Manchester Merriment – 2025
Manchester Merriment brings festive cheer to the heart of Manchester each winter season. This beloved annual celebration captures the true magic of the holidays in classic New England style, featuring unique music, shopping, crafts, experiences, and more. The festivities begin on November 29 with the cherished Holiday Tree Lighting, marking the start of a month-long celebration filled with joy and community spirit. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy signature events such as the Lighted Tractor Parade, Shires Holiday Inn Tours, and the always-popular Santa Express, along with special shopping promotions and seasonal activities—all set against the picturesque backdrop of the Green Mountains.
Stay tuned for updates, as even more events and details will be added in the coming weeks! Manchester Merriment continues to grow each year, offering new ways to celebrate the season with family and friends. Keep an eye on the official schedule so you don’t miss a single moment of holiday magic in Manchester, Vermont.
Local Maverick’s – Holiday Market
Saturday, 11/29, 11am – 3pm
Celebrate Small Business Saturday at The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa with the Local Maverick Holiday Market—a festive showcase of Vermont’s finest makers, artisans, and food producers. Stroll through a curated collection of 20+ local vendors offering handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and artisanal delights. From tastings and samples to a kids zone and photobooth, this market is designed to spark connection, creativity, and the joy of giving. Admission is complimentary and open to all.
Taconic Music Thanksgiving Concert
Saturday, 11/29, 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, 11/29, 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. Members of the Town Offices and the Manchester Business Association, along with local residents and visitors, will gather to watch the tree light up. Join the fun and sing along with the Four Corner Carolers, dressed in period attire, as they delight us with holiday classics.
Afterward, join us for a festive meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, accompanied by continued caroling and light refreshments at the Manchester Visitor Center, located just across the street at 74 Depot Street. Savor a variety of sweet treats and light bites, generously provided by local restaurants and cafes.
This is a FREE event for all ages.
Maxine Linehan – Holiday Concert
Saturday, 12/6, 7:30pm
Maxine Linehan returns to the Southern Vermont Arts Center for the 5th year with her wildly popular holiday show, This Time Of Year. The Taconic String Quartet joins the concert orchestra led by Ryan Shirar. Presented by the French Family.
Santa Party – Barrows House Inn & Restaurant
Saturday, 12/6, 11am – 3pm
Join us from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a festive Santa Party at Barrows House! Enjoy private visits with Santa, a delightful hot cocoa bar, and a souvenir ornament craft for the kids. Guests can also savor à la carte brunch bites and drinks from the bar. Reservations are required. The cost is $55 per child for the first two children in the same family, with each additional child priced at $25.
Shires Holiday Inn Tours
Saturday, 12/6: 11am- 3pm
Continuing a cherished tradition more than three decades strong, the 2025 Shires’ Holiday Inn Tours invites you to join in the holiday cheer on Saturday, December 6 and/or Saturday, December 13. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season as seventeen Shires lodging properties—from historic hotels and cozy inns to charming B&Bs and rustic lodges—open their doors from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admire the festive decorations at each establishment, savor local treats and cheerful beverages, and bask in the warmth and wonder of Vermont hospitality at its finest.
In the true spirit of giving, each ticket sold helps fight food insecurity, with proceeds benefiting the Manchester Community Food Cupboard, Arlington Food Shelf, and Bennington County Meals on Wheels.
Holiday Lighted Tractor Parade
December 6th, 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Join us for the 15th 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!
NEW route for 2025!
Join in the fun and register today to participate – it’s FREE! Email John and Val at john@manchestervermont.com and val@manchestervermont.com or complete the linked reegistartion form – .
Canine Holiday Slumber Party
12/5 – 12/7
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 6: 10am – 4pm
The month of December is a time of celebration for many, and the Manchester Community Library is excited to help usher in the holiday season. On December 6th, from 10 AM to 4 PM, The Garden Club of Manchester will host a Winter Bazaar at the Library.
Beautiful holiday decorations made by the talented members of the Garden Club will be available for sale. Additionally, you can browse the works of skilled jewelry makers, fiber artists, potters, painters, bakers, and many other artists and artisans, making for a delightful day of holiday shopping and winter cheer. To enhance the festive atmosphere, there will be cheerful music and hot cocoa available for everyone.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jr.
December 5, 6 & 12 at 7pm
December 7, 13 & 14 at 2pm
“You know Dasher, and Dancer, and Prancer, and Vixen…but do you recall the most famous reindeer of all?” The Dorset Players is proud to present the enduring holiday classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jr. performed entirely by a local youth ensemble. The beloved story soars off the screen in this Broadway Junior, 60-minute musical adaptation of the well-known television special. For tickets, visit: dorsetplayers.org.
Manchester Village Tree Lighting
2025 – Date and Time TBD
Santa Brunch at the Dorset Inn
Sunday 12/7, 11am – 2pm
Celebrate the magic of the season with a festive Santa Brunch at The Dorset Inn! Enjoy a delicious holiday meal, a visit from Santa himself, and a horse-drawn carriage ride through charming Dorset Village. $75 per adult | $40 per child (ages 2–10). Reservations are recommended—don’t miss this classic holiday tradition!
Santa Express
Fri. 12/12 – 5:30pm: NEW in 2025 is the adult dinner Express
Sat, 12/13 – 9am, 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm, 3pm, 4:30pm
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!
Shires Holiday Inn Tours
Saturday, 12/13: 11am-3pm
Continuing a cherished tradition more than three decades strong, the 2025 Shires’ Holiday Inn Tours invites you to join in the holiday cheer on Saturday, December 6 and/or Saturday, December 13. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season as seventeen Shires lodging properties—from historic hotels and cozy inns to charming B&Bs and rustic lodges—open their doors from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admire the festive decorations at each establishment, savor local treats and cheerful beverages, and bask in the warmth and wonder of Vermont hospitality at its finest.
In the true spirit of giving, each ticket sold helps fight food insecurity, with proceeds benefiting the Manchester Community Food Cupboard, Arlington Food Shelf, and Bennington County Meals on Wheels.
Felting Holiday Ornaments at Hildene
Sunday, 12/14 1pm – 3pm
Felting Workshop: Ornaments and Snowmen! Join us for a festive fundraiser in support of our Annual Fund.
New this year: Learn to felt both ornaments and darling snowmen figures, using a mix of roving from Hildene’s flock of Corriedale sheep and Huacaya alpaca. Handmade items make lovely gifts as well as cheerful decorations.
$40 Members / $50 Non-members, which includes materials fee.
Appropriate for adults and young adults. Limited to 15 participants. Preregistration required by Wednesday, December 10th.
Public Menorah Lighting
Wednesday, 12/14
More Information Coming Soon – Please check back for 2025 event
“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.
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.
