Events for December and January, 2021

Today through Dec. 20
Shop locally for the perfect holiday gifts for friends or family at the Charlotte Library Art Show and Sale. Participating artists donate a portion of their sales to the library. Stop by during library hours to find some treasures by Charlotte artists. Something for every taste, every age and every budget. Runs through Monday, Dec. 20. Masks required inside library. More info at the library website.

Thursday, Dec. 16 – Saturday, Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.
It’s a Wonderful Life – A live radio play is presented by the Shelburne Players, bringing a beloved American holiday classic to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. Shows at the Shelburne Town Hall, Shelburne Village. Tickets may be purchased online in advance, or call 802-343-2602 for more info.

Thursday, Dec. 16 — Saturday, Jan. 1, 5–8 p.m.
Winter Lights at Shelburne Museum is a spectacular and new holiday tradition. The museum campus comes aglow with lights to warm our hearts during this dark month. This uplifting and shimmering show is appropriate for all ages; please inquire about accessibility with an email. Dress warmly. The museum cafe is open for snacks and warm beverages. Runs 5–8 p.m. many evenings between Dec. 16 and Jan. 1. For tickets and more info, visit their website.

Friday, Dec. 17, 5–7 p.m. 
Join us at the Shelburne Vineyard for a casual, festive evening of sipping wine and enjoying instrumental classical Christmas music played on the guitar by local musician Cory Cogley. Admission: free and open to all—no special reservations or tickets required. All tables are FCFS. Indoors, limited seating. For more info, visit online or call 802-985-8222.

Saturday, Dec. 18, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Ornament-making for children takes place at the Bixby Library in Vergennes. You can either take-and-make these ornaments at home or drop in and create them on Dec. 18. For more info, call 802-877-2211 or visit the Bixby Library website.
Saturday, Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.

Social Band, Burlington’s lively band of singers, offer up their Deep Midwinter Concert, which will bring some peace and calm amidst the holiday hubbub. The group will put its own special stamp on the season with carols you may have never heard, contemporary works by Vermont composers, stirring songs from the American shape-note tradition, and joyful sing-alongs that allow each and every one of us to sing in community (even if masked). At Temple Sinai, S. Burlington. $18 at the door; for tickets and more info.

Saturday, Dec. 18, 3 p.m.
The Hinesburg Artist Series singers invite the public to join them for outdoor caroling in front of the Hinesburgh Public House. Dress appropriately for this festive gathering. The Hinesburgh Public House will provide cookies and hot chocolate. Join neighbors and friends for an afternoon of joyous singing to celebrate the holidays! For more info.

Saturday, Dec. 18, through Sunday, Jan. 2, daily 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (closed Christmas day)
Christmas at the Farm: Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock, Vermont, comes alive with holiday activities: visiting farm animals, warming up by campfires with hot chocolate, candle-dipping and possible snowshoeing. Old-fashioned cheer abounds at this festive family event. Visit their website for more info.

Saturday, Dec. 18, 4–6 p.m.
Join the Green Mountain Druid Order for an annual sunset ceremony within the stones, around the fire, by the Waters Between. We will pause with the sun in honor of this fertile time of deepest darkness and the rebirth of the child of light. Dress warmly. Meet at the Earth Clock at Oakledge Park in S. Burlington. For more info visit their website.

Saturday, Dec. 18, 5–8 p.m.
Full Moon Viking Feast: Enjoy a torchlit banquet at the Adventure Lodge in Vergennes. To reserve your spot or for more info: adventuredinner.com, or call 248-224-7539.

Sunday, Dec. 19, 4–5 p.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m.
The Clemmons Family Farm Kwanzaa Storytelling Program is hosted by Kia’Rae Hanron, Clemmons Family Farm K-12 Arts Learning Advisor. She is joined by four additional storytellers for an engaging evening of delightful stories that are appropriate for children and their families. Participants learn about African American traditions and the celebration of Kwanzaa at this special time of year. Grades PreK-3 will Zoom from 4–5 p.m. Grades 4–8 Zoom from 5:30–6:30 p.m. This friendly, fun and interactive program is free, but requires pre-registration. More information at the Clemmons Family Farm website.

