5 Bucket List-Worthy Winter Events in Stowe

November 22, 2022

by GO STOWE

In the winter, Stowe, Vermont is known for its exceptional trails for alpine skiing and riding, cross-country skiing, and more. Yet Stowe’s vibrant time-honored winter events are well worth planning your winter getaway around. Read on to learn about event highlights and activities that Stowe has to offer! 

A Traditional Christmas in Stowe
December 2 – 4, 2022

Stowe’s holiday season kicks off with this annual event the first weekend of December. Join other revelers at A Traditional Christmas in Stowe and watch the whole Stowe community light up at night. Partake in the many festive activities like the tree lighting, wagon rides, and Santa’s stroll through the village. Named a Top Ten Winter Event in 2018 and 2019 by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, bring the whole family for all the festive fun! 

Photo courtesy of Stowe Vibrancy

Go Stowe Holiday Stroll
December 4 – 7, 2022

Kick-start your holiday shopping during the Go Stowe Holiday Stroll! While in Stowe for the last day of A Traditional Christmas in Stowe event, stroll (and drive) around town and discover special discounts, promotions, and events. Check off your holiday shopping list while supporting local businesses! Collect a special stamp for every purchase and after 3 purchases, redeem your stamp card for a chance to win a prize. The more you shop, the more chances to win incredible prizes from your favorite places in Stowe!

Photo by Mark Vandenberg

Winter Rendezvous
January 18 – 22, 2023

The 40th annual Winter Rendezvous is Stowe’s LGBTQ+ pride celebration that attracts hundreds of LGBTQ+ skiers, riders, and winter enthusiasts for five days of wintry bliss. The diverse range of activities include skiing and snowboarding at Stowe Mountain Resort and Spruce Peak, and world-class cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at the Trapp Family Lodge. Other outdoor activities include ice skating, horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowmobiles, dog sledding, hot tubs, and bonfires.

Photo courtesy of Winter Rendezvous

Stowe Winter Carnival
January 19 – 22, 2023

Overlapping with Winter Rendezvous is the 48th annual Stowe Winter Carnival. Ranked #2 by Country Living as one of the “15 Best Winter Festivals All Across the U.S.” Stowe Winter Carnival offers Ice Carving Competitions, astronomy/stargazing, and the infamous Snowvolleyball tournaments. Be amazed at the spectacle of live ice carving by professional ice carvers as they create elegant and masterful ice carvings throughout Stowe’s historic village. 

Photo by Sharon Harper

Stowe Derby
February 26, 2023

Become a part of a time-honored tradition and participate in the 78th annual Stowe Derby, one of the oldest and most unique ski races in North America. Generations of families from all over will take part in the challenging 20 kilometer cross-country ski course throughout Stowe. With one of the largest and most diverse trail systems in the United States, Stowe ranks as one of the top cross-country skiing destinations on the east coast, including over 3,000 acres of conserved land. This event now includes fatbike racers too!

Photo courtesy of Stowe Derby

Whether you’re planning a family-friendly trip, a couple’s retreat, or an outing with a group of friends, a winter vacation to Stowe, Vermont is sure to provide you with a fun, exciting, and adventurous getaway with these classic winter events!

Featured image by Sharon Harper

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