Expert: David Beckett - 8/16/2010

Question
Hi David,

I just read your answer on Christmas in Vermont from 2008 and it was so helpful. I have some follow-up though:

If there is no snow generally during Christmas, what activities would you recommend for 5 days in VT? I guess cross-country skiing and dog-sled are out of the question:-) Any suggestions will be appreciated!

Are any stores open on Christmas day in Burlington or in VT in general? I imagine not so what could visitors to VT do on Christmas day?

Any recommendations for a wonderful Christmas eve service or Christmas day service?  

Answer
Hi Sveta -

There may be snow - even (possibly) enough snow for skiing in the mountains. When I was a kid, we always skied on Christmas Vacation. But the weather simply isn't reliable at that time of year. It can rain, it can be snowing, it can be mild but not skiing weather. It just varies a lot. Sledding and skiing are not out of the question - they are simply VERY weather dependent and therefore difficult to plan for.

Burlington has dozens of churches offering lovely Christmas Eve Services. There are several right downtown, so people often have a meal, have a nice walk by the lake or on Church Street, and attend church. There are beautiful festive decorations on The Church Street Marketplace and it's a very nice place to be at that time. Depending on weather, there are even horse drawn carriage rides on Church Street during the season, but I don't know exactly what days they are scheduled. Before Christmas I think. Burlington is also a real center for arts and culture, but performances at The Flynn  and elsewhere often happen before Christmas, not right at Christmas. Another really fun attraction is the Polar Express, a live reenactment of the children's book, which happens right on the waterfront at the train station. That's also where The ECHO Center is, which is a great place to visit. Thier site would give you times and dates when they are open.

Stowe is also a beautiful little town at that time of year. I love Stowe. If the skiing is ok, it's a very popular place at that time. If not, it's full of people who's rather be skiing, but are looking for something else to do.

The Burlington city website might be a good resource for you, as well as the one maintained by The Stowe Area Association.

The greater Burlington is so beautiful, I think, that day trips to places like Cold Hollow Cider Mill (in Waterbury Center), Stowe, Middlebury, Shelburne Farms, Trapp Family Lodge (Stowe) and so forth could provide a very nice trip. If the weather is too warm or wet for good skiing/sledding, and you've done some of the above and want a little bit more adventure - Montreal's a very short drive. I go through The Champlain Islands and cross the border in Rouses Point NY. That's a really pretty drive, and Montreal's terrific.

I hope that helps!

David