Things To Do in Burlington, VT
Pick a direction, any direction. Church Street Marketplace lights up the season with a tree over 30 feet tall and more than 100,000 lights strung overhead, and they stay on well past the shortest day of the year. Burlington’s holiday markets fill rooms around town with handmade jewelry, Vermont food, and art totally unique to Vermont. And when the dark shows up at 4:15pm, the best holiday lights in and around Burlington are a short walk or drive away.
Add in the BTV Winter Market on a Saturday, a night at Winter Lights at Shelburne Museum, and a show from the events calendar, and you’ve got the outline of a very good December weekend. Stick around for Highlight on New Year’s Eve and you’ll see the whole city out in the cold on purpose. And that barely scratches the surface. Our holiday guide has the rest. If you can’t fit it all into a day (or even two), you might want to consider staying a little longer.
Top Things to Do
What is there to do in Burlington for arts, culture, and nightlife?
The Flynn Center is the heart of the city's cultural life, hosting Broadway touring shows, concerts, comedy acts, dance performances, and film throughout the year. The Shelburne Museum, just south of Burlington, is widely regarded as one of the finest folk art museums in the country.
Burlington's music scene is legendary, the city has long been famous as the birthplace of Phish and continues to cultivate live music talent. Venues like Higher Ground and Foam Brewers host national and local acts regularly. Church Street Marketplace is lined with galleries, boutiques, and bars, making it a great starting point for an evening out. The South End Arts District is home to galleries, studios, and the beloved annual South End Art Hop. Burlington's craft beer scene is equally impressive, with breweries like Zero Gravity, Foam Brewers, and Switchback offering taprooms perfect for an evening gathering.
If you're looking for places to grab a cocktail. Try out Devil Takes a Holiday, Wallflower Collective, or Juniper at Hotel Vermont.
What are the best winter activities in Burlington, Vermont?
Burlington truly shines in winter, offering a wide range of cold-weather activities for every type of visitor. Skiing and snowboarding are a top draw, with world-class resorts just a short drive away. Smugglers Notch and Sugarbush Resort are among the most popular, while Bolton Valley Resort is even closer and offers night skiing. Vermont's legendary snowfall makes the region a paradise for cross-country skiers and snowshoers as well, with groomed trails throughout the area. If you're looking to Cross-Country Ski or Snowshoe the Catamount Outdoor Center is a great starting point with rentals and trails in Williston.
Right in the city, there are a number of skating rinks to visit, BYO skates and enjoy the scenic views of Lake Champlain in winter. The ice fishing on the lake is another beloved local tradition. Burlington's cozy restaurants, craft breweries, and shops on Church Street Marketplace make for a wonderful winter stroll. The area also hosts a variety of winter festivals and events, celebrating everything from Vermont culture to the holiday season. Whether you're hitting the slopes or warming up with Vermont craft cider by the fire, Burlington is a fantastic winter destination.
What free things are there to do in Burlington, Vermont?
Burlington offers a wealth of free activities that let you experience the best of the city without spending a dime. The Burlington Waterfront and Bike Path are among the most beloved free attractions — the paved path stretches along the shores of Lake Champlain with stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains and is perfect for walking, running, or cycling. Sunset over the lake from Waterfront Park is an unforgettable and completely free experience.
Church Street Marketplace, Burlington's vibrant outdoor pedestrian mall, is always lively with street performers, public art, and free community events year-round. The Burlington Farmers Market (held Saturday mornings from May through October) is a fun and free outing with live music and local vendors. Many of Burlington's parks, including Battery Park and North Beach, offer beautiful green space at no cost. The University of Vermont's campus and the Fleming Museum of Art (which offers free admission on certain days) are also worth a visit. In the summer, free outdoor concerts and festivals are held regularly throughout the city.
What are the best things to do in Burlington with kids?
Burlington is a wonderfully family-friendly destination with plenty to keep kids of all ages entertained. The ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is a must-visit. it's an interactive science and nature museum right on the waterfront with hands-on exhibits, aquariums, and engaging programs all about Lake Champlain's ecosystem. Kids love exploring the live animal displays and the lake-themed science stations.
The Burlington waterfront itself is a great destination for families, with open green spaces, a playground, and the popular bike path along Lake Champlain. The Shelburne Museum, just a short drive south of the city, is an extraordinary outdoor museum with 39 historic buildings, folk art, and a real steamship that kids can explore. The Vermont Teddy Bear Factory in Shelburne also offers fun tours for younger visitors. In the warmer months, the Burlington Farmers Market on Saturdays is a lively outing for the whole family.
Check out this page for more Kid-Friendly activities.
What are the best hikes near Burlington, Vermont?
Burlington and the surrounding Lake Champlain region offer a fantastic array of hiking trails for all skill levels. Mount Philo State Park in Charlotte is one of the most popular and accessible options, with a short but rewarding hike to stunning panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. For a more challenging adventure, Camel's Hump and Mount Mansfield (Vermont's highest peaks) are within an hour's drive and offer breathtaking summit views.
Closer to the city, the Ethan Allen Homestead trails and the Intervale Center provide easy walking paths surrounded by natural beauty. The Centennial Woods Natural Area, maintained by the University of Vermont, is a hidden gem perfect for a quick nature escape right in Burlington. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a full-day summit hike, the greater Burlington area has a trail for you.
Where can I rent a bike in Burlington?
Burlington is a very bike-friendly city with dedicated paths and scenic routes throughout the area. You can rent bikes from several local shops along the waterfront and downtown. Local Motion is a great option, SkiRack and North Star Sports also offer bike rentals. If you'd prefer to rent an E-Bike, most of these businesses have them available as well as Burlington E-Bikes!
The Island Line Trail or Burlington Bike Path stretches along the lake and even includes a bike ferry that takes riders to the Champlain Islands. You can check out more information here.
What outdoor activities can I enjoy on Lake Champlain?
Burlington sits right on the shores of beautiful Lake Champlain, offering a wide range of water-based activities. You can go sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or take a scenic boat cruise to soak in the stunning views of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains. Several local outfitters offer boat and kayak rentals, and sailing lessons are available for all experience levels. The Community Sailing Center is a great place to learn to sail, while Whistling Man Schooner Company can set you and your friends up for a beautiful evening on the water.
General
What is Burlington, VT famous for?
Burlington is famous for being the birthplace of Phish, its stunning perch on Lake Champlain, Vermont’s strongest farm-to-table dining scene, a walkable pedestrian downtown (Church Street Marketplace), and access to world-class outdoor recreation including skiing, hiking, kayaking, and sailing.
What is there to do in Burlington on a rainy day?
Rainy days in Burlington are still a great time. Visit the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (interactive science museum), browse the Fleming Museum of Art at UVM, explore the South End’s galleries and studios, shop along Church Street, catch a film at Main Street Landing, or settle into one of Burlington’s legendary coffee shops. See our full rainy day guide here.
How many days do you need in Burlington, Vermont?
Two to three days is ideal for a first visit. Enough time to explore the waterfront, dine on Church Street, get out on the lake, and discover the South End. Weekend trippers regularly cover the highlights in 48 hours. See our 24-Hour Itinerary or Weekend Getaway guide for help planning.
