The 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 NEKed holiday events!
Holiday Magic Weekend – Island Pond
December 2 – 4, various times
Holiday Magic returns to Island Pond. Weekend highlights include the Fa La La Fish Fry, Holiday Paint & Sip, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and World’s Largest Stocking Giveaway! Find fun activities for all ages throughout the weekend, dining and drink specials, and opportunities to meet some of your favorite holiday friends. Did someone say free photos with Santa
St. J Sparkles Holiday Weekend – St. Johnsbury
December 8 – 10
Experience St. Johnsbury sparkle and shine this holiday season! 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 9.
Annual Santa Visit – West Burke
December 11, 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. Cookies, cider & cotton candy will be served. This event is free but non-perishable food donations are encouraged.
Holiday Party & Tree Lighting in the Village – East Burke
December 11, 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 featuring snacks, cider, and a performance from the Newark Balkan Chorus.
First Night North – St. Johnsbury
December 31, 4pm
First Night North will go live this year with eight hours of in-person family-friendly performances in 12 St. Johnsbury venues. Over 70 acts are scheduled to perform a variety of music, dance, comedy, storytelling, and more. The event also features food trucks and a pancake supper, a Family Fun Fair, and midnight dance party.
New Year’s Eve at the Tamarack – Burke
December 31, 7pm
Dance the night away and ring in the New Year at the Tamarack at Burke Mountain! Enjoy live music all night beginning at 7pm. This event is free for 2022-23 Winter Season Passholders and $15 for non-passholders.
Wintermarket – Greensboro
December 4, 11am – 3pm
The Highland Center for the Arts hosts Wintermarket, a festive Bavarian-inspired indoor & outdoor artisan market with fun for the whole family on December 4 (rain date – originally scheduled Dec 3). Celebrate the season with Christmas carols and 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 50 crafters from around the region will be selling their work.
Holiday Market – Craftsbury
December 10, 11am – 2pm
The Craftsbury Farmers Market will be hosting their annual Holiday Market on Saturday, December 10. Shop over 30 local vendors to find gifts for everyone on your list. There will be artisan crafts, leatherworks, cozy ware, jewelry, herbal & body care products, culinary gifts & much more. Free gift wrapping for all.
Night of Queens – Greensboro
December 31, 8pm
Ring in the New Year with an evening of spectacular merriment! Festivities include a Drag cabaret with performances by fabulous Queens, comedy, dancing, hors d’oeuvres & desserts (included in the cost of admission) and celebratory cocktails. All ages are welcome. The cabaret contains mature content. Tickets are $30.
Tree Lighting & Light up the Night Parade – Newport
December 3, 4pm
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.
Winter Saturdays: Markus Daniels Band – Newport
December 3, 6-9pm
Saturday, December 3 kicks off a season-long celebration of Winter Saturdays in Newport. Each weekend will feature exciting daytime activities and ticketed evening events. Winter Saturdays’ first event is a concert with the Markus Daniels Band at The Gateway. Visit Discover Newport’s website for a complete list of Winter Saturday events.
Winter Saturdays: Live Music & Cookie Decorating – Newport
December 17, 3-6pm
Enjoy live holiday music and ornament, gingerbread and cookie decorating at The Gateway as part of Newport’s Winter Saturdays’ event series. This is a family-oriented event with activities for all ages. Tickets are $10 per adult, kids 12 and under are free.
New Year’s Eve with Purple: A Tribute to Prince – Jay Peak
December 31, 9pm
Spend New Year’s Eve at Jay Peak and tap into your inner Funk Machine with Purple: A Tribute to Prince. Get there early to watch the fireworks before the show. The concert will take place in the Foeger Ballroom. Tickets (18+) are $25 in advance, $30 day of show.
Check our Events Calendar for more [NEK]ed happenings throughout the winter season.