Stowe VT at Christmas: A Traditional Christmas Getaway

What’s your idea of a Christmas vacation? If it’s fresh snow, twinkling lights, and festive, family-friendly events, then Stowe, Vermont should be on your radar. As far as Christmas settings go, it certainly looks the part, with 314 inches of annual snowfall. But Christmas is about more than just looks; it’s about spending time with the ones we love. And it’s here that Stowe really shines. Every December, the whole town comes together for Stowe’s Traditional Christmas festival, featuring tree lightings, parades, a holiday bazaar, and more. And with so much holiday cheer in the air, there’s plenty to go around, including for tourists! So, come along as we reveal everything you need to know about Stowe, VT at Christmas. And stay tuned to learn how you can make your Christmas vacation even more magical with a deluxe room, suite, or cottage at Outbound Stowe.

An Introduction to Stowe VT

With a population of just over 5,000, Stowe is quintessential small-town America. Yet with around 850,000 visitors per year, it’s one of the top tourist destinations in the U.S. Known as “The Ski Capital of the East,” Stowe is home to the Stowe Mountain Resort, a ski resort straddling two peaks: Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. But skiing isn’t all there is to do in Stowe. Other local attractions include:

Christmas in Stowe VT

Stowe is an all-season destination. However, winter is truly the most wonderful time of year in Stowe. Here are the best things to do in Stowe, VT at Christmastime.

A Traditional Christmas in Stowe

Named a top ten winter event by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, A Traditional Christmas in Stowe is a three-day festival bringing together the whole Stowe community for old-fashioned, family-friendly fun. Starting at 4:30 pm on December 6th, the festival kicks off with a tree lighting and children’s lantern parade. Stop by the Vermont Ski Museum at 5:00 pm for the “Searching for Vermont’s Lost Ski Areas, Part 2” exhibit. Then, head back to the Holiday Bazaar to shop for one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts crafted by local artisans.

Day two of the festival begins with Brunch at Butler’s Pantry and culminates with the arrival of Santa at 12:00 pm. Other events include hot cocoa tasting, a Vintage Christmas exhibit at the Stowe Historical Museum, the Swingin Santas dance performance in front of Town Hall, and a Santa Stroll to support local businesses.

On Sunday, head to the Stowe Arena for the Stowe Recreation Figure Skaters Show featuring Santa. Finally, end the festival on a high note with a musical performance of “Frozen Junior” at the Stowe Community Church.

Winter Sports and Activities

In Stowe, winter activities and sports are a favorite pastime during the holiday season. Between Stowe Mountain Resort, Smuggler’s Notch, and the Trapp Family Lodge ski resorts, Stowe boasts over 100 trails and more than 465 acres of skiable terrain. Winter hikes and snowshoeing in the Vermont countryside, snowmobiling, ice skating, and cross-country skiing offer even more ways to enjoy the great outdoors at Christmastime.

Trapp Family Lodge Activities

Skiing isn’t the only attraction at the Trapp Family Lodge. Once the beloved real-life home of “The Sound of Music’s” fictionalized Trapp family, this Stowe, VT lodge hosts a number of Christmas events your family will love, too.

• New Year’s Eve – Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with a gourmet buffet and midnight fireworks display.
• Sleigh Ride – Dash through the snowy countryside on a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride.
• Holiday Concert – Sing along to your favorite Christmas songs at the Trapp Family Lodge Holiday Concert.
• Christmas Market – The Trapp Family Lodge Christmas Market is the perfect place to knock out some of your Christmas shopping.

Spruce Peak Village Center Fun

Located on Spruce Peak, the Spruce Peak Village Center offers a variety of activities the whole family will love. Take in the majesty of the Green Mountains with a scenic gondola ride, or hop on board the festive train for an experience that’s sure to get your winter vacation on track. Various refreshments, including famous Stowe Cider, can be found at the Village Center’s many on-site bars and restaurants, while a Holiday Market lets you do some last-minute holiday shopping. Other events include live holiday music, fire pits, as well as ice skating.

Shopping and Gifts

Holiday markets and bazaars aren’t the only shopping opportunities you’ll find in Stowe, VT at Christmas. Be sure to check out these other great specialty shops while you’re in town!

Outbound Stowe: Make You Christmas Vacation Even More Magical

A trip to Stowe, VT for Christmas is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. But a chain hotel room two sizes too small can leave you feeling like a Grinch. Don’t book a chain hotel room. At Outbound Stowe, travel groups of all sizes will find the space they need, with accommodations ranging from guestrooms with room to two to three-bedroom cottages that sleep eight. Moreover, unlike a chain hotel room, you’ll find options for separate living areas, full kitchens, and other home-like comforts.

Outbound Stowe boasts an array of top-notch amenities to enhance your stay. Stop by the mercantile store for snacks and other basic needs before you head out to the Christmas festivities. When you get back, gather the family around the community fire pit to roast marshmallows and sip hot cocoa. This boutique outdoor hotel also boasts direct access to the Stowe Recreation Path, so your next adventure is always just steps away. And if you work up an appetite on the trail, duck into the on-site Eastside Bar & Grill for a hot meal and a refreshing beverage.

In addition to excellent on-site amenities, Outbound Stowe features a central location near the best Christmas attractions in Stowe, including the Trapp Family Lodge (7 minutes), Stowe Mountain Resort (8 minutes), Spruce Peak Village Center (12 minutes), and Smuggler’s Notch (22 minutes).

Nook Outdoors: Your Home for Holidays in the Great Outdoors

Looking for more great destinations for your Christmas vacation? From Christmas on the coast to festive forest locations and beyond, Nook Outdoors is your home for holidays in the great outdoors. The countdown to Christmas has begun, so don’t delay. Browse our curated collection of outdoor accommodations and book your Christmas getaway before it’s too late!