Things to Do in Burlington in December

December Weather in Burlington

4°C (39°F) High Temp

-6°C (21°F) Low Temp

58 mm (2.3 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak holiday season transforms Burlington into a winter wonderland with elaborate Christmas markets, ice sculptures, and festive lighting displays throughout Church Street Marketplace
Lake Champlain often freezes by mid-December, creating opportunities for ice fishing, skating, and winter photography that aren't available other months
Fresh powder snow makes this the optimal time for skiing at nearby Stowe (45 minutes) and Smugglers' Notch (1 hour), with lifts fully operational and reliable snow coverage
December hotel rates drop 40-60% after holiday week, making luxury properties like Hotel Vermont and Hilton Burlington surprisingly affordable for post-Christmas visits

Considerations

Daylight hours are shortest of the year (9 hours total), with sunset by 4:20 PM limiting outdoor sightseeing time significantly
Lake Champlain ferry services run reduced schedules and can be cancelled due to ice conditions, limiting access to New York's Adirondacks region
Many seasonal attractions like Shelburne Farms and outdoor sections of ECHO Center have limited hours or close entirely during cold snaps below -7°C (19°F)

Best Activities in December

Stowe Mountain Resort Winter Sports

December brings reliable powder snow and fully operational lifts at Vermont's premier ski destination. With temperatures consistently below freezing, snow conditions remain excellent throughout the month. The 45-minute drive from Burlington is scenic through snow-covered forests, and December typically has fewer crowds than January-February peak season.

Booking Tip: Book lift tickets online 7+ days ahead for 15-20% savings. Ski rentals in Burlington cost ฿800-1,200 per day versus ฿1,500+ at mountain bases. Look for multi-day packages that include equipment and lessons. Current mountain conditions and package deals available in booking section below.

Church Street Marketplace Holiday Festivities

Burlington's pedestrian-only downtown transforms into a winter festival zone throughout December. Local artisans set up heated market stalls, live music performances happen daily despite the cold, and the covered sections provide warm refuges. The 4-block area remains vibrant even in sub-zero temperatures, with most shops extending hours for holiday shoppers.

Booking Tip: Free to explore, but budget ฿30-80 for hot beverages from local coffee roasters. Heated restaurants and cafes line the marketplace providing warm-up stops every 50 m (164 ft). Evening events typically run 5-8 PM when temperatures drop most significantly.

Lake Champlain Ice Fishing Tours

When the lake freezes (typically by December 15th), guided ice fishing becomes possible on Vermont's largest lake. Local guides provide heated shelters, equipment, and knowledge of safe ice conditions. December fishing targets lake trout and northern pike in 15-30 m (50-100 ft) depths, with success rates highest in early morning when temperatures are coldest.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed guides who monitor ice thickness daily - minimum 10 cm (4 inches) required. Half-day tours typically cost ฿2,500-3,500 including equipment and shelter rental. Weather-dependent with 24-hour cancellation policies standard.

Shelburne Museum Winter Collections

While outdoor exhibits close, December offers exclusive access to climate-controlled galleries featuring Vermont folk art and Americana collections. The reduced visitor numbers create intimate viewing experiences, and special December exhibitions often focus on 19th-century winter life. Indoor sections remain fully heated and accessible even during blizzard conditions.

Booking Tip: December admission drops to ฿600-900 (versus ฿1,200 peak season) since outdoor attractions are closed. Plan 2-3 hours for indoor galleries. Museum shop features locally-made winter crafts unavailable other seasons. Check current exhibition schedule in booking section.

Vermont Brewery Winter Tour Routes

December is optimal for brewery hopping as indoor venues provide warm environments and many feature seasonal winter ales only available November-February. Burlington's concentration of craft breweries within 2 km (1.2 miles) of downtown makes walking tours feasible with proper winter clothing, plus heated tasting rooms offer perfect cold-weather refuges.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours cost ฿150-300 per brewery for tastings. Organized tours with transportation typically ฿2,000-3,000 for 3-4 stops including heated vehicle transport. Book evening tours (4-7 PM) to experience Burlington's winter nightlife scene.

Camel's Hump State Park Snowshoeing

Vermont's third-highest peak offers world-class snowshoeing 30 minutes from Burlington. December provides reliable snow coverage above 300 m (1,000 ft) elevation with crystal-clear mountain views when storms clear. The 3.2 km (2-mile) trail to summit requires snowshoes but rewards with 360-degree views of Lake Champlain and Adirondacks.

Booking Tip: Snowshoe rentals in Burlington cost ฿400-600 per day. Trail parking fills early on sunny December weekends - arrive before 9 AM. Guided snowshoe tours available for ฿1,800-2,500 including equipment and safety briefing. Check avalanche conditions before attempting summit routes.

December Events & Festivals

Early December

Burlington Winter Festival

Annual celebration featuring ice sculpture competitions, hot chocolate tastings, and live music throughout Church Street Marketplace. Local artisans display winter crafts and Vermont specialty foods in heated market stalls.

December 31st

First Night Burlington

New Year's Eve celebration with family-friendly activities, live performances, and midnight fireworks over Lake Champlain. Indoor venues throughout downtown host concerts and entertainment to escape the cold.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated winter boots rated to -15°C (5°F) with good tread - sidewalks become icy and snow depths reach 15-30 cm (6-12 inches)

Layered clothing system: base layer, insulating fleece, waterproof outer shell - temperature swings of 10°C (18°F) common between morning and afternoon

Warm hat covering ears and insulated gloves - wind chill off Lake Champlain makes it feel 5-8°C (9-14°F) colder than air temperature

Sunglasses for snow glare - UV reflection off snow can cause eye strain even with low UV index of 2

Hand/foot warmers - battery-powered devices lose charge quickly in extreme cold, disposable warmers provide 8-hour backup heat

Moisturizer and lip balm - 75% humidity drops significantly indoors with heating, causing skin cracking

Portable phone charger - batteries drain 40-60% faster in sub-zero temperatures during outdoor activities

Microspikes or ice cleats - attach to boots for walking on icy sidewalks and trails, available at local outdoor shops for ฿800-1,200

Waterproof day pack - for carrying extra layers as you move between heated indoor spaces and outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

Lake Champlain creates a microclimate - temperatures near the waterfront run 2-3°C (4-5°F) warmer than inland areas, making lakeside walks more comfortable on sunny days

Most restaurants and shops on Church Street have heated outdoor seating areas and fire pits - locals gather here during afternoon coffee breaks even in snow

Vermont breweries release special winter ales only available December-February - try locally-made maple stouts and spiced porters that pair perfectly with cold weather

Burlington International Airport often has better weather than mountains 30 minutes away - check mountain road conditions separately even if flying in looks clear

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how early it gets dark - outdoor activities need to start by 2 PM to finish before sunset at 4:20 PM

Assuming Lake Champlain activities are available - ferry schedules reduce significantly and lake tours shut down completely when temperatures stay below -7°C (19°F)

Booking mountain activities without checking road conditions - I-89 to Stowe requires snow tires or chains during storms, and rental cars often lack proper winter equipment