Holidays on the Marketplace
The Holidays Are Back on Church Street!
We’re thrilled to celebrate another magical holiday season together on the Church Street Marketplace! This year, downtown Burlington once again transforms into a winter wonderland filled with lights, laughter, and local love. Get ready for thousands of sparkling lights, visits with Santa, free community events, local dining that feels like a treat, and plenty of gift shopping with real meaning.
A big thank you to our media sponsors, Burlington Area Newspaper Group, Seven Days, Vermont Public, and Find & Go Seek for helping us share the season's magic.
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.
Your Guide to Holidays on Church Street
From the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Window Contest to free hot chocolate and live music, your favorite traditions are here to stay. This year also brings something new! Join the Postcard Club, hunt for hidden snowflakes, and discover fresh Festive Friday activations that will keep the magic alive all season long.
Explore the full schedule below to find every event, performance, and cozy moment happening downtown. Whether you’re here for a family outing, a date night, or a day of local shopping, let this guide lead the way to your most memorable holiday season yet.
Park, Shop, and Celebrate
This holiday season, getting downtown is easier than ever. Starting at noon on Thanksgiving Day, Main Street will reopen to traffic, with parking available throughout the corridor. Construction will be scaled down for the season, ensuring an open and welcoming route so you can stroll, shop, and celebrate without interruption.
And parking? We’ve got you covered:
- Enjoy two hours of FREE parking at the Downtown Garage with a ParkMobile session.
- Enjoy one hour of FREE parking at the Marketplace Garage with a ParkMobile session. Through Thanksgiving.
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 29, 2025
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! Feel the excitement build as the parade takes off from City Hall, including local favorites such as Aero the Griffin, Rally Cat, Champ, and Santa Claus! Following the parade, Santa will be entertaining visitors at the Snowflake Station until 4pm on this extra-special day. 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.
Festive Fridays
Fridays | November 28, December 5, December 12, and December 19
The lights are twinkling, the music’s playing, and downtown Burlington is buzzing with holiday cheer! Each Friday evening, Church Street businesses stay open late 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.
Friday, November 28: Tree Lighting Ceremony
See all details above!
Friday, December 5, 4-8pm: Jingle & Mingle
Two festive favorites, one fabulous Friday! Join us to kick off our annual Window Contest. Stroll through the Marketplace to check out the displays and vote for your favorites in person - you choose the winners! See all details above.
Need some fuel for your shopping? Sample Vermont-made drinks and bites from Split Spirits, Kramer & Kin, Small Oven Pastries, FOAM, St. Johnsbury Distillery, Monti Verdi Salumi, Citizen Cider, Pitchfork Pickle, Aquavitea, and more! Explore local businesses and vendors set up throughout the Marketplace—just pop into a participating shop*, grab a pairing card, and start sipping and snacking your way through!
*Check back soon to get the full list of Jingle & Mingle businesses.
Friday, December 12, 4-8pm: Not So Silent Night
What's a holiday season without some caroling? This Festive Friday, we are singing the night away. Enjoy the beautiful melodies of our local choirs and acapella groups. Many of our stores will be open late until 8pm, so you can make the best out of your holiday shopping! This is also your last chance to vote for your favorite holiday window displays! Cast your vote in person and help us crown this year’s winners.
- 4-5pm: Burlington High School
- 5:30-5:45pm: CVU Madrigals
- 6-6:30pm: Colchester Middle School
- 6:30-7pm: Burlington Choral Society
Friday, December 19, 4-8pm: Light Up the Night
The days might be 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. Check back soon for the registration link.
Then stick around for the Light Parade at 6 PM, featuring a fleet of decorated trucks 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!
Hot Chocolate Program
Friday, November 29 - Wednesday, December 31
Sweeten your shopping trip! Spend $25 or more at select Church Street spots and enjoy a free cup of hot chocolate at Ben & Jerry’s, Black Cap Coffee & Bakery, Burlington Bagel Bakery, or Muddy Waters. Check out the list of participating businesses by clicking here.
North Pole Express Mailboxes
November 28 – December 14 | 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 14, and if you include a return address, Santa will do his best to write back! You can find a mailbox in front of our Christmas tree and one in front of City Hall. No postage needed.
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 29
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. Whether you're grabbing dinner at your favorite restaurant or buying your loved ones a gift, celebrate our small businesses this season and help shine a light on the amazing spots that keep the Marketplace buzzing!
NEW! Snowflake Hunt
Friday, November 28 – Sunday, December 21
Let the Snowflake Hunt begin! Start your adventure by picking up your Snowflake Hunt board at Homeport, then explore participating Marketplace businesses to find the hidden snowflakes. Collect a sticker at each stop, and once your board is complete, return to Homeport to claim your beautiful Vermont Santa ornament! While supplies last.
Santa Visits
Saturdays, and Sundays | November 29 – December 21 | Homeport, 52 Church St.
Say hello to Santa! Santa comes to town Saturdays and Sundays all month long to hear your wishes and pose for photos.
Kids Train
Sundays | November 30 - December 21 |10am – 2pm | Top Block
All aboard The Big Blue Express! Kids—and kids at heart—are invited for a free holiday train ride, winding 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!
Marketplace Appreciation Week
Monday, December 1 - Sunday, December 7
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 will be shared soon!
NEW! Postcard Club
Friday, December 5 – Friday, December 19
Another new Church Street holiday tradition starts here! The Postcard Club is popping up at Daydream Art Supply (Golden Hour’s sister shop!), 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.
We’ll stamp it and send your real holiday magic out into the world. 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.
Holiday Window Contest
Friday, December 5 - Sunday, December 14
Who has the best holiday window display on the Marketplace? Take a stroll down the street and vote for your favorite! Pick up a card at participating businesses and vote in person. Winners will be announced the week of 12/15. Check out the list of participating businesses by clicking here.
Categories are Best Overall Church Street, Best Overall Side Street, Most Creative, and Most Festive.
Menorah Lighting
December 14 - December 22 | 3rd Block (outside Homeport)
Celebrate Hanukkah on the Church Street Marketplace with a beautiful 9-foot Menorah on display for its duration (December 14 – December 22). Join us for a special gathering at sundown on Sunday, December 21, from 4 - 5 pm, as we come together in joy and tradition. All are welcome!
Other Special Marketplace Events
- Krampus Walk: Saturday, December 13 at 7pm, starts at City Hall Block on the Marketplace
- Lyric Caroling: Sunday, December 15 at 2pm on the Marketplace
- Tuba Christmas: Saturday, December 13 at 1pm outside Homeport on the Marketplace
- BTV Winter Market: Friday, December 12 from 4 to 8pm and Saturday, December 13 from 11am-5pm in Contois Auditorium, City Hall
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.
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