For those ready to chase snowflakes and nostalgia, the Champlain Valley is serving up the holiday feels with a twist of outdoor fun. Over in Charlotte, VT, the iconic Adirondack Sleigh Rides are in full swing, taking families and couples through peaceful, snowy trails with breathtaking views of Lake Champlain. This one’s pure Vermont charm—don’t forget to bring a thermos of cider!

Feeling adventurous? Head to Northwoods Forest Trails in East Charleston, VT, where the Snowshoe Under the Stars Tour takes you through peaceful wooded paths illuminated by moonlight. Guided by local naturalists, the trek ends with a cozy bonfire where you can roast marshmallows and sip hot cocoa.

No holiday adventure is complete without a treat, so swing by Lake Champlain Chocolates in Burlington to grab a box of their new gingerbread chocolate truffles. Or, for a true hidden gem, check out The Nordic Nest in Middlebury for Scandinavian holiday pastries like krumkake and rosettes.

From snowy escapades to sweet indulgences, the Champlain Valley is an open invitation to celebrate the season in style. Pack your mittens, rally your crew, and make this holiday week one to remember!

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.

If the Adirondacks are the backdrop, Clinton and Essex Counties are the stage where holiday magic happens. From lakeside festivities to  family-friendly adventures, this area is the perfect place to embrace the holiday spirit while staying rooted in the beauty of small-town charm.

Sip & Savor the Season

Calling all craft beer and cider lovers! Ausable Brewing Company in Keeseville has just launched their “Snowfall Saison,” a crisp, spiced brew made for sipping by their outdoor fire pits. Visit Ausable Brewing’s website for updates.

Feel-Good Festivities

Here’s something to warm your heart: the Lake Placid Community Holiday Concert is back! Local musicians and choirs will perform classics in the cozy glow of Lake Placid Center for the Arts. Proceeds benefit local shelters and food banks, spreading good vibes across the region. Find concert details here.

Family Movie Nights in the Mountains

In Saranac Lake, The Revival theater is hosting a retro movie series featuring holiday classics like Home Alone and Elf. It’s perfect for a low-key evening with the family. Grab a bag of their locally sourced popcorn (rumor has it, they drizzle it with maple syrup), and settle in for some screen-time nostalgia. See showtimes at The Revival.

Whether you’re stomping through snowy trails or enjoying the glow of community lights, Clinton and Essex Counties know how to keep the Adirondack magic alive. So go ahead—layer up, grab your loved ones, and let the adventure begin.

The Champlain Valley has a way of wrapping you up in its charm, and this winter season, it’s all about staying warm in the coziest corners of Vermont. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, a vintage market hunter, or just someone who loves bundling up with the family for outdoor adventures, here’s what’s happening in the Green Mountain State to keep your spirits high.

Warm Up with Local Brews

We’re calling it now—this is stout season! Vermont’s craft breweries are pulling out all the stops with winter brews to warm your soul. Foam Brewers in Burlington has released their annual “Winter Haze,” a smooth, dark ale that tastes like an evening by the fire. Over in Middlebury, Drop-In Brewing is hosting a family-friendly open house every Saturday in December, complete with live acoustic music and local food trucks (yes, even in the snow—this is Vermont, after all).

Vintage Finds and Cozy Markets

The Vintage Winter Market at Shelburne Farms (December 16–17) is a must. It’s got everything from reclaimed wooden furniture to cozy alpaca sweaters that scream “Vermont chic.” Plus, there’s free hot cider for kids and mulled wine for adults. Shop small, shop local, and deck your halls with handmade ornaments from some of the area’s most talented artisans.

Family Fun with a Heartwarming Twist

This year’s Burlington Winter Lights Festival is back with an extra dose of magic. Think twinkling lights on Church Street, horse-drawn carriage rides, and marshmallow roasting stations scattered along the waterfront. The best part? All proceeds from carriage rides support the Vermont Foodbank. Family fun and giving back? Yes, please.

Get Outdoors—Even When It’s Cold

For the outdoorsy crew, the Frozen Forest Hike Series kicks off in the Green Mountain National Forest this month. Guided by local naturalists, these hikes are perfect for families who want to learn about Vermont’s wildlife while trekking through snow-covered trails. Just don’t forget your thermos of hot cocoa!

So whether you’re sipping a local brew or hunting for that one-of-a-kind market find, Champlain Valley is your winter wonderland. Bundle up, get out there, and soak in the Vermont vibes!

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

From a scrappy high school project to her merch appearing slopeside at the Beijing Olympics, Skida hats are the go-to crown for adventure seekers who crave bold style and snug vibes. CEO Corinne Prevot’s Vermont-born brand is weaving a kaleidoscope of color and community into every slope, trail, and campfire circle.

READ THE FULL STORY COURTESY OF SEVEN DAYS HERE

Looking for unique finds for under the tree? Check out this list of the Top 10 Holiday Markets.

SEE THE FULL LIST HERE COURTESY OF SEVEN DAYS VT

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: