Celebrate Burlington
Winter in Burlington, Vermont
Winter in Burlington isn’t just cold—it’s cool. From bustling holiday markets and twinkling lights in late November to the sparkle of New Year’s fireworks at Highlight, the city turns into one big cozy celebration. With so many events and activities happening all season long, there’s always something to look forward to. February brings all the warm fuzzies with our Month of Love and the quirky fun of Groundhog Fest. Then March sweetens the season with Maple Madness—because who doesn’t love riding that maple high?
It’s also the perfect time to stay connected with the places and people that make Burlington shine. Get out for a coffee run, wander through an art gallery, explore a new neighborhood, linger over dinner with friends, and keep supporting the local businesses that bring warmth to every chilly day. So bundle up, grab a hot drink, and let’s stroll, shop, and celebrate all winter long.
Check out some bright points of the season and then scroll through all of our "Celebrate Burlington" events below.
Holiday Magic,
Burlington-Style
November - December, 2025
The holidays hit different in Burlington... in the coziest, brightest, most twinkly way. Every corner of the city gets in on the fun: neighborhood pop-ups, family-friendly happenings, seasonal bites, and all the local shopping your gift list could ever want. Church Street adds its own sparkle with beloved traditions and downtown magic, while holiday markets and special events pop up all across town. So bundle up, stroll around, and celebrate the season Burlington-style, supporting the small businesses that make our city shine (literally!).
Highlight
New Year's Eve Celebration
December 31, 2025
The countdown to Highlight New Year's Eve is on! Burlington City Arts is once again welcoming revelers from far and wide to celebrate NYE in Burlington's waterfront and downtown. Everyone is invited to the biggest party of the year as we gather and celebrate the experiences and ideas that make our community a creative hub.
This year's festivities include a jam-packed lineup of live music, unique art events, spectacular circus shows, fireworks, and so much more, with events from noon to midnight on December 31.
Downtown Lights
December 12 through February 23, after sunset
Celebrate Burlington's brilliance with Downtown Lights! Produced by Burlington City Arts and Love Burlington, Downtown Lights will illuminate our city's vibrant downtown core this winter. This year, we're turning up the wattage with twinkly lights galore, bringing some sparkle to pedestrian walkways at the Marketplace Garage, the Downtown Garage, and Burlington High School.
Starting December 12 at dusk, projections by Vermont artists will dance across the façade of the former City Place Mall on Church Street. Curated by Burlington's own Vanish Works design studio, you'll want to return night after night to experience these mesmerizing projections from an ever-growing group of local artists. And nearby, Vermont artist Stephen Rhodes has created two luminous geometric tower sculptures that will be spending the winter in City Hall Park. Rhodes' work has been featured at events across the country, and we're thrilled to have them bring some light to our community this winter!
Celebrate Burlington with a Winter Event
Scroll through the complete list of holiday markets, winter activities, business deals & special events, and so much more. Want to submit an event to our "Celebrate Burlington" calendar? Click the +Add button below and complete the steps. Just be sure to add the tag "Celebrate Burlington" before submitting.
