Good morning, Burlington.

Burlington businesses and event spaces are planning holiday events—including a shop and sip caroling event, an indoor winter market, and a bazaar at the Soda Plant with a block printing workshop on Dec.

13th. Burlington Police and Vermont State Police have increased patrols while the city offers free parking at the Main Street garage and on Sundays to keep shoppers safe.

Today, hundreds gathered on Church Street to watch the tree lighting ceremony that lit a blue spruce with 100,000 lights — a local tradition featuring live carols and a reading of 'Twas The Night Before Christmas.' Miss Vermont 2025 Sophia Parker and resident Tim Lyman said the event attracts both locals and visitors, and festive activities will continue through December.

ANEW Place launched its largest annual fundraiser Friday at University Mall next to Target to support adults experiencing homelessness.

The Celebration of Trees features decorated Christmas trees with donated gifts and raffle tickets that will be drawn through Dec 14—with gift wrapping offered through Christmas Eve to help raise funds for long-term housing support.

Families in Vermont can enjoy free holiday events that include a light display and a tractor parade.

Winter Lights in the Park runs daily in Essex Junction from Nov. 27 to Jan. 1—Spark the Park kicks off in South Burlington on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.—while a tractor parade featuring Santa is set for Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m. in southern Vermont.

On Thanksgiving, Matt Labay and parishioners at First United Methodist Church served hot meals to at least 150 Burlington neighbors while the Fletcher Free Library gave free meals to 75 people—End Homelessness Vermont launched its Make it Home project to support those in need this holiday season. The library will also offer hot chocolate and desserts for Christmas.

Local businesses in Winooski urged residents to shop local on Black Friday to boost revenue in a crucial holiday season, with US Sherpa and Specs Café-Bar highlighting unique products and inviting experiences.

Holiday deals continued into Small Business Saturday to support local shops+ strengthen community commerce.

Colchester police said an increase in calls comes from porch pirates targeting holiday deliveries and leaving packages unattended outside homes.

Residents are urged to track their orders and secure drop-off spots (like a back door) while using cameras (for extra safety) to help protect their gifts.

A consultant’s report for the Burlington Electric Department recommends using carbon capture and wood pyrolysis at McNeil Generating Station to cut carbon emissions without raising electricity rates much.

The report estimates carbon capture could lower emissions by about a third and wood pyrolysis may reduce costs while producing sellable byproducts — options the Burlington Electric Commission will review in coming weeks.

Illianna Bruno from Newport cheered in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade—she was one of 600 athletes chosen for the Spirit of American Productions Cheer Show.

Friday saw over 3,000 visitors at Jay Peak Resort who enjoyed fresh powder as forecasters predict another foot of snow in the next seven to 10 days.

Today, Killington ski resort will open its new six-person chair lift and local ski shops report more customers seeking gear amid holiday shopping events—indicating a busy start to the season.

The Besnard Lakes Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Higher Ground — All Ages — Experience the unique sound of the Besnard Lakes, known for their eclectic and consistent style.

Too Many Zooz Live Performance

7:30-10 p.m. — Higher Ground — All Ages — Experience the kinetic fusion of avant-garde jazz, EDM, and punk rock with the Brass House trio Too Many Zooz.

Pink Talking Fish Tribute Concert

7-9 p.m. — Higher Ground — All Ages — Enjoy a unique fusion of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish's music in one remarkable act.

Zach Zimmerman Comedy Show

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening with 2023's up-and-coming comedian and writer Zach Zimmerman.

Mihali Concert

7-9 p.m. — Higher Ground — All ages welcome — Experience Mihali's evolving music in a vibrant atmosphere.

Double You Concert

7:30 PM — Higher Ground — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night filled with classic tunes and heartfelt melodies.

Light Up the Night Festivity

4-8 p.m. — Church Street Marketplace — Free entry — Celebrate the darkness with a colorful Fun Run and a sparkling Light Parade.

Wheatus with Troy Millette and The Fire Below

6:30-9:00 p.m. — Higher Ground — $81/ea — Rock out with Wheatus and local artists for an unforgettable night of music.

Vermont's Own Nutcracker

1:00 – 2:30 PM — The Flynn, 153 Main St, Burlington, VT — Ticket prices vary — Experience the holiday magic with Vermont Ballet Theatre's enchanting performance of the Nutcracker.

Merrimack Warriors vs Vermont Catamounts Men's Hockey

6-7:30 p.m. — Gutterson Fieldhouse — Free entry — Cheer on the Catamounts as they face off against the Warriors in an exciting hockey match.