holiday vacations
THINGS TO DO
A Stroll through Holiday Village
Did you know that Lake Placid , New York , is known as the winter wonderland of America ? Each year , this charming hamlet hosts the Lake Placid Holiday Village Stroll . Gifts , ugly Christmas sweater parties , ice skating , and a Santa Claus firetruck parade await . The stroll runs from Friday , December 9th , to Sunday , December 11th .
The North Pole in Wilmington
Built in 1949 , The North Pole in Wilmington , New York , is one of the first amusement parks ever . The park is a most magical recreation of the North Pole right out of your favorite Christmas story , complete with a bakery , toyshop , and real , live reindeer . Events run yearround for Christmas and Christmas in July .
The Snowflake Festival
For one night only , on December 2nd , the town of Kingston , New York , is frosted with white light and brimming with holiday spirit . Christmas carols fill the frosty air as a troupe of circus performers , dancers , and musicians parade past the fire jugglers and ice sculptors wielding the elements .
A Very Merry Middlebury
Each holiday season , the small town of Middlebury , Vermont , is home to a monthlong holiday celebration . As long as you show up sometime in December , you really can ’ t go wrong . Horse-drawn carriage rides , caroling , wreath making , and even old Saint Nick selling special milk and cookies for all .
A River of Light in Waterbury
This year marks the 13th annual “ A River of Light in Waterbury ” celebration . In early November , the schoolchildren of the town begin crafting magical lanterns that take the shape of dragons , jellyfish , and flying machines . Then on December 3rd , the town gathers to hoist over 150 of these imaginative creations overhead and march through the town as one river of light .
Ride the Polar Express
Have you ever dreamed of riding on the Polar Express ? The Vermont Children ’ s Trust Foundation brings the story to life on December 10th and 11th .
Climb aboard with the whole family and travel through beautiful Burlington , Vermont , while sipping on hot cocoa and singing Christmas carols with your fellow passengers . After arriving at Union Station , you ’ ll be greeted by a troupe of elves who will seat you for a live reading of the Polar Express story .
Take a Sleigh Ride
Snuggle up under a warm blanket and sip some hot chocolate on a majestic sleigh ride through the beautiful Vermont countryside . Head to Stowe , Sutton , or Braintree and you ’ re sure to find a ride .
PLACES TO STAY
Topnotch Resort
Nestle in the cozy embrace of the Green Mountains with a stay at the Topnotch Resort in Stowe , Vermont . Relax in the spa or take a dip in the pool to close out the year on a peaceful note . But if you crave excitement and adventure , the resort is happy to equip you with all of the skiing , snowboarding , and snowshoeing gear you need to explore the mountains .
Sterling Ridge Resort
If you ’ re looking for someplace pet friendly , look no further . You and your canine companion can stay in one of the pet-friendly cabins and even hop aboard a dog sled and race through the snow .
Spruce Peak
Situated at the foot of Mount Mansfield in Stowe , Vermont , Spruce Peak has a little something for everyone . From private cabins to luxury penthouses , the 250 + dwellings nestled together create a warm and welcoming village alive with a community spirit that is sure to become your home away from home .
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