Come together for the holidays in Middlebury

The Middlebury Acting Company will put anyone into the holiday spirit — even Ebenezer Scrooge — with their production of “A Christmas Carol.”

Bristol has fun holiday events planned

The holidays get off to a sweet start on Friday, Dec. 3, with the return of Bristol’s Annual Chocolate Walk.

‘Krampusnacht’ performed in natural amphitheater

Bald Mountain Theater in Rochester will present “Krampusnacht—Stories of Light and Dark for the Winter Solstice” on Friday, Dec. 3, and Saturday, Dec. 4., in a natural amphitheater.

Holiday guide: Keep family traditions alive; try gaming online

ADDISON COUNTY — As has been the case for all families, the pandemic has been tough for ours. And the holidays won’t be easy, either, with both of our daughters making their way in the world in Massachusetts and quarantine rules and careers meaning unitin … (read more)

Holiday guide: Staying safe while shopping local this holiday season

VERGENNES/MIDDLEBURY — With the number of COVID-19 cases forecast to rise throughout the holiday season, Vermonters may be wary of doing their holiday shopping in-person. Local retailers are creating alternative shopping methods and working to ensure cust … (read more)

Holiday guide: Make your own little trees out of book pages

These fir-like trees can adorn the mantlepiece, the holiday table or any other space you reserve for holiday decorating. They’re easy to make, so it can be a great activity to do with your kids. These instructions are basic and leave room for you to adorn … (read more)

Holiday guide: The amaryllis will brighten up a winter’s day

Amaryllis, a popular holiday plant, is cherished for its showy flowers in hues ranging from stark white to dazzling red.  This species was discovered in 1828 by a German botanist in Chile and classified as Hippeastrum, a genus of the Amaryllidacaea family … (read more)

Holiday guide: Decorate Brandon and you may win a prize

BRANDON — The Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Brandon Recreation Department and The Reporter newspaper to sponsor a Holiday Decorating Contest. All Brandon residents are invited to join in the holiday fun.  There will be six catego … (read more)

Holiday guide: Brandon to hold reverse parade

BRANDON — Brandon will be the home of the very first and largest “Reverse Parade” in New England on Sunday, Dec. 20, 5-6 p.m. In response to the COVID crisis, the folks at the Brandon Recreation Department, the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, the Brandon Fre … (read more)

Holiday guide: Midd Nib Bars, a dark chocolate treat, offered downtown

MIDDLEBURY — The Better Middlebury Partnership, which has organized some activities between Thanksgiving and Christmas, has another sweet thing planned for the holidays. Local merchants in December will be selling specially produced Midd Nib Bars, which a … (read more)

Holiday guide: Take a walk, cut a tree with $5 permit

VERMONT — U.S. Forest Service officials in Vermont are welcoming the public to select and cut a Christmas tree in the Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) with the purchase of a $5 permit. For the first time, permits will be available for purchase either … (read more)

Karl Lindholm: The Turkey Day Classic

Editor’s note: This Thanksgiving column by popular columnist Karl Lindholm is an oldie but a goodie. Originally published in 2001 (all the ages are almost two decades out of date) and then again in 2007. It evokes what is in some ways a bygone era, and ye … (read more)

Cirque de Fuego to light up the night in Middlebury

MIDDLEBURY — As with all else in 2020, public activities in Middlebury will be different this holiday season. But the Better Middlebury Partnership and the local businesses and boosters it represents nevertheless have a slate of activities designed to lig … (read more)

Tree farms make COVID adjustments

ADDISON COUNTY — The holidays are here, and while Christmas tree farms and retailers have had to make some adjustments for COVID-19, county residents looking for fresh Vermont-grown greenery will have plenty to choose from. Vermont has 70 Christmas tree f … (read more)

Bid on Sheldon’s miniature Christmas trees

MIDDLEBURY — This year, the Henry Sheldon Museum of History’s annual Miniature Christmas Tree Raffle features nine one-of-a-kind, 24-inch tall miniature Christmas trees decorated and donated by talented craftspeople. Because of the need for social distanc … (read more)

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