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:

PLATTSBURGH | People can get into the holiday spirit while running for “a good Claus” at the second annual Santa Dash 5K Run/Walk. The event is being held on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 11 am at Valcour Brewing Company in partnership with Adirondack Coast Events.

Proceeds will go toward scholarships supporting nurses at University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) who are seeking to further their education and grow professionally. This includes taking additional classes, pursuing certifications, attending conferences and conducting research.

READ THE FULL STORY COURTESY OF THE SUN COMMUNITY NEWS HERE

Each November, a breathtaking natural spectacle unfolds at Dead Creek in Addison, Vermont, as thousands of snow geese gather to rest and refuel on their long journey south. This gathering draws birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts alike, eager to witness one of the region’s most awe-inspiring wildlife events. But snow geese aren’t the only ones making a move. Human “snowbirds” are also preparing to migrate—seeking refuge from Vermont’s icy winters in pursuit of warmer destinations.

The Snow Geese Migration at Dead Creek

Snow geese are an iconic sight in Vermont’s Champlain Valley during late fall. As temperatures drop, thousands of these striking white birds with black wingtips arrive at Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area, a critical stopover on their southward journey from northern Canada to warmer areas along the Atlantic coast, the southern United States, and even Mexico. Here, they rest and feed in the area’s grasslands and wetlands, building up energy reserves for the rest of their journey.

Can Birdwatchers Still Catch a Glimpse?
For birdwatchers, November is one of the best times to visit Dead Creek to see these snow geese in action. Despite the chill, the snow geese typically linger until late November or early December, depending on the weather. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best viewing times as large flocks take flight, creating stunning visuals against the backdrop of Vermont’s golden-brown fields and frosty November skies.

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department welcomes visitors to designated observation areas at Dead Creek, offering opportunities to view these migratory birds without disturbing them. However, the exact timing of the migration is a delicate balance—snow geese respond to weather patterns, moving south when food is scarce or cold temperatures make the area inhospitable.

The Lake Placid Film Festival returns November 7-10, 2024!

The Festival’s screenings will be held at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts and the historic Palace Theatre. This year’s lineup features 20 feature films and more than 30 short films, celebrating diverse cinematic talents from around the world and Upstate New York.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE COURTESY OF ADIRONDACK.NET