Holidays on the Marketplace
From the Santa Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony to Santa Visits and all your favorite traditions, the magic you love is here to stay. This year, beloved experiences like the Postcard Club, the Snowflake Hunt, the Santa Parade, the North Pole Express Mailbox, and the Kids Train continue, bringing extra joy to the season. Explore the full schedule below to find every event, performance, and cozy moment happening downtown.
Thank you to our media sponsors of our entire Holidays on the Marketplace programming: Burlington Area Newspaper Group, Seven Days, and Vermont Public.
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Explore Marketplace Businesses
With more than 100 independent cafés, boutiques, and services along the Marketplace, every visit, every purchase, every bit of support keeps downtown Burlington thriving. Whether you’re sitting down for a cozy dinner, picking out a Vermont-made gift, or exploring your favorite boutiques, you’re investing in the community. Thank you for choosing local. It makes all the difference.
Park, Shop, and Celebrate
Enjoy two hours of FREE parking at the Downtown Garage with a ParkMobile session. A 35-cent ParkMobile fee may apply. And don’t forget, parking is always FREE on Sundays throughout the year. For more details and real-time parking info, visit our Parking Page.
Santa Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, November 27, 2026
Parade 12pm, starting at City Hall
Tree Lighting Ceremony, Top Block, 5:15pm
Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit by joining us for the much-anticipated annual Santa Parade! Join Santa, Aero the Griffin, Miss Vermont, Miss Vermont’s Teen, and other beloved local characters, community members, and Marketplace businesses as they spread cheer through downtown. Following the parade, Santa will be entertaining visitors at Homeport until 4pm on this extra-special day.
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.
Festive Fridays
Fridays | November 27, December 4, December 11, and December 18
The lights are twinkling, the music’s playing, and downtown Burlington is buzzing with holiday cheer! Each Friday evening, Church Street businesses stay open till 8pm for holiday shopping, while the Marketplace comes alive with a new festive activation each week, featuring cozy experiences, local tastings, and family fun. Stroll beneath the lights, listen to holiday tunes on the Marketplace speakers, grab a warm drink, and find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.
Sponsored by Northfield Savings Bank.
- Friday, November 27: Tree Lighting Ceremony
See all details above! - Friday, December 4, 5-7pm: Sweet Stroll
Need some fuel for your shopping? Sample a variety of different goodies from a participating shop and snack your way through the Marketplace! - Friday, December 11, 5-8pm: Not So Silent Night
What's a holiday season without some caroling? Enjoy the beautiful melodies of our local choirs and a cappella groups. Many of our stores will be open late until 8pm, so you can make the best out of your holiday shopping! - Friday, December 18, 5:30-8pm: Light Up the Night
Days are getting darker, but the Marketplace is ready to light up the night with festive cheer! Join RunVermont for a Fun Run kicking off at 5:30pm. Dress in your brightest gear and fill the street with color. Open to all ages.
Then stick around for the Light Parade at 6pm, featuring a fleet of decorated vehicles showing off their holiday sparkle. From SD Ireland’s glowing cement mixer and Milton Rental’s equipment truck to Troy’s Toy Drive’s festive Ridgeline, Burlington PD’s Emergency Response Vehicle, and more!
For a complete list of businesses that are staying open late on Fridays, please click here.
Holiday Window Contest
Friday, November 27 - Sunday, December 20
Which holiday window display is best in downtown Burlington? Take a stroll down the street and vote for your favorite! Pick up a card at participating businesses and vote in person. View the list of participating businesses here.
Categories + Prizes:
Best Overall-Church Street Marketplace: $1,500 ad spend with Vermont Public
Best Overall–Side Street: One free ¼ page print ad with Seven Days
Most Creative: One month of digital ads + one ¼ page print ad with Burlington Area Newspaper Group
Most Festive: Promotional product gift set, along with a $1,000 spend with Paw Print & Mail (postage not included)
Family Fun on the Marketplace
Celebrate the season on the Marketplace with a collection of festive, family-friendly experiences for all ages. From hands-on holiday fun to magical moments and traditions old and new, the Marketplace comes alive with activities that bring joy, connection, and a little extra sparkle to the season.
