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! Please check event websites for hours and updates.
Holiday Magic Craft Fair – Brighton
Saturday, December 7
Find something for everyone on your holiday gift list at the American Legion Holiday Magic Craft Fair. The sale will feature handmade gifts and crafts, jewelry, home decor, soaps, lotions, candles, specialty foods and so much more.
A Very Irish Christmas – Lyndon Center
December 13 & 14
Experience a special holiday extravaganza as Trinity Irish Dance Company performs a seasonal special for all ages. Purchase tickets online.
St. J Sparkles Holiday Weekend – St. Johnsbury
December 13 – 14
Experience St. Johnsbury sparkle and shine! Enjoy family-friendly activities, nighttime entertainment, and local shopping throughout downtown. Wagon 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 13.
Annual Santa Visit – West Burke
December 15
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. After you visit Santa, head to East Burke for the Tree Lighting and Holiday Party!
First Night North – St. Johnsbury
December 31
First Night North is one of Vermont’s longest running New Year’s Eve performance festivals. Enjoy a wide variety of family-friendly arts festivities, 70+ performers and a midnight dance party to ring in the New Year, led by Catamount Arts.
Wintermarket – Greensboro
December 7
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, take a sleigh ride or pose with family in the quirky photo booth. Over 60 crafters from around the region will be selling their work.
Hometown Holidays – Newport
November 30, December 7 & 14
Explore Main Street for great holiday gifts, enjoy live music, write a letter to Santa at the Memphremagog Market or cruise the drive-thru light display at Gardner Park. Don’t miss the NEK Polar Express, where riders can explore the light show followed by a reading of The Polar Express.
Tree Lighting & Light up the Night Parade – Newport
December 7
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 7-28 (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, specialty foods and drinks. New this year: fireworks every Saturday in December!
Check our Events Calendar for more events taking place in the Northeast Kingdom this holiday season.