Where to See the Best Holiday Lights in Vermont

Just a short drive northeast of Burlington, the town of Stowe transforms into a winter wonderland each holiday season, with its charming village streets decked out in twinkling lights that reflect off freshly fallen snow. The Stowe Village Holiday Stroll invites visitors to wander beneath glowing storefronts and ornate lamp posts. Beyond the village, Trapp Family Lodge, perched on a hillside about five minutes from downtown, offers an enchanting display of lights set against the backdrop of the Green Mountains. Walking the trails around the lodge at dusk reveals illuminated trees and festive decorations that feel both cozy and grand, capturing the spirit of a European alpine Christmas infused with Vermont charm.
Heading farther south, Woodstock, about an hour southeast of Burlington, hosts a timeless holiday scene centered around its quaint village green. The Billings Farm & Museum, located just on the outskirts, lights up with hundreds of white lights that highlight the classic New England farm buildings. Visitors can enjoy the glow while exploring the farm’s historic barns and meeting the animals, combining rural Vermont tradition with seasonal celebration. The farm’s nighttime ambiance feels like stepping into a storybook, especially when a fresh dusting of snow blankets the fields, making it a favorite for families seeking a peaceful yet festive outing.
In the northeastern corner of Vermont, the city of St. Johnsbury offers a distinctive holiday lights experience at the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, about 40 minutes northwest of Barre. The museum’s Victorian architecture is accented by elaborate light displays that highlight its unique, nature-focused exhibits inside. While the lights sparkle outside in the early evening, visitors can also explore the planetarium’s winter sky shows, tying the magic of holiday illumination to the wonder of the cosmos. This blend of science and celebration makes it a one-of-a-kind stop in the Northeast Kingdom during the festive season.
About 90 minutes south of Montpelier, the town of Middlebury lights up its historic downtown with a warm, welcoming glow that draws visitors who enjoy strolling past beautifully preserved brick buildings decked out for the holidays. The Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History often hosts evening events where the soft glow of candlelight and festive lights illuminate exhibits detailing Vermont’s past. This intimate setting offers a reflective perspective on the season, connecting holiday cheer with the state’s deep roots and stories, enhanced by the crisp winter air and the sound of snow crunching underfoot.
On the eastern edge of the state, the secluded Quechee Gorge, near Hartford and just under an hour east of White River Junction, creates a dramatic setting for holiday illumination. The gorge itself, known as Vermont’s “Grand Canyon,” is lined with walking paths that invite visitors to admire the steep cliffs and icy waterfalls under strings of lights that shimmer against the frosted trees. The contrast between the natural grandeur of the gorge and the carefully placed lights makes for an unforgettable experience. Early evenings in December, when twilight lingers and the air is crisp, are the best times to catch this interplay of wilderness and festive glow.
For a more urban holiday vibe, downtown Brattleboro, about 90 minutes south of Montpelier, comes alive with vibrant light displays and street decorations that spotlight its lively arts scene. The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center often features seasonal exhibitions and community events that complement the city’s luminous streetscape. Strolling past galleries and boutiques with windows aglow offers a chance to soak up local creativity infused with holiday spirit. Winter evenings here buzz with a festive energy that’s both artistic and welcoming, perfect for those who want holiday lights with a side of culture.
Finally, the Mad River Valley, nestled roughly 30 minutes southeast of Montpelier, offers a more rustic, mountain-side display of holiday cheer. Towns like Waitsfield and Warren light up with strings of lights decorating historic covered bridges, small inns, and local shops. The valley’s landscape, framed by rolling hills and distant ski slopes, becomes a glowing ribbon of warmth during long winter nights. Exploring the illuminated village centers after a day on the slopes at Sugarbush Resort adds a special kind of magic to a Vermont winter getaway, combining outdoor adventure with cozy holiday traditions.