EVERYTHING YOU MUST DO LOCALLY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Snowdrops on VT (rein)deer and whiskers on kittens, bright downtown holiday lights and warm Shires-made mittens. Local shop packages tied up with organic strings. These are a few of our favorite things!

This holiday season the Shires of Vermont are alive with the sound of lively, festive happenings! Check out everything you must do this holiday season if you’re visiting the Shires of Vermont

Photo Credit: Second Congregational Church

SNOWBALL BAZAAR - Friday, December 1st & Saturday, December 2nd
The Second Congregational Church in Bennington Vermont will hold its 69th Annual Snowball Bazaar Friday from 5:30 to 8 pm and Saturdayfrom 9:30-3. Delight in beautiful handmade wreaths and centerpieces, an enormous tag sale, delicious homemade baked goods, silent auction, Hand made pet supplies, homemade desserts and luncheon. Second Congregational Church is located at 115 Hillside St. in Bennington, Vermont. Call (802) 442-2559 or visit www.bennscc.org for more information.

LIGHTED TRACTOR PARADE - Saturday, December 2 - Antique and modern tractors adorned in lights and holiday trimmings make their way down school street to Main Street, through the roundabout, and past Factory Point Place where judging will take place! Have a look at this year’s route, pick your viewing spot anywhere along with sidewalks, and be a spectator with us! Please note, Main Street will be closed to parking from 4 pm on. For more info check out: http://www.manchestervermont.com/event/lighted-tractor-parade/

OUR HOUSE FOR THE HOLIDAY’S (HILDENE LINCOLN FAMILY HOME) - Saturday, December 2nd & Sunday, December 3rd
1005 Hildene Rd., Manchester, VT The Museum Store Welcomes Neighbors & New Friends. Dressed in holiday finery, the spirit of the season abounds in our 100 year old Carriage Barn! Apple cider, Vermont tastings & fresh cider doughnuts. The crisp fragrance of pine boughs & sounds of the season. All conspire to create a unique Holiday Shopping experience. Distinctive items for Holiday Gift Giving sure to please young & old. Lincoln, Gilded Age, Gardens, History, Nature and Vermont. For more info visit: www.Hildene.org

Check out the Elf Express Commercial!

ELF EXPRESS - Saturday & Sunday December 16 & 17
Manchester Lions Elf Express, RK Miles Depot Station, Manchester, VT This whimsical holiday train will leave r.k. Miles Depot Station taking its riders on a one-hour enchanting journey through the Green Mountains of Southern Vermont. Passengers will be entertained with holiday melodies and dance routines by the elves of the theater and dance program of Burr and Burton Academy under the direction of Broadway and Hollywood song and dance man Jim Raposa. Refreshments will be served on decorated trains. For more info visit: http://www.manchesterlionselftrain.com/

Photo Credit: Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales Church

SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS FOR GAUDETE - Sunday, December 17
5:00-7:00pm Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales Church, 238 Main St, Bennington, VT. The parish choir of Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales Church in Bennington warmly invites everyone to their annual Service of Lessons and Carols for Gaudete. The service will include Old Testament Scripture, sacred choral masterpieces of the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, beautiful candles, and the music of the church's magnificent pipe organ.

HOLIDAY INN TOURS - Saturday, December 2nd & 9th
Check out how the local inns decorate for the holidays with the annual Holiday Inn Tours! Walk through history and learn more about some of Southern Vermont’s most famous inns during this magical time of year. Inns throughout Manchester, Dorset, and Arlington will be open for visitors. Each location plays host in a unique way, making for a cozy and fun Saturday afternoon in the country. Noon - 4pm bothSaturday's. For more info check out: http://www.manchestervermont.com/event/holiday-inn-tours-2/

THE FESTIVAL GALA AT BENNINGTON MUSEUM Saturday, December 2
7:00-9:00pm 75 Main Street, Bennington, VT You are invited to the Gala, the premier event of the season and Bennington Museum's major annual fundraiser. Enjoy delectable creative cuisine. Partake of wine, spirits and specialty drinks created for this event. (Cash Bar) Free childcare on site. (Space is limited, so call early). Bid on over 60 unique and diverse auction items in the Silent Auction. For more info check out: https://benningtonmuseum.org/event/festival-time-for-the-holidays-gala-2/

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS CELEBRATION AND TREE LIGHTING - Wednesday, December 6th
The Veterans Home & the local Area Chamber of Commerce host a spectacle including community tree lighting, high school choir, caroling, dignitaries, a special visit from Santa Claus, a moonlit path walk through the (rein)deer park, coffee/bar/treats at the Chamber. For more info visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/551867075150137/

BENNINGTON MUSEUM FAMILY DAY - Saturday, December 9th
10:00am -3:30pm Bennington Museum Family Day, $3 Admission – Children who bring school supplies for children in need are admitted free; Children’s Shopping Boutique – 10:30 am to 3:30 pm; Shopping helpers and free gift wrapping for children ages 4 -12. Photos with Santa – 1:00 to 3:00 pm; Children’s crafts, Bake Sale. Bidding on Original Artwork closes December 29 at 5 pm (All proceeds from the Festival benefit Education Programs at the Museum). For more info visit: https://benningtonmuseum.org/event/festival-time-for-the-holidays-family-day-2/

BACKROAD MERRIMENT TOURS – Tuesday, December 19
The tour is designed for those who have only a couple of days in the area and want to see the best our area offers. Discover the cheer, nostalgia & allure of Vermont backroads during the winter season. Visit; the oldest marble quarry in the U.S., quintessential VT villages, Vermont’s finest artisans’ boutique, a maple syrup/cheese shop, a Norman Rockwell exhibit, an antique covered bridge, sweeping mountain/valley vistas. You’ll have an opportunity to purchase local VT products. Learn the fascinating history, fun facts & other places to visit in the area. Travel in a comfortable 10-passenger tour vehicle with local guide. For more info visit: http://www.manchestervermont.com/event/backroad-merriment-tours/2017-12-19/

PLAYMatt HarringtonNovember 29, 2017Shires of Vermont, Christmas, snowball bazaar, holiday, bennington museum, hildene, elf express