Manchester Merriment – 2024
Taconic Music Thanksgiving Concert
Saturday, 11/30, 2pm- 3:15pm
Join us at Factory Point Green in the heart of Manchester for the town’s annual holiday tree lighting ceremony and festivities as we celebrate the start of the holiday season.
Holiday Tree Lighting Festivities
Saturday, 11/30, 5pm- 6pm
Join us at Factory Point Green in the heart of Manchester for the town’s annual holiday tree lighting ceremony and festivities as we celebrate the start of the holiday season.
Maxine Linehan – Holiday Concert
Saturday, 11/30, 7:30pm
Maxine Linehan returns to SVAC for the 4th year with her wildly popular holiday show, This Time Of Year. It isn’t about tinsel and bright-colored lights; it’s about love and loss, yearning and joy, memory and the ineffable secrets of the heart. Presented by the French Family.
Manchester Village Tree Lighting
Thursday, 12/5: 6pm- 6:30pm
Please join us for the Village of Manchester Tree Lighting Ceremony. There is a NEW tree recently planted and we are excited to light it in honor of the holiday season. We will have some holiday music performed by the First Congregational Church and light holiday cheer in the courthouse afterward.
Shires Holiday Inn Tours
Saturday, 12/7: 11am- 3pm
Continuing over a three decade’s long tradition, the 2024 Shires’ Holiday Inn Tours, invites you to join us on Saturday, December 7 and/or Saturday, December 14 to take self-guided tours of some of the best lodging establishments in Vermont.
Holiday Lighted Tractor Parade
December 7th, 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Join us for the 14th Annual Holiday Lighted Tractor Parade! This beloved event parades through downtown Manchester Center. Tractors and floats adorned with lights and festive décor will cruise through, spreading holiday cheer. Rumor has it, Mrs. Claus and Santa will be there too!
Join in the fun and register today to participate – it’s FREE! – Tractor-Parade-2024-Registration.pdf
Felting Holiday Ornaments at Hildene
Sunday, 12/8 1pm – 3pm
Gather in the greenhouse and learn to felt ornaments using roving from Hildene’s flock of Corriedale sheep with farm manager Kim Pinsonneault. Handmade ornaments make lovely gifts as well as cheerful decorations on holiday packages. Limited to 15 participants. Preregistration required by Thursday, November 30.
Holiday Wrapping Party @ MCL
December 12, 5pm – 7pm
Bring your gifts, bring wrapping paper to trade and share, and bring your holiday spirit. MCL will provide the space, the cookies, and the hot cocoa. Let’s get gift wrapping for the holiday season.
Canine Holiday Slumber Party
12/6 – 12/8
A weekend of activities centered around your four-legged loved one. This Doggie Slumber Party is so legendary, Yankee Magazine featured it in their 2022 holiday issue! Get swept up in the joyful holiday spirit. Meet the 3 fun loving guests who transform The Wilburton into a winter wonderland, dress up in multiple matching costumes and embody the spirit of holiday magic.
Winter Bazaar @ MCL
December 7: 10am – 4pm
The Manchester Community Library invites you to kick off the holiday season! Join The Garden Club of Manchester for a Winter Bazaar. Explore holiday decorations made by Garden Club members, along with unique works from jewelry makers, fiber artists, potters, painters, bakers, and more. Enjoy festive music, hot cocoa, and a day of holiday shopping and winter cheer!
Breakfast with Santa
Sunday, 12/8 9:30am – 1pm
Join us in the Colonnade Ballroom, at the Equinox Golf Resort and Spa, for Brunch with Santa! Enjoy brunch favorites in a festive setting. Santa will be in attendance from 10 AM – 1 PM. Open to the public. ADULTS: $35 / KIDS : 4yrs – 12 yrs :$19.95 / 3yrs & under FREE
Taconic Holiday Concert
Sunday, 12/17 6pm – 8pm
The Holiday concert is an annual tradition of the Manchester Community Library, as a thank you to its patrons. Join us for refreshments at 6pm, followed by a performance of the Taconic String Quartet. Festive music, Baroque favorites and jazzy arrangements.
Shires Holiday Inn Tours
Saturday, 12/14: 11am-3pm
Continuing over a three decade’s long tradition, the 2024 Shires’ Holiday Inn Tours, invites you to join us on Saturday, December 7 and/or Saturday, December 14 to take self-guided tours of some of the best lodging establishments in Vermont.
Sounds & Sweets Sing Along @ MCL
Saturday, 12/14 10:30am – 11am
Join Collections Development Librarian, Carrie Gutbier, Advancement Coordinator, Daniel Gostelow, and students from Long Trail School for a Holiday Sing-a-Long at the Manchester Community Library. Every participant will leave with a box of cookies and each child will receive a free book. Hot chocolate will be served.
Elf The Musical – Dorset Players
December 6, 13 & 14 @ 6:30pm
December 7, 8 & 15 @ 2pm
Join us at the Dorset Theatre for this modern-day holiday classic that is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
“Christmas Eve in 1912” Hildene Holidays
Throughout December
Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home will be decorated throughout the month of December to evoke Christmas Eve 1912 – one of a handful of years that the Lincoln Family spent in residence at their Vermont home.
Details to come. For more information, contact stephanie@hildene.org or call 802-367-7960.
Santa Express
Sat. 12/14 – 9am, 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm, 3pm, 4:30pm
Sun, 12/15 – 9am, 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm, 3pm
This whimsical holiday train ride will take riders on a one-hour enchanting journey through the valley nestled between the Green & Taconic Mountain. Passengers will be entertained with holiday melodies and a guest appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Claus!
Public Menorah Lighting
Wednesday, 12/25 4:30pm
Join Chabad of Manchester and members of the public, for the lighting of the menorah celebrating the first night of Hanukkah (Chanukah) and the beginning of the eight-day “festival of lights”.
Four Corners Carolers @ Equinox
Saturday, 12/21: 4pm – 5pm
Join us for an enchanting evening of holiday cheer! Our lobby will come alive with the joyful sounds of the Four Corner’s Carolers, performing your favorite festive tunes. Bring your friends and family to enjoy the spirit of the season in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you want to sing along or simply soak in the holiday vibes, this is a perfect way to celebrate the season.
Taconic Music – New Year’s Family Concert
Monday, 12/30, 2pm- 3pm
Taconic String Band and Strings for Kids students perform side-by-side in an engaging program for attendees of all ages.
Taconic Music – New Year’s Celebration
Tuesday, 12/31: 5pm- 6:30pm
Greet 2025 in style—dress up for the night, enjoy a drink and beautiful music, before going out to dinner or celebrating at home.
The Taconic String Band performs Baroque favorites, tangos, Viennese waltzes, Broadway tunes, and more. Led by Taconic’s artistic directors Joana Genova and Ariel Rudiakov.
Stratton Mountain NYE Celebrations
Tuesday, 12/31: 5:30pm – 1:00am
Buffet Dinner – 5:30pm – 8pm: Ring in the new year at Stratton. Come out to celebrate the turn of the calendar with your family and friends and enjoy a celebration with those most important to you. The NYE buffet style dinner will take place in the main Base Lodge from 5:30PM to 8PM and is open to all ages.
New Years Eve Fireworks: Send off 2024 and ring in 2025 with New Years Eve Fireworks at Stratton Mountain. Fireworks will take place in the main Base Area and are free for all to come and enjoy. Fireworks are planned to hit the sky at 9PM and last for an approximate duration of 30 minutes.
