Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom is decked out for the holiday season. From craft fairs to community celebrations, annual tree lighting ceremonies, and plenty of hot cocoa to go around – find the perfect holiday event to get you in the spirit. Make your list…check it twice… and don’t forget to include one of these festive holiday events!
Holiday Magic Weekend – Island Pond
December 1 – 2, various times
Holiday Magic returns to Island Pond. Weekend highlights include the Holiday Magic Tree Lighting, World’s Largest Stocking Giveaway, Ugly Sweater Karaoke, Holiday Card & Ornament Making Workshop, Holiday Hay Ride, and Back to the 80s Christmas Party at The Ice Hole! Find fun activities for all ages throughout the weekend, dining and drink specials, and opportunities to meet some of your favorite holiday friends.
St. J Sparkles Holiday Weekend – St. Johnsbury
December 8 – 10
Experience St. Johnsbury sparkle and shine! Enjoy family-friendly activities, nighttime entertainment, and local shopping throughout downtown. Carriage rides, cocoa and crafts, and plenty of holiday cheer round out this annual weekend-long event. Don’t miss the fireworks display at 8pm on Friday, December 8. Earn a free St. Johnsbury tee with 8 local purchases when you pick up a shop local rewards card!
Annual Santa Visit – West Burke
December 10, 11am – 1pm
Santa’s visiting West Burke early this year… and he’s bringing presents for the kids! Stop by the West Burke United Methodist Church to meet Saint Nick, go for a horse-drawn wagon ride, and make a holiday craft. This event is free but non-perishable food donations are encouraged.
Holiday Party & Tree Lighting in the Village – East Burke
December 10, 3-5pm
After meeting Santa, head to the green in East Burke Village to watch the lighting of the Christmas Trees! Each tree was ‘adopted’ and decorated by a local school or business. Don’t forget to visit the library for a holiday party to warm up with snacks, hot cocoa, and cider.
First Night North – St. Johnsbury
December 31, 3pm-12pm
First Night North is one of Vermont’s longest running New Year’s Eve performance festivals. This year’s event features nearly 175 performers! Over 70 acts are scheduled to perform a variety of music, dance, comedy, storytelling, and more. The evening culminates in a community countdown, the raising of the First Night North Ball of Light, and a midnight dance party!
Wintermarket – Greensboro
December 2, 11am – 3pm
The Highland Center for the Arts hosts Wintermarket, a festive Bavarian-inspired indoor & outdoor artisan market. Celebrate the season with live music, unique eats, and good cheer. Warm up by toasty fires, make a holiday craft, or pose with the family in the quirky photo booth. Over 60 crafters from around the region will be selling their work.
Highland NYE Masquerade: The Roaring 20’s– Greensboro
December 31, 7pm – 12am
Ring in the New Year by taking a step back in time! The Roaring 20s will come alive at Highland Center for the Arts. Dress to the nines, dance the night away, savor cocktails that laugh in the face of Prohibition, and make memories with family and friends. Tickets are $30.
Annual Town of Jay Tree Lighting, Caroling & Santa & Mrs. Claus Visit – Jay
December 1, 6-7pm
Don’t miss the Town of Jay tree lighting! This family friendly event includes caroling, an opportunity to take a photo with Santa, and free snacks and hot cocoa.
Tree Lighting & Light up the Night Parade – Newport
December 2, 4-5pm
Head to Pomerleau Park for Newport’s annual tree lighting ceremony. Sip on hot chocolate and sing along to the carols before watching the tree illuminate. You may even see Santa swing by on a fire truck to take photos with the kids! The Tree Lighting will be followed by the Derby/Newport Light up the Night Parade.
Wintershine – Jay
December 2-23 (weekends)
Kick off the Holiday season at Jay Peak! Every weekend until Christmas Jay Peak will be illuminated with holiday lights. Enjoy free smores kits, holiday music at the Tower Bar, specialty foods and drinks. On December 2, enjoy a fireworks show, starting just before 5pm.
A Christmas Carol: A New Musical! Presented by Vermont Family Theatre – Orleans
December 2-17 (various times)
Vermont Family Theatre brings to life Charles Dickens’ timeless classic “A Christmas Carol: A New Musical.” Get into the Christmas spirit watching the musical rendition of Scrooge’s story.
Goodrich Memorial Library Christmas Open House –Newport
December 9, 1-4pm
Join the Goodrich Memorial Library as they get into the holiday spirit! The day will include spirited caroling, ethereal harp melodies, and a special performance by Mark Shelton. Refreshments will be available.
Visit our Events Calendar to discover more festivities taking place throughout the holiday season!
