Artistic rendering – Event may differ
Holidays on the Marketplace
Vibrant pedestrian mall with over 100 small businesses and festive holiday events.
About
Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Church Street Marketplace, transforming into a winter wonderland. Discover over 100 small businesses, enjoy free hot chocolate, and be dazzled by 100,000 lights. Don't miss the Santa Parade, Tree Lighting Ceremony, visits with Santa, and festive train rides.
Our Take
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, shoppers, holiday enthusiasts
Vibe
Festive, cheerful, community-oriented
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate (outdoor events may be affected)
Special Events & Promotions
- Santa Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony (Nov 29)
- Visits with Santa (Fridays-Sundays, Nov 30-Dec 22)
- Kids Train rides (Sundays, Dec 1-22)
- Free Hot Chocolate with $25+ purchases (Nov 29-Dec 31)
- Small Business Saturday promotions (Nov 30)
- Holiday Window Contest (Dec 6-15)
- Festive Fridays (late store hours, gift wrapping, caroling)
- Menorah Lighting (Dec 25-Jan 2)
- K-Pop Dance performance (Dec 6)
- Storytime with Fletcher Free Library (various dates)
- Snowflake Craft with Fletcher Free Library (Dec 7-8)
- Burlington High School Chamber Choir performance (Dec 13)
- Colchester Middle School Choir performance (Dec 14)
- Krampus Walk (Dec 14)
- Lyric Caroling (Dec 15)
- Tuba Christmas (Dec 21)
- BTV Winter Market (Fri-Sun, Nov 15-Dec 22)
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.
Location
Event Details
Pricing
$
Duration
Multiple events throughout the season
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Burlington
Timed Entry
No
Featured Performers
- Stellaris
- Burlington High School Chamber Choir
- Colchester Middle School Choir
- Miss Vermont Scholarship Fund title holders
- Lyric Caroling
- Tuba Christmas
Organizer
Church Street Marketplace
Practical Information
Parking
99¢/hr parking at meters downtown (Zone 5803) through Jan 4. 2 hours FREE at Downtown Garage (start ParkMobile session). Parking is always FREE on Sundays. Handicapped parking is free at all meters and municipal garages for 24 hours with proper display. Monthly permits available. Customer validation options exist.
Pet Policy
Pet-friendly (dogs allowed outside and in many establishments, ask employee)
Food & Drink
Free hot chocolate coupons with purchases of $25+, participating stores, restaurants and cafes available.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early for the Santa Parade on November 29th to secure a good viewing spot and receive festive antlers from Xfinity.
- Utilize the ParkMobile app for seamless parking payments and to take advantage of the free parking offers at city garages.
- Check the list of participating businesses for the 'Free Hot Chocolate' promotion to maximize savings on purchases over $25.
- Vote in person for the Holiday Window Contest; in-person votes count as five online votes, increasing your favorite's chances.
- On Festive Fridays, visit the Snowflake Station for gift wrapping services and to support local non-profits through donations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the Marketplace open?
The Marketplace is an outdoor pedestrian mall, and each establishment sets its own hours. Most stores are open between 10 am and 7 pm Monday through Saturday and 11 am - 5 pm on Sundays. Operating hours are usually extended during December. Businesses usually close on national holidays.
Are there public restrooms on the Marketplace?
Yes, public restrooms are available at the Downtown Transit Center, City Hall Park (open 24/7), City Hall First Floor (8:00 am - 4:30 pm), and Fletcher Free Library (hours vary by day).
Does the Church Street Marketplace offer a gift card for the street?
Unfortunately, there is not a street-wide gift card available. However, many of the restaurants and shops on the Marketplace offer their own gift cards.
When is the Christmas Tree lighting this year?
The annual Christmas Tree Lighting will occur on Friday, November 28th, 2025.
Are dogs allowed on the Marketplace?
Yes, the Marketplace is dog-friendly. Dogs are always allowed to walk outside on the pedestrian mall, and many establishments allow them inside as well. Please ask an employee if dogs are permitted inside.
