Vermont’s Top Holiday Events for Kids
Bring the magic of the season alive with these kid-approved holiday events and activities across Vermont, perfect for creating lasting memories with your family!
Winter Lights @ Shelburne Museum
✨ Why Families Will Love It: Walk through a dazzling wonderland of sparkling lights adorning all the beloved features of Shelburne Museum. Kids will love the colorful, glowing art installations, and parents will appreciate the fresh air and festive atmosphere.
Dates: Select evenings November 21, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Family Tip: Check out Sensory-friendly nights on December 9 and 16 to make the experience inclusive for all little ones, or the Drive Around Evenings for those that want to stay warm or need help getting around.
https://findandgoseek.net/wint...
A Charlie Brown Christmas @ Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center
✨ Why Families Will Love It: This live adaptation of the classic Peanuts holiday story features music and a heartwarming message perfect for kids and parents alike.
Dates: December 12-24 with afternoon and evening times
Family Tip: Explore Spruce Peak Village before or after the shows, for ice skating, hot chocolate, and more.
https://findandgoseek.net/a-ch...
Vermont's Own Nutcracker @ The Flynn
✨ Why Families Will Love It: Introduce your kids to the magic of ballet with this uniquely Vermont Nutcracker, performed exclusively by the extraordinary dancers of Vermont Ballet Theater and surrounding communities.
Dates: Afternoon and evening shows December 21 & 22
Family Tip: Explore Church Street in downtown Burlington with festive lights, holiday shopping and a mini-Santa's Village!
https://findandgoseek.net/verm...
Vermont Teddy Bear Santa’s Workshop
✨ Why Families Will Love It: Little ones can build their own teddy bear while meeting Santa in his workshop. It’s a hands-on holiday treat!
Dates: December 7, 14, & 21
Family Tip: Register for your timeslot ahead of visiting and make sure to capture a magical photo and your little one with Santa and their new plush friend.
https://findandgoseek.net/verm...
Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides @ Shelburne Farms
✨ Why Families Will Love It: Cozy up under warm blankets as you glide through the farm’s wintery trails. It’s a magical ride that feels straight out of a storybook.
Dates: December 21 - 31
Family Tip: Register ahead of time to reserve your spot! Dress warmly and bring hot cocoa to make the ride even cozier.
https://findandgoseek.net/hors...
Breakfast with Santa @ The Essex
✨ Why Families Will Love It: Enjoy a delicious breakfast, gather around the fireplace for Story Time with Santa, and capture a festive family photo to remember the day.
Dates: December 22
Family Tip: Bring your camera for candid moments with Santa! Reserve your seating early!
https://findandgoseek.net/brea...
Christmas at the Farm @ Billings Farm and Museum
✨ Why Families Will Love It: Families step back into a Victorian Christmas with candle dipping in the Historic Barn and crafting pie crust dough in the Learning Kitchen
Dates: December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21-23, 26-31, January 1-5
Family Tip: Explore the trails on snowshoes or skis if snow adorns the farm!
https://findandgoseek.net/chri...
Visit Sled Dogs
✨ Why Families Will Love It: Get up close and personal with the October Siberians Sled Dogs in Burlington.
Dates: December 15 on Church Street (FREE), December 30 at ECHO
Family Tip: Bundle up and be prepared for lots of photo ops with these adorable dogs.
https://findandgoseek.net/sled-dogs-church-street-marketplace
Meet Reindeer!
✨ Why Families Will Love It: Meet Santa’s reindeer before the head off to the North Pole to deliver presents! The Vermont Reindeer Farm will be coming to Burlington, Waterbury and Smuggs before Christmas Day.
Dates: December 15 in Waterbury (FREE), December 14 & 28 at ECHO, and December 24 at Smugglers’ Notch Resort (FREE).
Family Tip: Learn about why reindeer are well-suited for the cold, snowy North before the kids meet them!
https://findandgoseek.net/sear...
Forest of Lights @ VINS
✨ Why Families Will Love It: Thousands of lights illuminate the VINS Nature Center and it's new features like the Snow Shower Tower, Snow Globe, Whimsical Woodland, and Radiant Roots.
Dates: Dates in December through January 5, but some have sold out.
Family Tip: Warm up after your stroll at the campfire with hot cocoa.
https://findandgoseek.net/fore...
Vermont is bursting with holiday cheer and kid-friendly fun this season. Have a favorite family event? Leave a review so other families know how special it is!