albans City, VT, USA

Facebook/Hartford, VT Polar Express

On an exciting train ride along a meandering river to the North Pole, children of all ages will enjoy The Polar Express Story and holiday sing-alongs while sipping hot cocoa with a yummy homemade cookie. Santa will board the train to greet each child and to hand out the first gift of the season - The Polar Express Bell. Tickets are on sale now so head on over to the Hartford Vermont Polor Express website to pick up yours this year.

39 S Main St, White River Junction, VT 05001, USA

Facebook/Newport Parks & Recreation‎

Have you ever seen Santa’s Workshop? Before you do, you must complete the Elf Training Program - find Santa’s reindeer and catch all the gingerbread cookies! The weather might be cold, but the cocoa is always hot in downtown Newport during the Santa Festival. Just follow the sound of caroling to find winter sales, old fashioned games for the family and of course, the BIG MAN himself - SANTA! You won’t want to miss the ornament workshop, handbell choir, or wagon rides at this awesome event.

Facebook/Stowe Vibrancy

The community of Stowe and all of its visitors will, once again this year, kick off the holiday season with a tree lighting, a children’s lantern parade, festive holiday decorations, wagon rides, reindeer, Santa & Mrs. Claus, carolers, candy cane pulling, holiday cookie decorating, and much more in this charming village! For more information on the annual celebration please visit the Stowe Vermont website.

Stowe, VT 05672, USA

Facebook/Shelburne Country Store

Watch just about everything come to light at this family-friendly event.

Flickr/digipam

Come and enjoy pancakes and sausages with Santa in Bristol. There will also be carriage rides, arts and crafts, live music, and more.

Mariana Moreira/ Flickr

On December 4, the trees will light up as kids enjoy the crafts, songs, cocoa, and cookies. Then, sing with the Colchester Community Chorus at the Meeting House. Editor’s note: This year the town is working on the best Christmas yet. There are tons of events planned and if you want to get updates on each one as they plan it, please visit the All Event Page for Colchester.

Colchester, VT 05446, USA

Flickr/Charlotte Tai

in December be sure to head to Holley Hall in Bristol. Everyone goes out to sing to the community. Keep an eye out for the exact date this year.

Daniel Lee/ Flickr

An afternoon of family fun on December 10 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Helen Day Arts Center kicks off the fabulous trees displayed at the center. Editor’s note: The Helen Day Arts Center has since rebranded to its new name, The Current. If you keep a close eye on The Current, they may be doing a Christmas event but they have not announced one yet.

The Current, 90 Pond St, Stowe, VT 05672, USA

Flickr/Laura Gilmore

Santa has hidden candy canes all around the Green in Bristol! Bring your flashlight and help find them! You might even find a very special candy cane with a prize-winning ribbon. Editor’s note: There has been no official announcement for this event to come back in 2022, but candy canes crossed, we hope it does!

Flickr/m01229

The Vermont Folklife Center will host its 18th annual Gingerbread House Competition and Exhibit. This year’s theme is A Christmas Carol, so check out the displays from December 2 - December 22. Editor’s note: For the last two years, this event has been virtual but for the latest information, please visit the Vermont Folklife website.

Vermont Folklife Center, 88 Main St, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Christmas In Vermont October 27, 2022 Chris Dodge What are some other things to do in Vermont for Christmas? If you want to make the most of your Christmas this year, check out the Historic Woodstock Inn. Spend some time in Burlington which will deck the halls for the Christmas season. When you want to get a classic Christmas small town in New England feel then you want to check out any of these eight small towns or check out these other seven towns. Then head on over to this farm for a magical Christmas adventure.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Christmas In Vermont

October 27, 2022

Chris Dodge

What are some other things to do in Vermont for Christmas? If you want to make the most of your Christmas this year, check out the Historic Woodstock Inn. Spend some time in Burlington which will deck the halls for the Christmas season. When you want to get a classic Christmas small town in New England feel then you want to check out any of these eight small towns or check out these other seven towns. Then head on over to this farm for a magical Christmas adventure.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

If you want to make the most of your Christmas this year, check out the Historic Woodstock Inn. Spend some time in Burlington which will deck the halls for the Christmas season. When you want to get a classic Christmas small town in New England feel then you want to check out any of these eight small towns or check out these other seven towns. Then head on over to this farm for a magical Christmas adventure.