When the football games have wrapped and your card game banter has gone from friendly to feisty, it's a universal sign: time to escape the living room. Wondering how to dodge the Black Friday frenzy while still having a blast? (Hey, we love supporting local, but variety is the spice of life.) Good news: Thanksgiving Weekend in Burlington is anything but dull. Dive into our curated list of family activities that offer a slice of our distinctive local culture. Because here, holidays are an adventure, not a routine.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28th

 

GMAA Turkey Trot | Burlington

Join the 47th Annual GMAA Turkey Trot 5K Food Drive on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024, at 10 AM. The course offers a scenic 5K loop on the UVM women’s cross-country course with excellent footing on cinder/paved paths, grass, and even some single track—perfect for a holiday run. It's a fantastic way to kick off your Thanksgiving celebration with a dash of fitness and community spirit!

 

Thanksgiving Dinner at Hotel Vermont's Juniper | Burlington

Celebrate Thanksgiving at Hotel Vermont with a cozy holiday meal at Juniper! Reservations open October 15 for guests and October 22 for the public on Resy. Enjoy classic favorites like slow-roasted Vermont-grown turkey, autumn-inspired soups, and Hen of the Wood pies for $90 per person ($25 for children under 10). Call Juniper at +1 802-651-5027 to reserve your spot. Please note a 24-hour cancellation policy applies, with late cancellations subject to a $25 per-person fee. Join us for a festive feast filled with local flavors this Thanksgiving!

 

Thanksgiving Buffet at the DoubleTree by Hilton 

Celebrate Thanksgiving with an exquisite buffet featuring a variety of dishes for all tastes. Start with the Raw Bar and Seafood Display, offering cold poached salmon, shrimp with cocktail sauce, smoked oysters, and mussels. Move on to Starters, including a Vermont cheese display, garden pasta salad with pesto, mixed greens salad bar, and a Caesar salad with Parmesan and croutons. For Entrees, savor cellentani pasta with garlic and julienne vegetables, beef tips in a mushroom balsamic demi, and chef-carved roasted turkey with gravy. Sides include classics like green beans, rice pilaf, stuffing, mashed and sweet potatoes, roasted butternut squash, cranberry sauce, and rolls with butter. End your meal with an indulgent Dessert Display featuring cakes, pies, dessert bars, DoubleTree’s signature chocolate chip cookies, and more.

Buffet Details:

  • Seatings: 12 pm to 4 pm
  • Prices: Adults - $59, Ages 5-12 - $29, Under 5 - Free
  • Senior and active military discounts available.

Reservations: Call 802-865-6600
 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH

 

Jackie Fabulous |  Vermont Comedy Club - Burlington

Laugh off the Thanksgiving feast with the hilarious Jackie Fabulous Thanksgiving Weekend! Join for two nights of laughter as Jackie brings her signature comedy to the stage—perfect for fans of Leslie Jones, Nicole Byer, and Ali Wong.

SHOWS:

  • Fri, Nov 29 @ 7 PM & 9 PM  ($25)
  • Sat, Nov 30 @ 7 PM & 9 PM ($25)

To grab your seats, select the date/time, enter the quantity, and click "Add to Cart." No physical tickets are needed—just bring your ID!

 

Santa Parade | Burlington

Ah, the Santa Parade—a tradition, yet far from ordinary here in Burlington. Mark your calendars for Friday, November 29th at 12 PM. Watch St. Nick defy convention as he ambles up Church Street Marketplace. Starting at the City Hall Block and culminating at the Mall Block, little revelers can catch Santa at Homeport. Get a snapshot and whisper those unorthodox wishes for the holiday tree.

 

Tree Lighting | Burlington

Kick off the holiday season with us at the Church Street Marketplace tree-lighting celebration! Join us on the Friday after Thanksgiving at 5:00 PM for a classic holiday play, festive carolers, and a countdown to the magical moment. At 6:00 PM sharp, the city will light up the Marketplace with over 100,000 sparkling lights, including the towering 30+ foot Christmas tree. Start your season with warmth, music, and holiday cheer!

 

Tom Cotter | Higher Ground - South Burlington

Join Comedian Tom Cotter for one night of laughs! Runner-up of Season 7 of America's Got Talent, Tom headlines America's most famous comedy clubs. Purchase your tickets online for $25 or for $30 the day of the show. Doors open at 7 PM, and the show begins at 8 PM!

