Spending New Year’s Eve in chilly Vermont may bring your family closer together — literally. The cool temperatures are perfect for snuggling next to a cozy fire and enjoying a hot cup of cocoa, especially after spending an exhilarating day skiing or ice skating. Aside from winter sports, you can also look forward to admiring fireworks from south Vermont’s highest mountain peak to dancing the night away at the First Night Festival in Burlington. Book a stay at one of many incredible Vermont vacation rentals today. Without further ado, take a look at the most popular getaway spots in Vermont to celebrate New Year’s.
1. Enjoy the First Night Festival in Burlington
Choosing where to go in Vermont to celebrate New Year’s Eve may seem daunting, but exploring Burlington is a great way to get acquainted with the state. Burlington’s First Night festival is the largest celebration in the state, drawing a range of visitors, so it’s best to book your vacation rental early to get closer access to the venue. This festival is a party for all ages with no alcohol served, making it a perfect celebration for families with children. Artists and groups put on performances especially geared toward children and families early in the day. As the night goes on, an exciting selection of musical artists from a variety of genres perform to ring in the new year.
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2. Ring in the New Year’s at Stratton Mountain
There is no shortage of winter attractions in Stratton. There’s an abundance of skiing and snowboarding opportunities, and you can also explore the mountain on a Snowcat ride or fat bike rental. Your family can also embark on a sled dog adventure with Green Mountain Mushers. Booking a vacation rental in this area gives you access to all these activities and more. Celebrate the new year with a snowshoe hike to Stratton Moutain lodge, followed by a firework display and torchlight parade, which your family can enjoy while sipping cocoa and toasting marshmallows.
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3. First Night Festival of the Arts in St. Johnsbury
Booking a vacation rental in St. Johnsbury offers a quiet getaway in a town that is bursting with creative appeal, with four venues dedicated to the arts. Deciding where to go in St. Johnsbury is easy, thanks to a dedicated visitors center with an easy-to-use directory. Your family can get inspired exploring the planetarium and multiple art galleries within a short distance of your vacation rental. The town also hosts a First Night festival, the Festival of the North, offering a kid-friendly and alcohol-free venue to showcase performers and artists.
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4. Celebrate in Stowe
Adventure seekers can reach the highest point in Vermont at the world famous Mt. Mansfield, located in Stowe. You’ll never wonder where to go in Stowe, as activities abound wherever you turn. Take the kids on an ice cream tour at Ben and Jerry’s or an exhilarating sled dog tour, or indulge your craving for shopping at many downtown stores. This town is perfect for active families; it’s known as the winter sports capital of the East. For New Year’s Eve, the mountain resort hosts a torchlight parade ending with fireworks, and many downtown restaurants are open for the holiday as well.
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5. Explore Manchester
Get the true Vermont experience when you book a vacation rental in Manchester, a popular tourist destination since the 19th century. Conquer the snow when you go off the beaten track with the Land Rover Experience Driving School. Nothing beats going into the new year with a new skill. This quaint mountain town is bustling on New Year’s Eve, with dinners and dancing at the major inns, concerts, and fireworks festivities. After the party, greet the upcoming year with a First Day Hike, a free family-friendly guided hiking event.
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6. Celebrate in the Rutland Region
Step out of your vacation rental and experience an unforgettable Vermont adventure on the popular snowmobile trails featuring over 5,000 miles of well-maintained routes winding through mountains and forests. Bring your own equipment and store it at your vacation rental, or rent a machine for a day or week-long excursion. Once December 31 rolls around, you may have a hard time deciding where to celebrate in Rutland; a large number of establishments offer dinner, drinks, and dancing. There’s also an annual free New Year’s Eve event at the Rutland library that’s perfect for young children, offering live music, crafts, and face painting.
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7. Grand New Year’s Eve Celebration at Mount Snow
Experience a Vermont tradition with a sleigh ride pulled by large draft horses on Adams Farms. The farm has been in operation since 1980, and it offers special rides for New Year’s. Mount Snow offers the complete spectrum of winter activities for the family, and it also has options for indoor events. Learn about the history of the nearby town of Dover at a refurbished historical home, or take the kids for some candle-pin bowling. To ring in the holiday, enjoy a party at the Grand Summit resort featuring a live DJ and a champagne toast.
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8. Celebrate at Lake Morey
If you’re seeking a quieter, low-key getaway, booking a vacation rental in Fairlee provides easy access to Lake Morey, the state’s premier lake resort, without all the hustle and bustle of a more tourist-sought location. The Lake Morey resort hosts a New Year’s Eve party for lasting memories, complete with a children’s party early in the night, nonstop music for the adults, and party favors.
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