Holiday Break Activities for Kids Across Vermont
School break is upon us, the holidays are in full swing, and Vermont is packed with ways to make the end of December feel special. Whether you’re looking for structured camps, magical seasonal traditions, or easy outings to fill a winter afternoon, this guide will help you find kid-approved fun across the Green Mountain State.
Use this as your starting point and mix and match activities to fit your family’s schedule, energy level, and weather forecast.
Holiday Fun: Lights, Sleigh Rides & Seasonal Events
It’s peak holiday season in Vermont, and families have no shortage of festive fun to choose from. From glowing forest trails to classic winter experiences, these outings feel extra special during December break. Walk through a magical winter light displays or book a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Find Santa sightings, performances, train rides & exhibits, community celebrations, holiday crafts, and more at https://findandgoseek.net/holiday-fun.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve Family-Style
You don’t have to stay up until midnight to ring in the new year. Find a first night event in your community, a “Noon” Year’s Eve celebrations or local fireworks! Many Vermont communities and libraries host family-friendly New Year’s Eve events with kids in mind. Check out a few that we have on the calendar.
Community celebrations and fireworks:
- Highlight New Year's Eve (Burlington) – See our Highlight Guide from 2024/25 for inspiration.
- The Beat Goes On 2025! Montpelier New Year’s Eve Celebration
- Very Merry Middlebury: New Year’s Eve Fireworks
- First Night North @ Catamount Arts (St. Johnsbury)
- Last Night Brattleboro
Noon Year’s Eve Celebrations for Kids:
- New Year's at Noon @ The Montshire Museum (Norwich)
- Noon Year's Eve @ South Burlington Public Library
- Noon Year's Eve @ Fletcher Free Library (Burlington)
- Noon Year's Eve @ Bennington Museum
Find more NYE events on our event calendar.
Indoor Fun for Chilly Days
When the temperatures drop—or everyone needs a break from bundling up—Vermont has plenty of indoor options to keep kids moving and entertained. Explore local museums and science centers, bowling, rock climbing, and arcades. Get the wiggles out at adventure centers and indoor playgrounds. Find a packed list of indoor fun here: https://findandgoseek.net/indoor-activities/
Outdoor Winter Fun: Sledding, Skiing & Skating
‘Tis the season to embrace the snow and ice! December break is a perfect time to lean into winter in Vermont. Whether your family loves speed, snow, or simply being outside, there’s an outdoor activity for every comfort level. See our Top Tips for Getting Kids Outside This Winter for tips on dressing, places to go and things to do.
Winter favorites include:
- Sledding at local hills
- Skiing and snowboarding – Do you know about Vermont’s Fifth Grade Passport?
- Cross country skiing
- Ice skating (indoor and outdoor rinks)
- Exploring playgrounds for snowy fun
Check out Vermont’s All Mountain Mamas for more ski and snowboard content!
December Break Camps
For parents juggling workdays or kids who thrive on routine, December break camps can be a lifesaver. Find single-day or multi-day camps during the holiday week, with options ranging from outdoor adventures to creative indoor programming.
Check these camps for availability:
- Holiday Soccer Camp @ Far Post (Essex Junction)
- Grow & Glow Camps @ Clover Exploration (Rutland)
- December Break Kid's Camp: Winter Adventures in Art, French & Nature @ Wingspan Studios (Burlington)
- December Break Circus Camp @ NECCA (Brattleboro)
- December Break Camps with Burlington Parks (Burlington)
- Futuristic Fun Camp for K-3 @ ONE Arts Center (Burlington)
- Weaving and Sewing Camp for 4-8th @ ONE Arts Center (Burlington)
- Winter Explorers Camp @ VINS (Quechee)*Limited space – December 29 waitlist
- School of Rock Vacation Camp @ Petra Cliffs (Burlington)*Limited space – December 29 waitlist
Solstice Events
Celebrate the shortest day of the year on December 21 and the turn towards lengthening days with winter solstice magic. These events often blend nature, light, and community—perfect for slowing down and marking the turn of the season with kids.
December 20:
- Spruce Peak Lights Festival (Stowe)
- Winter Celebration @ New Village Farm (Shelburne)
- Lumen, Bristol's Celebration of Fire & Light (Bristol)
December 21:
- Winter Solstice Celebration @ Town Hall Theatre (Middlebury)
- Sauropod Solstice @ the Montshire Museum (Norwich)
Plan Your December Break Adventures
No matter how you spend it, December break is a chance to slow down, explore locally, and make winter memories together. Bookmark this guide, check the calendar as events are added, and follow along on Find & Go Seek for more fun ideas throughout the break.