It’s a Small World
November 27-January 10
Good things truly come in small packages at the Brattleboro Festival of Miniatures, where wee scenes of wonder and whimsy pop up in shop windows all around town, rewarding a stroll with unexpected discoveries. Other highlights: a gingerbread barn and mini cookie contest, model railroads, the Museum of Things Tiny and Found, and a diminutive tea party, served from itty-bitty tea sets.
Friday, November 27, through Sunday, January 10, at various locations in Brattleboro. Free. Info, festivalofminiatures@gmail.com, festivalofminiatures.org.
Son of a Nutcracker
November 12-15
Only a cotton-headed ninny muggins would miss Lyric Theatre’s production of Elf the Musical at the Flynn in Burlington! Based on the classic film starring Will Ferrell — the one that taught us the real four food groups — this stage adaptation follows Buddy the Elf’s journey to the true meaning of Christmas, with lessons about innocence, optimism and found family along the way.
Thursday, November 12, and Friday, November 13, 7 p.m.; and Saturday, November 14, and Sunday, November 15, 1 & 6 p.m., at the Flynn in Burlington. $21.25-65. Info, 802-863-5966.
Happiness and Cheer
December 2
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage brings the whole Peanuts gang and that incomparable Vince Guaraldi soundtrack to Paramount Theatre in Rutland. More than 60 years after it first appeared on TV, the story of a kid-directed play and a tiny tree remains an antidote to the commercialism of the season — and a reminder of the beauty to be found in the small and humble.
Wednesday, December 2, 7 p.m., at Paramount Theatre. $45-65. Info, 802-775-0903.
Host of Christmas Past
December 5 & 6, December 19-January 3
Step back in time at Billings Farm & Museum’s Winter Celebration on the Farm in Woodstock. The halls of the historic farmhouse are decked for a Victorian holiday, with guides sharing details of 19th-century traditions. Families learn to dip candles and make butter, take a sleigh or wagon ride through the surrounding pastures, and enjoy a cup of cocoa or spiced cider by the outdoor firepits.
Saturday, December 5, and Sunday, December 6; and Saturday, December 19, through Sunday, January 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed December 24 and 25; at Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock. $12-21; free for members and kids under 3. Info, 802-457-2355.
Star Search
December 6
Beyoncé. James Brown. Christina Aguilera. They all started out at amateur talent competitions. That means the sky’s the limit for the musicians, dancers, magicians and other young performers at the Spectacular Spectacular, Seven Days’ noncompetitive talent showcase at the Higher Ground Ballroom in South Burlington. Maybe watching their peers will inspire your kiddo to get onstage next year!
Sunday, December 6, noon-2 p.m., at the Higher Ground Ballroom in South Burlington. $7-10. Info, 802-652-0777.
Snow Business
February 5-7
Old Man Winter himself is the guest of honor at Montpelier’s Winterfest, the Capital City’s celebration of the indoor and outdoor joys of the season. Lean into the frosty fun with sledding, skating and Nordic skiing; live music; horse-drawn wagon rides; 10 illuminated bridges; and family photo ops at striking ice sculptures around town. Parents, you can snap up deals at downtown stores.
Friday, February 5, through Sunday, February 7, at various locations in Montpelier. Free. Info, 802-223-9604, montpelieralive.org.
Tall Tale
February 9
UK touring troupe Tutti Frutti Productions takes on Aesop’s famous fable with The Boy Who Cried Wolf at Spruce Peak Arts in Stowe. In this musical adaptation, bored Silas must guard the sheep, missing out on the village knitting competition, where every sweater tells a story. Expect rollicking songs, a fierce beast or two, and a timeless lesson about honesty.
Tuesday, February 9, 10 a.m., at Spruce Peak Arts in Stowe. $11. Info, 802-760-4634.
This article appears in Kids VT Winter • 2026.
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