Tree Lighting on Church Street

 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH

 

Free Chocolate Bar Tasting | Lake Champlain Chocolates, Burlington and Stowe

Indulge in a Free Chocolate Bar Tasting this Small Business Saturday! Join the event on November 30 from 12:00 to 4:00 PM at the Flagship Store in Burlington (750 Pine Street) or the new location in Stowe Village. Bring family and friends for a fun, immersive chocolate experience as tasting guides take you on a sensory journey through delicious Five Star Bar® chocolates. It’s the perfect way to celebrate and support local businesses with a sweet treat!

 

ABB presents The Nutcracker | Burlington

Albany Berkshire Ballet (ABB) presents its 50th annual tour of The Nutcracker, with a stop at Burlington's Flynn Theater. A beloved holiday tradition, ABB's The Nutcracker features magnificent principal dancers from around the country accompanied by 150-200 local area students per city in its youth casts. Watch the production on Saturday, November 30th at 1 PM and 5 PM. Purchase tickets online here. 

 

Holiday Tea with Adventure Dinner | Colchester

Kick off the holiday season with a festive tea! Adventure Dinner is transforming their Clubhouse venue into a winter wonderland with fresh spruce trees, sparkly holiday decor, and vintage china cups set for a joyful tea in an enchanted land. Each ticket includes a tray of sweet and savory treats and a pot of your choice of holiday tea. Tea times are at 1 PM and 4 PM. You can reserve your spot by purchasing a ticket online here!

 

Whimsical Winter Walk | Essex

Enjoy an enchanting walk through Sand Hill Park from 4 PM to 7 PM. The park will be decorated with the season’s most delightful treats, bring the family to solve riddles, play games, and explore the magic of the season! Hot coffee and specialty cocoa drinks will be available for purchase from Kooza Coffee Truck.

 

Holiday Tea | Colchester
Kick off the holiday season with a festive tea at Adventure Dinner Clubhouse! On Saturday, November 30, join one of two afternoon tea seatings at 1 PM or 4 PM for a cozy holiday experience. The Clubhouse will be transformed into a winter wonderland with fresh spruce trees, sparkly holiday décor, and vintage china cups. Each ticket ($66) includes a bountiful tray of sweet and savory treats and a pot of your choice of holiday tea. Perfect for relaxing after a day of shopping or gathering with friends, this delightful tea event is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Reserve your spot online here!

 

 

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1ST

 

Sundays with Santa: A Festive Family Fun Event! | Hotel Champlain 

Celebrate the season with Sundays with Santa at Hotel Champlain! On December 1, 8, and 15, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, bring the family for a free morning of festive fun. Enjoy photos with Santa in our beautifully decorated space, complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, and a special gift for families who bring a pantry item to donate. Each child will receive a candy cane from Santa, and adults can enjoy spiked cocoa from our cash bar. Join us for a heartwarming holiday event and make cherished memories with Santa!

 

Winooski Winter Farmers Market | Winooski

Head over to the Winooski Winter Farmers Market for its second season! Explore a variety of vendor offerings including delicious farm products, fine art, and other homemade goods at 123 Barlow Street. The market runs from 10 AM to 2 PM.

 

 

 

ALL WEEKEND

 

Winter Lights | Shelburne

Shelburne Museum doesn’t just light up; it dazzles. From November 21st through January 1st, 5 AM to 8 PM, the museum transforms into a luminescent gallery. The campus is adorned in a grand spectacle of lights, harmonized with a musical backdrop. It's an extravaganza that makes you rethink what a holiday light display can be.

 

BTV Winter Market | Burlington

Come on down to City Hall Park for a weekend of shopping locally! Join in on the fun as BCA and Love Burlington have put together a collection of local artists showcasing some of the most unique and eclectic gifts for the holiday season. Explore Church Street and the beautiful Tree Lighting Ceremony and discover great Holiday Shopping! 

 

Winter Lights in the Park | Essex

Stroll through Maple Street Park this holiday season and let the holiday lights glow in the magic of the season. Scan the QR code at the entrance and embark on a quirky scavenger hunt. Will you spot all the elusive ornaments nestled in the trees? Open to all ages, from November 23rd to January 1st.

 

Holiday Paint and Sip | Burlington

Escape the cold and head to Burlington Paint and Sip on 29 Church Street to enjoy a beverage and paint a winter scene! Each Paint and Sip this weekend is holiday-themed. Book your seat online for $38.

  • 11/29, 7 to 9 PM: Holiday Barn
  • 11/30, 10 AM to 12 PM: Festive Gnomes; 7pm to 9pm: Sunset Pines
  • 12/1, 2 to 4 PM: Winter Polar Bears