Stowe, Vermont, turns into something out of a movie once December rolls in. The snow-dusted rooflines of our mountain village embody the Christmas spirit. If you are planning a holiday trip, here is how to make the most of Christmas in Stowe, Vermont.

Experience Stowe’s Most Beloved Christmas Traditions

Community Tree Lightings and Holiday Celebrations

A Traditional Christmas in Stowe is the town’s flagship December event. The weekend features a tree lighting, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, cookie and gingerbread house decorating, wagon rides, a lantern parade, caroling, a holiday bazaar, and a holiday skate with Santa at the rink.

Stowe Winter Carnival

The Stowe Winter Carnival launches in late January, a natural extension of the holiday season, and is worth extending your stay in our Christmas holiday rentals to experience. Expect snow golf, ice carving, ski races, snowshoe races, and the traditional village parade. It is Vermont’s oldest winter carnival. Ranked No. 5 by Country Living in 2024 as one of the “19 Best Winter Festivals in the U.S.”, you don’t want to miss this event.

Enjoy Family-Friendly Christmas Activities in Stowe

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides Through Snowy Landscapes

A horse-drawn sleigh ride is the quintessential experience for Christmas in Stowe, Vermont. Trapp Family Lodge runs sleigh rides across 2,500 acres of open meadow and wooded trail with Belgian draft horses, custom-built sleighs, and smaller private sleds for couples.

Ice Skating at Spruce Peak Village

The outdoor rink at Spruce Peak Village sits in the middle of the mountain village with the ski slopes rising around it, one of the most photogenic winter afternoons you can have in Stowe, VT at Christmas. Access is free, and skate rentals are available at the Adventure Center.

  • Location: 7416 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 05672
  • Hours: 12 PM to 6 PM Sunday-Thursday
    • 12 PM to 9 PM Friday-Saturday
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Shop, Dine, and Celebrate the Season

Main Street was made for holiday shopping. Stowe Mercantile is the anchor: a Vermont general store stocked with maple syrup, penny candy, fresh handmade fudge, craft beer, cider, wine, Vermont-made gifts, apparel, and souvenirs.

Many local restaurants serve holiday meals, but The Lodge at Spruce Peak’s annual Christmas buffet is the marquee option, with a children’s activity room, holiday music, and a visit from Santa. Reserve early, as both seatings fill up.

Book Your Christmas Stay in Stowe, Vermont

Our winter rentals and Topnotch winter rentals are designed for Stowe, VT, at Christmas, with luxury amenities and holiday decorating available on request. Christmas week fills fast in Stowe. Contact us or browse our vacation homes to reserve your holiday stay!

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