Supported by Community Bank, N.A.
Media Sponsor: Find & Go Seek
Kids Train
Sundays, 10am - 2pm | November 29 - December 20 | Top Block
All aboard The Big Blue Express! Kids—and kids at heart—are invited to a free holiday train ride that winds around our towering 30+ foot Christmas tree and along the Top Block of Church Street. Hop on for festive fun the whole family can enjoy!
North Pole Express Mailboxes
November 27 – December 13 | Top Block & City Hall Block
Send your holiday wishes directly to Santa through our North Pole Express Mailboxes! Drop off your letter by Sunday, December 13, and include a return address so Santa can write back! You can find a mailbox in front of our Christmas tree and one in front of City Hall. No postage needed.
Postcard Club
Friday, November 27 – Thursday, December 31
The Postcard Club is popping up at Daydream Art Supply, inviting you to slow down and send a little snail mail joy. Pick between two holiday postcards and write a note to a loved one. It’s simple, heartfelt, and new this season. Be one of the first to join the club and keep the cheer moving, one postcard at a time. While supplies last.
Snowflake Hunt
Friday, November 27 – Sunday, December 20, 11am - 3pm
Let the Snowflake Hunt begin! Start your adventure by picking up a Snowflake Hunt board at Homeport, then explore participating Marketplace businesses to find hidden snowflakes. Collect a sticker at each stop, and once your board is complete, return to Homeport to claim your beautiful Vermont Santa ornament! Kids 1-12. While supplies last.
Santa Visits
Sundays, 10am - 2pm | November 29 – December 20 | Homeport, 52 Church St.
Say hello to Santa! Santa comes to town on Sundays to hear your wishes and pose for photos.
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 28
This holiday season, gift big by shopping small. Here on the Marketplace, supporting our small and local businesses isn’t just a tradition; it’s the heart of who we are. Small Business Saturday is our favorite moment to spotlight the people behind every business. Celebrate our small businesses this season and help shine a light on the amazing spots that keep the Marketplace buzzing!
Marketplace Appreciation Week
Monday, November 30 - Sunday, December 6
This week, we’re celebrating the people who keep Church Street Marketplace running strong. The shop teams, servers, baristas, and behind-the-scenes staff who show up every day help make downtown welcoming and full of life.
Marketplace employees will receive exclusive discounts at participating businesses. As you shop, dine, or stroll, take a moment to recognize the folks who make Burlington’s downtown such a special part of our community. Here’s to our neighbors, coworkers, and friends. They are the heart of Church Street. A full list of participating businesses and deals has been shared directly with businesses and their staff.
Love Burlington. Get Rewarded
November 23 - December 20
This holiday season, Love Burlington is giving Burlington shoppers, diners, and explorers another reason to support local, inspired by businesses that’ve championed similar ideas in the past! Customers who spend $50 or more at any Burlington-based business can redeem their receipt at any participating business for one special discount, deal, or perk. One receipt = one reward.
Learn more & get rewarded!
Other Special Marketplace Events
- Menorah Lighting: Friday, December 4 - Saturday, December 12 | Leahy Block (outside Homeport)
Celebrate Hanukkah with a beautiful 9-foot Menorah on display. Join us for a special gathering at sundown on Thursday, December 10, starting at 4:30pm, as we come together in joy and tradition. All are welcome! - Krampus Walk: Saturday, December 5 at 7pm, starts at City Hall Block
- BTV Winter Market: Friday, December 13, 4-8pm and Saturday, December 14, 11am-5pm | City Hall
- Tuba Christmas: Saturday, December 19 at 1pm | Leahy Block (outside Homeport)
From our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony to a visit with the big guy himself, the Marketplace is home to multiple holiday events this season. Keep an eye on the event calendar to see what's in store.
