Holiday Guide: The Quintessential Thanksgiving in Vermont

By Jeremy Perkins

1. Prohibition Pig, Waterbury, VT

The Prohibition Pig makes for a wonderful spot to meet up with high school or college friends in town for the holidays! It’s one of the biggest bar nights of the year, given that everyone is home and everyone has off from work for the holiday the next day. Check out their extensive selection of beer, wine, cocktails, and more. 

A toast!! To the first of many...Anniversaries! VT weekend officially starts when you get off the highway in Waterbury!

A post shared by Boog Pacher (@nohobrewer) on Sep 30, 2017 at 11:46am PDT

2. Misty Knoll Farms, New Haven, VT

Round here, there’s only one place to get fresh poultry. Their turkeys are renowned as juicy and delicious, and antibiotic free, and the chicken is used in restaurants and home the state over. By allowing their poultry to roam in an un-crowded environment, they are afforded a natural, stress-free life and healthy diet full of natural proteins and untreated grains. 

3. Poorhouse Pies, Underhill, VT

High-quality products, organic farmers, and talented cooks exist in pretty much in every corner of the state Green Mountain State, so don’t be surprised if you have to drive a bit to find a specialist. And there is no better pie-makers in all of Vermont than Poorhouse Pies. Often called a “magical pie shed” whose motto is “Thank God for pie,” the ladies who run this hole-in-the-wall pie shack make everything from scratch, and it is a difference you can taste.

A self serve pie shack?! Pffff, don't mind if I do. "OPEN EVERYDAY... Hours of Operation: DAYLIGHT"

A post shared by Joe Fontaine (@josie__wales) on Oct 6, 2016 at 11:31am PDT

4. Zack’s Place Turkey Trot, Woodstock, VT

Founded in 2006, Zack’s features their annual Zack's Place Turkey Trot, a 5K run and walk held on Thanksgiving Day. All of the proceeds of the race are dedicated to the operational costs of the facility. Consistently topping the charts as one of the most towns in America, idyllic fields, picturesque covered bridges, and pastoral rolling hills are just some of the sites you will see along the way. 

5. Snowlight in Vermont, Stratton, VT

Dedicate a tree to celebrate your family or the memory of someone special at this swanky Stratton Resort Village event. For a donation, the folks at Stratton will light your special Christmas tree on their common, put on a private donor cocktail reception, and provide a special donor plaque at your tree acknowledging your family’s message and gift. And it is all for a good cause as proceeds go to “benefit families in-need throughout the holidays, and all year long.” 

6. Santa Claus Parade, Burlington, VT

Church Street Marketplace will be presenting its annual Santa Claus Parade on Thanksgiving Day to help kick off the holiday season. Children are invited to join in and follow Santa into Burlington Town Center, where he will be posing for photos and hearing holiday wishes all afternoon.

7. The Albany Berkshire Ballet presents “The Nutcracker,” Burlington, VT

At the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, the ABB presents a production choreographed by Artistic Director Madeline Cantarella Culpo, featuring local dance students alongside its professional dancers. “The Nutcracker” tells the story of a young girl, Clara, and the magical dream she has one Christmas Eve. 

The Snow Queen and her Prince. See her next weekend in Burlington, VT at the Flynn. #albanyberkshireballet #ballerina #thenutcracker #nutcracker #holidayseason

A post shared by Albany Berkshire Ballet (@albanyberkshireballet) on Nov 21, 2016 at 12:47pm PST

8. Black Friday, Burlington, VT

While the kids are enjoying Santa’s company, you can shop early and stay late. Church Street Marketplace and the Burlington Town Center opens early on Black Friday featuring many sales and promotions at stores including Macy's and L.L. Bean!  Don’t miss the tree lighting or the more than 50 stores will be open at Midnight on Black Friday at the University Mall up the road. 

Today calls for layering sweaters!! Happy Monday from @whimboutique !! ❤️

A post shared by Whim Boutique (@whimboutique) on Nov 13, 2017 at 7:14am PST

9. Jingle Bell Express, Burlington VT

The annual Jingle Bell Express is presented by Keurig Green Mountain. A festive train ride takes place the weekend following Thanksgiving, the loop starts on Main Street Landing in Burlington and continues to Charlotte and back again, featuring singing carols, reading holiday stories, and enjoying holiday treats. All proceeds go to the Ronald McDonald House of Burlington.

10. Northeast Kingdom Crafts Fair, Lyndonville, VT

Finish off your holiday with a trip up the beautiful Northeast Kingdom of Vermont to enjoy the wares of over 50 craft vendors. You’ll find such unique items as felted hats, hand-made jewelry, home décor, Vermont photos, paintings by local artist, specialty food items and maple products. Plus, get American Girl Doll clothes, puppets, quilted items, wreaths, ornaments, and more.