The One Thing to Do in Vermont Before the End of the Year

During the winter, Vermont's verdant and mountainous landscape becomes covered in a layer of snow, creating breathtaking scenery nearly everywhere you look. Aside from skiing and snowboarding at one of the state's many mountain resorts, one of the most festive Vermont end-of-year activities can be found at Shelburne Museum.

Considered one of the most unique things to do in Vermont is to visit the Shelburne Museum. Located in the town of Shelburne, this museum was founded in 1947 by Electra Havemeyer Webb and is home to 39 structures set on 45 acres. Within the buildings are collections of American folk art, furniture, pottery, quilts, antiques, and other artifacts of American culture. Additionally, Mrs. Webb traveled through New England and New York, procuring several historic buildings that were brought to the Shelburne Museum property. Among them are a meeting house, a schoolhouse, a lighthouse, a covered bridge, a general store, and a 220-foot steamboat called Ticonderoga. The museum grounds are set up like a village, complete with landscaping and gardens. While you can visit any time of the year, the Shelburne Museum during the holiday season is exceptional.

Winter Lights at the Shelburne Museum is arguably one of the best things to do in Vermont during the winter. Not only are the buildings and gardens decorated in thousands of colorful, twinkling lights, but the steamboat is as well. In fact, with blue lights strewn around it on the ground, it looks as though the Ticonderoga is floating on water. It's quite a mesmerizing sight! The historic 1871 lighthouse will also be wrapped in twinkling lights, offering another fantastic photo opportunity.

You must also take a stroll through the Bostwick Gardens, where you'll discover dozens of colorful butterfly displays aglow at night, as well as the forest of Beach Woods. Between the gardens, forest, and buildings, Winter Lights will add a bit of magic to your holiday season!

Winter Lights runs on select dates between December 4 and December 31, 2025. You can purchase your tickets online in advance, as a limited number of walk-up tickets will be available, and you don't want to miss this winter event in Vermont! And remember to bundle up in your warmest winter gear before you stroll through the grounds of Shelbirne Museum.

Special Sensory-Friendly Winter Lights are scheduled throughout the season for those with sensory needs. These nights will be less crowded, and guests are encouraged to bring items like headphones and fidgets to make the experience more enjoyable. Another option is a Drive-Around Night, several of which are scheduled throughout December. The price is per car and includes driving a single loop around the light displays to view the lights from the comfort of your vehicle.

Have you been to Winter Lights at the Shelburne Museum yet? If not, make sure to experience the holidays at this fascinating Vermont museum before the end of the year. For dates and to purchase tickets, head to the Shelburne Museum website.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip to Shelburne, Vermont, using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.