Family Holiday Fun at Vermont Ski Areas

The holiday season in Vermont is pure winter magic — especially at our world-class ski areas. From festive events and torchlight parades to visits with Santa, scavenger hunts, and New Year’s celebrations, there’s a mountain-full of family-friendly fun waiting for you. Here’s your guide to the best holiday activities at Vermont ski resorts this season!

Killington Resort

Kick off the holidays with traditions and festive flair at Killington! Start with the Kids Corner holiday activities December 27-29, and top it off with a big New Year’s Eve celebration and fireworks. Tubing, ice cream socials, and competitions complement all the holiday cheer.

👉 Find all activities at: https://www.killington.com/things-to-do/events/events-calendar/.

Sugarbush Resort

Sugarbush has planned a week of holiday magic.

• Holiday Week (Dec 24–Jan 1) – Ski and ride by day, then enjoy daily hot apple cider, s’mores, festive scavenger hunts, Letters to Santa, holiday crafts, gingerbread houses, juggling shows, family movie nights, and more.
  👉 Sugarbush Holiday Week Calendar
• New Year’s Eve Party – Live music (The Grift!) and celebration will ring in 2026 after a day on the mountain.
  👉 Sugarbush New Year’s Eve Party

Smugglers’ Notch Resort

Smuggs goes all-out for the holidays.

• Holiday Magic at Smuggs – Running Dec 19–Jan 1, this includes seasonal crafts, torchlight parades, family parties, glow tubing, and chances to meet Santa — all designed to create unforgettable memories. New Year’s Eve features dancing and fireworks for the whole family.
  👉 Smugglers’ Notch Holiday Magic

Stratton Mountain Resort

Stratton blends on-slope days with festive evenings for all ages.

• Holiday & New Year’s Events – Beyond skiing and snowboarding, enjoy New Year’s Eve fireworks, a Silent Disco, snowcat dinners, Nordic activities, tubing, ice skating, and even kid-focused snowmobile tours.
  👉 Stratton Holiday & NYE Events

Stowe Mountain Resort & Village

Stowe offers classic holiday magic beyond just skiing with festive village events and entertainment at Spruce Peak Arts. Check out the  Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration  packed with entertainment, family fun, and fireworks at Spruce Peak.

Mount Snow Resort

Mount Snow hosts a Torchlight Parade & Fireworks  on New Year’s Eve. Watch instructors ski down with glowing torches followed by fireworks over the base area. Enjoy the family-friendly NYE events in the base area as well, including food, games, dancing and a sparkling cider toast at the countdown at 9pm.

Okemo Mountain Resort

Okemo celebrates New Year’s Eve with fireworks, music, games, and après ski fun in the Jackson Gore Courtyard (late afternoon into the evening). The tubing park will stay open until 7pm.

Jay Peak Resort

Jay Peak puts on New Year’s Eve Festivities including an on-mountain fireworks show, music, and extended activities like climbing and mini golf at Clips & Reels.

👉 Jay Peak New Year’s Eve Festivities

Bolton Valley Resort

New Year’s Eve tradition: Bolton has hosted torchlight parades after a day of skiing, plus a dance party in the lodge historically.
👉 NYE at Bolton Valley

Tips for Holiday Family Fun

✅ Check resort event calendars often: Most Vermont resorts add up-to-date holiday and après-ski event details leading into the holiday week.
✅ Mix it up: Pair your ski days with local village festivities. Find more activities at Vermont’s family site, findandgoseek.net.
✅ Bundle up: Vermont winter weather is beautiful — but cold! Layers, gloves, and hand warmers are a must.