Around this time of year, Vermont transforms into a Winter Wonderland. From family-friendly events to festive outdoor activities, unique traditions, and artistic celebrations, there’s no shortage of memorable experiences. If you’re planning your holidays in Burlington, Vermont, you're in luck. This guide has all of the holiday events and festivities you won't want to miss in Burlington, Vermont, in 2025.
Vermont Holiday Activities for Families: Festive Fun for All Ages
The holidays are a time to create cherished memories with your loved ones, and Burlington offers countless ways to do just that.
Christmas Tree Lighting on Church Street Marketplace
When: November 28, 2025 | 5:00 pm — 7:00 pm
Where: Church Street Marketplace | Church Street, Burlington, VT 05401
Let the holiday season commence! Join us at Church Street Marketplace for a ceremony including a classic holiday play, carolers singing your favorite festive tunes, and the illumination of Church Street with over 100,000 lights — including a 30+ foot Christmas tree!
Meet Santa
When: Saturdays and Sundays | 10:00 am — 2:00 pm | Nov. 29 — Dec. 21 | Homeport, 52 Church St.
Where: Homeport | 52 Church St., Burlington, VT 05401
Santa Claus is coming to town! Santa comes to Homeport in Burlington on Saturdays and Sundays to hear your Christmas wishes and pose for photos. Come say hi, and snap a picture that will last a lifetime!
Menorah Lighting on Church Street
When: Sunday, December 21, 2025 | 4:00 pm — 5:00 pm
Where: Church Street Marketplace | Church St., Burlington, VT 05401
Celebrate Hanukkah on the Church Street Marketplace with a beautiful 9-foot Menorah on display for its duration. Join us for a special gathering at sundown on Sunday, December 21, from 4 - 5 pm, as we come together in joy and tradition. All are welcome!
Holiday Train Ride
When: Sundays, Nov. 30 — Dec. 21 | 10:00 am — 2:00 pm
Where: Church Street Marketplace | Church St., Burlington, VT 05401
Cost: Free and open to the public
Kids and adults alike will love riding The Big Blue Express around Church Street’s iconic 30-foot Christmas tree. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the festive spirit while exploring Burlington, Vermont, this holiday season. Follow it up with a hot chocolate from Lake Champlain Chocolates for the full Polar Express experience!
Holiday Lights at Shelburne Museum
When: Nov. 21 — Jan. 4
Where: Shelburne Museum | Route 7, Box 10, Shelburne, VT 05482
Cost: $30 Anytime Ticket | Tickets available here
Winter Lights at Shelburne Museum is a brilliant, beautiful display of colorful light installations, with musical moments. Whether walking through campus or on a special drive around tour, Winter Lights is an experience not to miss and a holiday tradition that delights all ages.
Ornament Making and Cookie Decorating
When: Dec. 20, 5:00 pm — 7:00 pm
Where: South Burlington Parks & Rec. | 180 Market Street, South Burlington, VT 05403
Cost: Free and open to the public
Enjoy an evening with family and friends for winter ornament making and cookie decorating sponsored by Northeast Delta Dental on Saturday, December 20th from 5:00-7:00 pm in the Senior Center at City Hall! Come enjoy holiday cookies, music, hot chocolate and more.
Get Active: Holiday Events in Burlington, Vermont that Get You Outside
Santa Sunday
When: Sunday, Dec. 14, 9:00 am — 4:00 pm
Where: Bolton Valley Resort | 4302 Bolton Valley Access Rd., Bolton Valley, VT 05477
Cost: Free (if you dress up)
Dress up as Santa, Mrs. Claus, or the Grinch for a free lift pass at Bolton Valley — for one day only! Don't think just color coordination will cut it — they're looking for full commitment. Stop by Guest Services in the morning on Sunday, December 14, to get your free lift ticket if your costume passes the festive vibe check. Then meet up with the other holiday characters at 10:00 am at the base of Mid Mountain for a group photo and group ride.
Ugly Sweater Fun Run
When: Sunday, Dec. 14, 10:00 am — 1:00 pm
Where: South Burlington Parks & Rec. | 180 Market Street, South Burlington, VT 05403
Cost: $20/Adult | $10/Child (13-17) | Children 12 and under free
Join South Burlington Recreation and Parks for the Ugly Sweater Run/Walk sponsored by SB3C and DR Power, inherited from the Rotary Club of South Burlington. The Ugly Sweater Run/Walk is a ~3-mile course around South Burlington. Wear your favorite, ugliest sweater and warm up with some activity! The first 100 runners will receive SBRP/Ugly Sweater Pom Beanie Hat giveaway.
For the Adults: Holiday Events for 21+
Holiday Jasper Hill Fondue Night
When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, 6:00 pm — 9:00 pm
Where: Adventure Dinner | 70 Roosevelt Hwy., Colchester, 05446
Cost: $75 / per person
For the first year, Adventure Dinner is hosting a holiday-themed fondue night with local Jasper Hill Farm cheese! Burlington's The Makery will also be on-site with a DIY ornament craft. Don't eat cheese? Adventure Dinner accommodates all dietary needs at this dinner, including vegan and dairy-free guests.
Christmas Bar Pop-Up
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, 5:00 pm — 9:00 pm
Where: Adventure Dinner | 70 Roosevelt Hwy., Colchester, 05446
Stop by for a night of Christmas-themed cocktails, mocktails and small bites from Adventure Dinner! Snap a pic in front of our floor-to-ceiling present wall, or settle into our decked-out Clubhouse for a chill night.
Celebrate the Season with Arts and Music
Kat & Brett Holiday Show
When: Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 | Doors open at 5:00 pm, Show at 6:00 pm
Where: Coach Barn | 2009 North Gate Road, Shelburne, VT 05482
Cost: $60 Ticket, registration required | Tickets available here
Join Kat Wright and Brett Hughes for their 12th Annual Holiday Show Season! The ticket includes a festive selection of appetizers and grazing boards, crafted by the chefs at Shelburne Farms, to be enjoyed between open doors and showtime.
Joyous Sounds of the Season Holiday Concert
When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, 7:30 pm | Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, 3:00 pm
Where: McCarthy Arts Center | 18 Campus Road, Colchester, VT 05439
Cost: $28.65 General Admission Ticket | Tickets available here
Experience the soaring harmonies of Bella Voce, joined by the brilliant Northern Bronze Handbell Ensemble, led by Jodie Auer Johnson. With five octaves of handbells, their shimmering sound will fill the room with magic. This year’s concerts sparkle with the theme of starlight—a celebration of warmth, wonder, and holiday cheer.
Make the Most of the Season
Looking for more things to do this holiday season? Explore even more festive Vermont experiences over on the Hello Burlington website.
