Holidays on the Marketplace
The most wonderful time of the year!
Every November and December, the Marketplace becomes the hub for all things holiday for Chittenden County and Vermont at large. Embrace the magic of the season with the Church Street Marketplace as you sip on hot cocoa, enjoy free events, revel in the lights, and, most importantly, shop small!
Thank you to Xfinity, our 2024 Santa Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony presenting sponsor. Also, a huge thank you to our media sponsors, Burlington Area Newspaper Group, Seven Days, and Vermont Public.
Home for the Holidays
The Marketplace is your one-stop destination for all the holiday magic. With 100+ small businesses, free hot chocolate, visits with Santa, 100,000 illuminated lights, and so much more, the festive spirit is abundant! Find all you'll need to know about Holidays on the Marketplace below.
A Guide to Holidays on the Marketplace
Holiday Events
From the Tree Lighting Ceremony to a visit from the Siberian Husky sled dogs, the Marketplace is home to multiple holiday events this season. Keep an eye on the event calendar to see what's in store.
Parking Program
Enjoy 99¢/hr parking at most meters in the downtown core (zone 5803) every day from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day! Plus, park for 2 hours FREE at the Downtown Garage (make sure to start a ParkMobile session). And don’t forget, parking is always FREE on Sundays throughout the year.
Santa Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, November 29, 2024
Parade 12pm, starting at City Hall
Tree Lighting Ceremony 5:15pm, (Official lighting is at 6)
Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit by joining us for the much-anticipated annual Santa Parade! Feel the excitement build as the parade takes off from City Hall, including local favorites such as Aero the Griffin, Mike the Knight, and Santa Claus! Following the parade, Santa will be entertaining visitors until 4pm on this extra-special day. In the spirit of giving, our presenting sponsor, Xfinity, will be spreading extra cheer by handing out festive antlers to parade-goers! Revel in the magic as we move up Church Street.
Join us that evening for the culminating event, the spectacular tree-lighting ceremony at the top of the Marketplace. It begins at 5:15pm with carols and a performance of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Then, at 6pm sharp, 100,000 lights will bring the 30+ foot tree to life. Rain, shine, or snow, this holiday extravaganza is one you won't want to miss. Mark your calendars, and join the celebration. Thank you to Xfinity, our 2024 Santa Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony presenting sponsor.
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 30
To celebrate, we'll be sharing Church Street businesses' posts and products all day long on social media. Follow along, tag us in your posts, and join us in celebrating these incredible small businesses on the marketplace! #smallbusinesssaturday
Kids Train
Sundays | December 1 – December 22, 2024 | Top Block | 11am – 3pm
All aboard! Kids can enjoy a free train ride on The Big Blue Express for a festive tour around our 30+ foot Christmas tree and the full Top Block of Church Street. Hop on for festive fun the whole family can enjoy!
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Visit Santa
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays | November 30 – December 22, 2024 | Location TBD
Say hello to Santa! Santa comes to town Fridays through Sundays all month long to hear your wishes and pose for photos. Visit Santa at the entrance of Homeport on Fridays from 4 to 8pm, and on Saturdays & Sundays from 11am to 3 pm.
North Pole Express Mailboxes
Send a letter to Santa at one of our North Pole Express Mailboxes! One mailbox can be found in City Hall Park starting November 15, and another will be on the Top Block of Church Street starting December 3. Drop off your letter by Monday, December 16, and if you include a return address, Santa will do his best to get back to you! No postage is required.
Sled Dogs
Sunday, December 15 | 11am-1pm | 3rd Block (outside Homeport)
Meet the friendly, energetic Siberian Husky sled dogs! Stop by for some furry fun and don’t miss this paws-itively delightful experience!
Holiday Window Contest
Friday, November 29 - Sunday, December 15 | Online & In person
Who has the best holiday window display on the Marketplace? Take a stroll down the street and vote for your favorite display! The winning store will receive a (seriously impressive) gift basket with local goodies to celebrate with their staff. Categories will include Best Overall, Most Creative, and Most Festive.
Starting Friday, November 29, visitors can vote online or pick up a card from participating businesses to vote in person. Winners will be announced the week of December 16. Check back here on Nov. 29 for the link to vote!
FREE Hot Chocolate
Friday, November 29 - Tuesday, December 31
Participating Church Street stores will give out free hot chocolate coupons with purchases of $25 or more! Check back here for a full list of participating stores and redeemable locations.
Menorah Lighting
December 25, 2024 - January 2, 2025 | 3rd Block (outside Homeport)
Celebrate Hannukah on the Church Street Marketplace with a beautiful 9-foot Menorah on display for the duration (December 25-January 2). Join us for a special gathering at sundown on Wednesday, December 31, 2024, as we come together in joy and tradition. All are welcome!
Other Special Events
- Burlington High School Chamber Choir: Friday, December 6, and Friday, December 13, at 6pm on the Marketplace
- Colchester Middle School Choir: Saturday, December 14 at 12pm on the Marketplace
- Krampus Walk: Saturday, December 14 at 7pm on the Marketplace
- Green Mountain Chorus: Sunday, December 15 at 12pm on the Marketplace
- Lyric Caroling: Sunday, December 15 at 2pm on the Marketplace
- Tuba Christmas: Saturday, December 21 at 1pm in front of City Place on the Marketplace
- BTV Winter Market in City Hall Park: Every Friday through Sunday, November 15 through December 22. Hours: Friday 2–6pm, Saturday 12–6pm, Sunday 1-4pm