Sunday, Dec. 19, 2 p.m. or 4 p.m.
Hear the angel voices! The Hinesburg Artist’s Series brings back the popular Holiday Concert, with shows at St. Jude Catholic Church in Hinesburg, with safely distanced seating. Donations to the series are welcome at this free concert; audience members are encouraged to bring items for the food shelf. Rufus Patrick, HAS Music Director, says the group is thrilled to bring back this festive event. “Bringing joy to the community is our goal!” Please pre-register to reserve seating. Proof of vaccination and masks required. Under age twelve, masks required.

Sunday, Dec. 19, 10-10:30 a.m.
Join friends and neighbors for the 2021 Christmas Pageant at the Charlotte Congregational Church. This is a creative and imaginative enactment of the beloved Christmas story. The pageant may be seen in person at 10 a.m. at the church, or via Zoom and YouTube Live. Please see the church website.

Sunday, Dec. 19, 5 p.m.
Charlotte Holiday Lights Roll encourages locals to decorate their homes, then drive around their neighborhoods to look at the magic of holiday lights and decorations to lift the spirits on a dark evening. Don’t forget some warm hot chocolate for your thermos. Watch for the lighted cement mixer! Starts at 5 p.m. For more info, reach out to Chea Evans

Anytime through the holidays
Enjoy the illuminated Advent spiral walk at the Charlotte Congregational Church at any time during the holidays for reflective thought or walking prayer. Solar lights turn on at dusk. No registration required. One cohabitating family at a time. Mask and distancing required.

Friday, Dec. 24, starting at 4 p.m.
Traditional Christmas services, and Caroling, take place at the Charlotte Congregational Church, 403 Church Hill Road. Caroling is at 4 p.m., outdoors, around the church’s decorated tree, rain/snow/shine. Indoor services of Lessons and Carols at 5 and 7 p.m., pre-registration required, and no livestream. Registration by email or call 802-425-3176. A pre-recorded service will be available on YouTube (Charlotte Congregational) after 12 noon on Dec. 24. For more information visit the Congregational Church website.

Friday Dec. 31, afternoon and evening activities
A highlight is Burlington’s New Year’s Eve celebration with activities for all ages. Afternoon and evening performances are held around the Burlington area, as well as virtually. Activities include music, visual art, crafts, drumming, dance, card magic, readings, comedy, and fireworks at the waterfront at 8 p.m. Tickets, more info and Covid guidelines can be found here.

Thursday, Jan. 6, 7 p.m., CCS Cafeteria
2022 Bolton Valley Ski and Ride Program: Important meeting and registration for Charlotte Central School families whose children want to participate in the 2022 Bolton Valley Ski and Ride Program. Meet in the cafeteria at 7 p.m. at Charlotte Central School. Complete meeting information in the CCS Newsletter dated Dec. 10. For questions or more information, please call Michael Krasnow at 802-425-3997 or send an email.

The week of January 7
On January 7, registration opens for the CVU Access program of over 200 classes held either at Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg or online. Links to see catalog or to register are here. If you need help with registration, please call 802-482-7194 or email. Explore new passions, ignite your imagination, learn a new skill and connect with like-minded community members!

Wednesday, Jan. 18, 7-9 p.m. and continuing for the following nine Wednesdays            Online book Discussion of Regeneration by Paul Hawken. Sustainable Charlotte and the Charlotte Library are jointly hosting a book discussion of Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation. We’ll begin, via Zoom, on Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. and continue for the following 10 weeks, ending on March 29. Discussion runs 7–9 p.m. each Wednesday. For more information, please contact the library or 802-425-3864. Please register in advance by Dec.16. For more information about Sustainable Charlotte, either go to the website or contact Ruah Swennerfelt. Copies of the book will be available at the library by Dec. 22.