The holiday season is lighting up the Champlain Valley like never before. This week, Burlington’s Festival of Lights is giving locals and visitors a reason to bundle up and hit the town. Wander through a winter wonderland of glittering light displays while sipping on hot cocoa from local faves like Speeder & Earl’s Coffee or Kru Coffee Collective.

If you’re feeling the need to stretch your legs, head to the outdoor ice rink at The Skating Oval in Plattsburgh, NY. This rink, located just across Lake Champlain, offers open skate sessions under the winter sky, making it a favorite for families and friends. Bring your skates or rent a pair for a truly magical experience close to home.

After the ice, don’t miss the Winter Lights at Shelburne Museum on December 23rd. It’s the perfect spot to grab locally-made gifts like hand-poured candles, wool scarves, and even small-batch maple liqueurs.

What could be better than a week filled with holiday vibes and a bit of fresh Champlain Valley air? Be sure to tag your adventures with #ChamplainHolidayGlow—this week is all about embracing local magic.

There’s still time to give an unwrapped gift for this year’s Toys for Kids at UMall

NBC5’s annual Toys for Kids drive went to the University Mall in South Burlington this week to continue collecting new, unwrapped toys for families in northern New York and Vermont.

The Hinesburg Fire Department is helping with this year’s effort by setting out those big red collection barrels you see throughout the region.

SEE THE FULL STORY COURTESY OF WPTZ HERE

This Thanksgiving, share the spirit of gratitude by helping The Seventy-Six Masonic Lodge bring joy to children affected by the hurricane in North Carolina. They’re collecting new toy donations at the locations listed below through the end of November. As we give thanks for what we have, let’s also give back—your gift can help bring a smile to a child’s face when the Masons deliver these toys just in time for the holidays.

FOR A FULL LIST OF DROP-OFF LOCATIONS CLICK HERE:

Meet Caitlin MacLeod-Bluver, Vermont’s Teacher of the Year, who’s rewriting the playbook on education. This Winooski High School history and English teacher goes beyond textbooks, weaving her students’ rich, diverse stories into every lesson. It’s not just teaching—it’s a masterclass in connection, culture, and care.

READ THE FULL STORY COURTESY OF SEVEN DAYS VT HERE

Get ready, Burlington! The annual Celebration of Trees fundraiser is just around the corner, and ANEW Place is pulling out all the stops to support our unhoused neighbors. This heartwarming event is the perfect blend of holiday vibes and community care. Let’s deck the halls, make a difference, and keep the season’s spirit alive!

READ THE FULL STORY COURTESY OF WPTZ HERE:

From free movie nights to “trunk-or-treating,” Ticonderoga has a full slate of events to keep the entire family in the Halloween spirit. Zombie hikes, Fright Nights and even a Hocus Pocus magic show! See the entire lineup of festivities here:

TICONDEROGA HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES HERE:

Get ready for the 3rd annual Camp Takumta Softball-a-thon and family fun day with The Vermont Lake Monsters at Centennial Field in Burlington this Saturday! Bring the kids for “touch-a-truck” from 9am-1pm and stay to watch some of the all-day softball game to benefit Camp Takumta in South Hero. Plus, the Shelburne Taphouse, Lake Monsters Pizza, East Coast Ice will be on hand along with facepainting, inflatables, lawn games and more!

GET THE FULL DETAILS HERE: 

This Saturday from 10am – 4pm, visit the Babbie Rural & Learning Museum in Peru, NY for the Kids Fair & Festival. Enjoy kids’ Old-Time Games with a prize for every child, pumpkin painting, Hands-on corn shelling, milking Apple Blossom, butter making for kids, Hopscotch, sack races, egg races Stagecoach rides Demonstrations for Adults including Blacksmith Shop, Shingle Mill, Planer and Hay Bale Raising ‍.

GET MORE INFORMATION HERE

Looking for fun this weekend? Check out all the festivities happening Sunday at Cumberland Bay State Park during Sunday Field Day. Starting at 9am, bring the family for a day of fun.

READ ALL THE DETAILS COURTESY OF PRESS REPUBLICAN HERE

The 17th Annual Festival of Fools begins Saturday, August 3rd from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.  and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All weekend long you can find performers from around the globe bringing their talents to the heart of the Queen City.

Zach Williamson, director of Burlington City Arts, said from dancers to musicians and even circus acts, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

“You get to watch amazing skills: acrobats, fire juggling, really insane stuff,” Williamson said.

READ THE FULL STORY COURTESY OF WPTZ HERE