10 Unbeatable Winter Events in Stowe

October 25, 2018

by STOWE AREA ASSOCIATION

With the first snowflakes already falling on Stowe, we’re turning our attention to the coming winter months in anticipation of a snowy, busy season. Kick off the winter season at Stowe Mountain Resort’s opening day and then get ready for the holiday season where Stowe comes alive with celebrations and events for all ages. Combat the winter blues in January and February with classic events that embrace the winter months, like ice carving competitions and Nordic ski races. These events will keep you wishing for snow all winter long!

 

Winter Opening Day
When: November 16, 2018
Where: Stowe Mountain Resort
The countdown is on for Stowe Mountain Resort’s opening day! Seize the season and start the Winter 2018/2019 season off right. Enjoy complimentary hot food, special prizes, a DJ and take advantage of the early season skiing. Stowe Mountain Resort offers unparalleled snowmaking and grooming, so you can enjoy the best conditions around.

Holiday Wine Tasting Party
When: November 18, 2018
Where: Cork Wine Bar & Market of Stowe
Get ready for the holiday season at Cork’s Holiday Wine Tasting Party. This tasting will offer you 30+ wines that all pair perfectly with any upcoming holiday meals, or parties you might be preparing for. This is a great way to expand your knowledge of wine and impress your guests this holiday season. Complimentary lite bites will be offered.
Cork Wine Bar & Market of Stowe

Handmade Candy Cane Demonstrations
When: November 23 – December 23, 2018
Where: Laughing Moon Chocolates
Have you ever wanted to make your own holiday candy? Laughing Moon Chocolates is expanding their daily chocolate dipping demonstrations for the holiday season and adding in the option to make your own delicious candy cane. Watch as candy makers boil, turn, pull, roll and twist peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon wintergreen or maple candy into works of art. Register ahead of time to make your own. Viewing is complimentary.

Small Business Saturday
When: November 24, 2018
Where: Stowe Kitchen Bath & Linens
Start your holiday gift shopping at the Stowe’s Small Business Saturday Welcome Center. Enjoy giveaways, raffle prizes and complimentary shopping bags. Stowe’s local shops will be open all day and offer a variety of gifts for everyone on your shopping list, including parents, children, the fashionista, artist or outdoor enthusiast in your life.

A Traditional Christmas in Stowe
When: November 30 – December 2, 2018
Where: Various Stowe locations
Celebrate the holidays in Stowe with tree lightings, a lantern parade, wagon rides, Santa and reindeer visit, gingerbread house decorating and wreathmaking. This weekend kicks off with the lighting of the Christmas Tree on Main Street and continues with Santa visits at Stowe Mercantile, cookie decorating at Café on Main, the annual Christmas fair at Stowe Community Church, a Welcome to Winter celebration by Stowe Parks & Recreation and more.

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!)
When: December 7 – 9, 2018
Where: Lamoille County Players
Join the Lamoille County Players at the Hyde Park Opera House for this special Christmas show. Instead of performing Charles Dickens’ holiday classic, three actors decide to perform every Christmas Story ever told – plus Christmas traditions from around the world and more. Theatre lovers won’t want to miss this special performance!

Reduced Shakespeare Company: The Ultimate Christmas Show
When: December 15, 2018
Where: Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center
Join Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center for an irreverent yet heartwarming trip through the holidays. Watch the festive, funny, physical, family fun as these Three Wise Guys send-up and celebrate your favorite winter holiday traditions.

*Note: This performance is recommended for audiences 13 and over due to adult content.

Stowe Derby
When: January 13, 2019
Where: Various Stowe locations
The Stowe Derby is one of the oldest and most unique ski races in North America and it all began in 1945 as a personal challenge between two skiers. Today, the event attracts over 900 competitors and challenges them to ski approximately 20 km of terrain racing down Mt. Mansfield’s Toll Road and along the Stowe Recreation Path. There is also a short course for young children and a shorter 6km course. Take on the challenge yourself or cheer on the competitors.
Stowe_Winter_Nordic_Stowe Derby_MarkVandenberg

Winter Rendezvous
When: January 23 – 27, 2019
Where: Various Stowe locations
The annual LGBTQ pride celebration attracts hundreds of LGBTQ skiers, riders and winter enthusiasts to Stowe each year for five days of wintry fun. Events include skiing and riding at Stowe Mountain Resort, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing at Trapp Family Lodge, après ski parties, bonfires, dogsledding with Umiak Outdoor Outfitters, a pool party and more.

Stowe Winter Carnival
When: January 24 – February 3, 2019
Where: Various Stowe locations
Chase away the winter blues at the Stowe Winter Carnival! This carnival is celebrating its 45th year in 2019 and began as a way to fight the winter doldrums. This event will feature fun winter sports like the Snowvolleyball Tournament, Snowgolf Competition. Stowe’s storefronts will also feature an ice sculpture that captures their business – a great way to get out and explore Stowe. Mark your calendars for this fun, winter tradition.
Spruce Peak Ice Sculptures_01_2018

From winter hikes and snowshoeing excursions to live music and performing arts, Stowe has all an events lineup that will keep you busy all season long. View full events calendar.

Photo courtesy: Stowe Vibrancy, Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Winter Rendezvous, Stowe Winter Carnival, Mark Vandenberg Photography, Stowe Mountain Resort and Cork Wine Bar & Market of Stowe.