Vermont already packs a history dating back to the earliest American settlers, where centuries of tradition and varied cultures blended well before the Union was formed. And when it comes to festive celebrations in America, the Green Mountain State may also be among the earliest to bring Christmas to the region. French explorer Samuel de Champlain and his men marked the holiday in what is now Burlington as far back as 1630, and by the mid-1800s, the festivities were recognized throughout the state. Today, the celebration continues with many of the best Christmas towns in Vermont that bring merry cheer to visitors and locals alike.
If you plan a trip to Vermont in December, you can find historic towns dressed up in holiday lights, relax in an authentic inn, shop local boutiques for seasonal gifts, try locally-made treats, and experience a wide range of entertaining events. And apart from the festive energy, Vermont offers the added bonus of also being a winter sports haven with top skiing, fat biking, snowboarding, and snowshoeing opportunities that the United States has to offer.
If you want to make the most out of your winter visit, here's a guide to our top Vermont Christmas towns for travelers looking for a magical escape.
What is the best Christmas town in Vermont?
1. Christmas in Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock, VT, is often touted as one of the "prettiest towns" in the Green Mountain State, but that's not all it's known for. Many people dub this quaint New England destination one of the best Christmas towns in Vermont, Woodstock. Always ready to be featured on a postcard, this village blends yesteryear charm with authentic holiday spirit, especially during its famed Wassail Weekend each December. During this time, you'll catch horse-drawn carriages, 19th-century-styled carolers, and homes dressed in greenery and bows that transform the town.
In Woodstock's downtown, Main and Pleasant Streets are marked by boutiques glowing with twinkling lights and shop windows full of local goods, such as from artisanal cheeses, maple syrup, and handcrafted wooden toys. Just outside town, Billings Farm & Museum hosts Christmas at the Farm, where visitors step into a Victorian celebration featuring gingerbread displays, warm music, candle making, cozy fireside treats, as well as adorable farm animals.
When you want to stretch your legs and have a silent moment with nature, check out Woodstock's Middle Bridge or take a peaceful walk along nearby trails and the Ottauquechee River.
2. Christmas in Stowe, Vermont
Stowe, VT, is a big ski destination with small-town comfort. In fact, it's nicknamed the “Ski Capital of the East.” But in the winter, Stowe brings more than just alpine adventure, as it one of Vermont’s most magical holiday getaways. In December, you'll witness this New England village decorated in its Christmas best with twinkling lights and charm, all with the snow-covered Mount Mansfield in the background. It's the perfect place to carve the slopes and then relax with hot cocoa by a fire or a little boutique shopping.
The Annual Spruce Peak Lights Festival is a big draw during the Christmas season when the resort village bursts to life with professional ice dancing shows, photos with Santa, and a spectacular tree-lighting ceremony capped by fireworks. The Stowe Arena is also known to host a Skate with Santa event that families love, while those who like the sound of the holidays often gather for carols and holiday performances at the Stowe Community Church.
For anyone mapping out Christmas towns in Vermont, Stowe delivers the widest range that accommodates visitors of all ages: world-renowned alpine sports, a welcoming small-town celebration, deep New England history, and plenty of natural spots to unplug and enjoy the stillness of winter.
3. Christmas in Chester, Vermont
With a population of around 3,000, Chester is a true Vermont Christmas village that hums quietly in the winter, but livens up during the holiday season. Visitors can experience streets lined with Victorian, Colonial Revival, and Federal-style homes that glow under string lights and classical Christmas decor.
One of the biggest reasons to visit Chester, VT, in December is the Okemo Valley Holiday Express. For just a few days of the month, this special excursion takes passengers on a one-hour train ride through the forested and frosty scenic landscape, while providing plenty of holiday activities for the whole family. While you’re aboard, you might sip hot cocoa, sing a holiday tune, collect a keepsake ornament, or even meet Santa and his elves.
Back in town, there are several local boutiques that are ripe for holiday shopping, especially when it comes to antiques. If you have time for a 45-minute drive north, you can travel up to Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock for their cherished Christmas events, all while catching more of the winter magic that Vermont’s storybook setting offers.
4. Christmas in Grafton, Vermont
The world slows down in Grafton, VT, especially in December when snow settles on the roofs of historic homes and horse-drawn carriages jingle down stoplight-free streets. If you want to detach from modern distractions to step back and enjoy pure holiday warmth, Grafton serves the right pace.
The Grafton Village Holiday Festival will give you a taste of the community with a day full of festive activities like craft-making, games, culinary classes, bake sales, a Christmas bazaar, live music, and even a dog parade. This event only takes place on one day of the month, so check ahead before scheduling your trip.
Many visitors choose to stay at the Grafton Inn, which extends its own seasonal spirit within a history that dates back to the early 1800s. While you’re in town, you can also take time to sample local cheeses, go snowshoeing or skiing, browse antiques, or take in the fresh air while hiking nearby trails.
There’s more seasonal fun beyond Grafton, too. Just 20 miles away in Putney, VT, Santa’s Land USA has been a roadside Christmas attraction since 1957. Families can visit Santa and his elves, write letters, and enjoy treats in an energetically decorated setting that evokes the “magic of Christmas” for all who welcome it.
5. Christmas in Manchester, Vermont
At the foothills of Mt. Equinox, Manchester is a hidden holiday paradise with impressive mountain scenery and lively local culture. Once Thanksgiving rolls around, the community's holiday spirit is defined by “Manchester Merriment,” making it easy to see why this destination is considered by many to be the best Christmas town in Vermont.
From late November through December, visitors can experience a wide range of authentic seasonal celebrations, starting with a community tree lighting at Factory Point Green sets the stage, followed by holiday concerts, craft bazaars, and a lighted tractor parade. Inns and historic hotels open their doors for tours dressed in holiday finery, while the famous Elf Express train whisks families through the valley with music, cocoa, and Santa himself.
Manchester is also the site of the Lincoln family home, known as Hildene, which adds a touch of history with festive decor in true early 20th century style and live music on the Lincolns’ original instruments. You can also head outdoors, as Manchester sparks joy with ice skating, snowshoeing, and boutique shopping.
6. Christmas in Middlebury, Vermont
Middlebury is a quintessential Vermont town all year long, but in December, it really earns this designation by creating a calendar full of events known as the Annual Very Merry Middlebury celebration. The lights strung along Main Street glow against snowy sidewalks, and the scent of hot cocoa is known to drift from pop-up stands. Here, you can skip the car rides to take in the sights, and instead pile into a horse-drawn wagon for a ride through town. You might also catch Santa in the town square.
On Friday nights, downtown comes alive as shops stay open late for Midd Night Strolls, when carolers, food trucks, and a parade of festively lit plows and fire engines turn the quiet streets into a holiday block party. The Sheldon Museum sets up its intricate model train display, and just outside town, the Middlebury Snow Bowl hums with skiers cutting fresh tracks. Amid its historic streets, college-town energy, and charming seasonal rituals, Middlebury leaves a lasting impression of Christmas in Vermont that’s both cozy and spirited.
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