Ring in the New Year Family-Style at Burlington's Highlight 2024
Prepare to ring in the New Year with laughter, adventure, and unforgettable memories at Highlight 2024, Burlington’s ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration. With events sprinkled across the city, this family-friendly extravaganza is packed with performances, art, comedy, food, and a touch of magic to delight kids and parents alike. Whether you’re a local or visiting, Highlight showcases the creativity and community spirit that makes Burlington so special.
This year, families can expect everything from dazzling performances by Circus Smirkus to a Caribbean carnival at ECHO, interactive light and sound shows, games, fireworks, and more. So grab your mittens, rally the crew, and dive into the best way to say goodbye to 2024 and hello to a bright 2025!
Here is FindandGoSeek’s ultimate family itinerary for Highlight NYE Burlington!
Morning: Fuel Up for Fun!
Start your day with a cozy family breakfast at a Burlington favorite with crepes at The Skinny Pancake or a hearty pastry at August First. You’ll want full tummies before the excitement begins.
Kick things off with the Circus Smirkus special NYE performance! This 40-minute high-flying circus performance will have the whole family mesmerized. From acrobatics to clowning, it’s the perfect start to the day. Reserve floor seats with the Big Top Button to get the best view of the action.
Can’t make the noon show? There are encore performances at 2 PM and 4 PM!
Head over to the Vermont Comedy Club for a performance of Good Clean Fun, a kid-friendly, improv comedy show inspired by audience suggestions. Brave family members can even jump on stage! Enjoy table service while you laugh—grab snacks for the kiddos and maybe a coffee or cocktail for the grown-ups.
Now it’s time to stretch your legs and explore the Gamezone Tent at Waterfront Park. Play carnival-style games, win cool NYE-themed prizes, and soak in the festive vibes. It’s a great way for the kids to burn off some energy before dinner. You'll also find a variety of food and drink vendors for snacks and sips from Crazy Cotton Candy Lady, Southern Smoke BBQ, La Chapina Guate, Glory Burger, Maharaja Spice, and Sustainable Kitchen.
Experience the magic of the Connectivity Sound and Light Exhibition by the Vermont Synthesizer Society. Kids can create their own soundscapes and explore dazzling interactive displays. This creative space is sure to ignite your family’s imagination!
Escape the chilly winter evening at ECHO’s Caribbean Fête. Dive into delicious island-inspired dishes, dance to live music, and enjoy the colorful atmosphere of this cultural celebration. The whole family can groove to the rhythms of Lakou Mizik, Honeybee Steelband, and more, while savoring bites from local Caribbean food vendors.
As the night sky darkens, gather by the waterfront for a spectacular fireworks display. Watch the colors burst above Lake Champlain, choreographed to perfection by Northstar Fireworks. It’s a thrilling way to cap off the evening’s festivities!
Stick around after the fireworks for a Burlington tradition: the Champ Burn! This fiery spectacle features a towering effigy of Lake Champlain’s legendary monster, lovingly crafted by Cirque de Fuego. Watch as Champ blazes brightly into the new year, accompanied by a jaw-dropping fire performance.
Tips for Families
- Bundle Up: December in Vermont is chilly! Hats, gloves, and warm boots are a must for all outdoor events, and extra layers for the kids are always a good idea.
- Arrive Early: Many events fill up quickly. Plan to arrive 15–20 minutes ahead to snag the best seats or spots.
- Pack Snacks: While there are plenty of food options, having a few snacks handy can be a lifesaver for little ones on the go.
Highlight 2024 is more than just a celebration—it’s an experience that brings families together to laugh, play, and create lasting memories. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to welcome the new year in true Burlington style! See the full list of events here: https://highlight.community/events/.
Happy New Year from the FindandGoSeek family!