Family-Friendly Weekend Events in Vermont This November

Here is your list of family-friendly weekend events around Vermont for the month of November, courtesy of Busy Btown.

There’s no denying that it’s a bit darker and colder out. The shopping season has officially commenced (for you early achievers). Our waistlines may (or may not) be expanding in preparation for holiday meal overload. It’s a magical time of year, really. With the cooling temperatures, there are still outdoor happenings to be found, as well as plenty of creative indoor options. And there are also shopping options. A lot of them! I realize these aren’t strictly family-friendly, and this is by no means my way of encouraging shopping as a family activity. However, wherever we can support local businesses in a family-friendly sort of way, I’d say that’s worth a shout out. We have so many talented crafters and artisans in Vermont, so if you’re going to spend your hard-earned money, what better way than to support your neighbors while you do it?  

So, there you have it. Cold. Creative. Food. Shopping. Magic. Enjoy the month of November everyone, and as always, have fun!

November 1st-3rd

Disney’s Winnie the Pooh by Very Merry Theatre
Where: O.N.E. Community Center, Very Merry Theatre, 20 Allen St, Burlington
When: Friday, 5:00pm-5:45pm; Saturday, 6:30pm-7:15pm
Catch this free, short musical featuring Winnie the Pooh and his friends, from the Very Merry Theatre performers. Performers are from grades 1-6.

REI Williston Free Weekend
Where: 244 Retail Way, Williston
When: Friday, 8:30am-9pm; Saturday, 8:30am-10:30pm; Sunday, 8:00am-6:00pm
A new REI store is scheduled to open in Williston mid-November. To celebrate their new neighbors, they are hosting a number of events throughout the weekend. Not all of the events are family-friendly, but all would certainly appeal to parents, and they’re booking fast. Adults can register for free yoga classes through Yoga Roots studios, join a Fireside Social at the Garden Barn at Lang farm, and dress in retro skiwear fashion at Burton Snowboards’ Pray 4 Snow Party. With the kids, head to Petra Cliffs on Sunday for free entry, with climbing and bouldering for all ages and abilities. Space is limited for some activities, so registration is recommended.

Youth Dances: Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop (ages 5-7)
Where: Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, 153 Main St, Burlington
When: Friday, 4:20pm-5:20pm
This dance class is available for kids ages 5-7, from beginners to experienced dancers, to learn choreography and performance skills in the hip-hop, jazz, and lyrical genres. While drop-ins are welcome, the class can fill up, so signing up in advance is recommended. The class is available every Friday through 12/6 (except for 10/25 & 11/29).

Trotting of the Turkeys
Where: 2 Church Street, Burlington
When: Saturday, 11:00am-12:00pm
Take your family to see this one-of-a-kind parade, where individuals trot along Church Street with a frozen turkey, which is then donated to the Chittenden County Food Shelf. Or better yet, check out the event link (above) and purchase turkeys and participate in the parade yourselves! 

Webby’s Art Studio: Watercolor Wonder
Where: Shelburne Museum, Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education Classroom, 6000 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne
When: Saturday, 11:00am-3:00pm
This family-friendly art class will have you create a painting inspired by a current exhibition, Joel Barber & the Modern Decoy.

Where: Smilie Memorial Elementary School
When: Saturday, 12:00pm-4:00pm
This community event features local vendors (from food to clothing), entertainment, games, and various attractions. Kid activities include artwork, bingo, and bobbing for apples. You can also learn about ways to increase the energy efficiency of your home or vehicle. A Harvest Dinner starts at 5pm.

Mister Chris and Friends with Danica Cunningham
Where: Higher Ground 1214 Williston Rd, Willistion
When: Saturday, 12:00pm-2:00pm
Vermont PBS and Let’s Grow Kids presents Mister Chris and Friends at Higher Ground, with special guest Danica Cunningham. Kids can sing and dance to both new and familiar Mister Chris songs, and there will even be kids’ games like a giant Chutes & Ladders, Legos and brain flakes. This is a sensory-friendly show. 

Team Mastermind at the Archives
Where: The Archives, 191 College St, Burlington
When: Saturday, 1:00pm-4:00pm
Help raise money for the UVM Children’s Hospital to support their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. This family-friendly event benefits pediatric patients and their families. Play arcade games, and even participate in a Mrs. Pacman tournament. Purchase a Mastermind beer, and $1 of the draft will be donated to this cause.

Kids Workshop – American Eagle
Where: The Home Depot, 759 Harvest Ln, Williston
When: Saturday, 9:00am-12:00pm
While supplies last, kids will be provided with a workshop apron, commemorative pin, and a free kit to make an American Eagle. Using a hammer, fine sandpaper, wood glue, and a Phillips screwdriver, kids will assemble the basic shape of the eagle, and then customize it with stickers and paint. A parent or adult should be present the whole time, and registering is recommended.

Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides
Where: Shelburne Farms, 1611 Harbor Rd, Shelburne
When: Saturday, 2:45pm, 3:30pm, 4:15pm & 5:00pm
Enjoy the great outdoors on the beautiful Shelburne Farms property with a horse-drawn wagon ride. There are four time slots (each with two wagons), and light snacks and activities are provided at the Education Center in the Farm Barn just prior to, or directly following, your ride. Tickets are $10 per adult, and $7 for kids 12 and under. To guarantee a space, registration is required. 

Art Play Day
Where: Radiate Art Space, 203 Bridge St, Richmond
When: Sunday, 10:00am-11:30am
The Art Play Day at Radiate Art Space is recommended for kids ages 18 months to 5 years of age. During each class, kids will be able to engage and experiment with materials from a variety of stations. The cost is just $5 per child, or $8 for a family. The next Art Play Day in November is on the 17th. 

Oleo Romeos benefit for the Fairfield Food Shelf
Where: The Meeting House, 53 School St, East Fairfield
When: Saturday, 7:00pm
As part of the 2019 Summer Evenings series with Vermont Treasures, head to The Meeting House on Saturday to listen to the Oleo Romeos. There will be light fare, beverages, and desserts available for purchase, and benefits go to the Fairfield Food Shelf. The suggested donation is $10, and you can call to reserve a seat. 

November 8th-10th

Willy Wonka by Very Merry Theatre
Where: Flynn Elementary School, Burlington
When: Friday, 6:30pm; Saturday, 4pm
Catch a performance of Willy Wonka at Flynn Elementary, in collaboration with Very Merry Theatre. 

43rd Annual Milton Pre-Christmas Craft Show
Where: Milton Senior High School, 17 Rebecca Lander Dr, Milton
When: Saturday, 9:00am-4:00pm
Hit up this popular pre-holiday craft show, and purchase goods from over 70 crafters. There will be food available for purchase, a santa visit at 1:30pm, and a kid’s space with face painting. Admission is free, but bring a non-perishable food item to support the Milton Food Shelf. 

Where: Milton Artists’ Guild, 199 US Route 7, Milton
When: Saturday, 9:00am-4:00pm
This ArtFest is another great opportunity to kick off your holiday shopping, with vendors from all over the state selling food, beverages, art, and more.

STEM Festival
Where: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, 1 College St, Burlington
When: Saturday, 10:00am-5:00pm
At the STEM Festival at ECHO, kids can test, spin, crank, build, and create—engaging across a variety of activities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Activities include a 12-foot tall wind wall, a 30-foot Lego race track, coding robots, and giant blue building blocks. 

Webby’s Art Studio: Photo Finish
Where: Shelburne Museum, Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education Classroom, 6000 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne
When: Saturday, 11:00am-3:00pm
In this family-friendly class, you can learn about a photographic process from a current exhibit, Time Lapse: Contemporary Analog Photography. You’ll then create your own work of art. 

Good Clean Fun!
Where: Vermont Comedy Club, 101 Main St, Burlington
When: Saturday, 5:00pm-6:00pm
Take your kids to this family-friendly improv comedy show at the Vermont Comedy Club! Tickets are just $5 for kids and $10 for adults. 

November 15th – November 17th

Elf, The Musical
Where: Vergennes Union High School, 50 Monkton Rd, Vergennes
When: Friday, 7:00pm-10:00pm; Saturday, 3:00pm-5:00pm
If you’re looking for some laughs as we head into the holiday season, then head to Vergennes Union High School to see Elf, The Musical. Based on the popular 2003 movie, this modern holiday show will get you in the Christmas spirit.

Parents’ Night Out
Where: Founders Memorial School, 75 Maple St, Essex Junction
When: Friday, 5:30pm-9:00pm
Parents, this is your chance for a kid-free night out, without searching endlessly for a sitter. For $20, send your little one to Founders Memorial School for a movie, pizza, popcorn, and games. Kids must be between the ages of 3-10 (and potty trained), and can bring pajamas, a pillow, and a blanket.

Family Paint Night
Where: Davis Studio, 916 Shelburne Rd, South Burlington
When: Friday, 6:00pm-7:30pm
For $25 per person, take the whole family to a Paint Night at Davis Studio, where you’ll paint your favorite pet. Simply bring a photo, and the Studio will guide you through the process of creating an acrylic painting on canvas. Space is limited, so enrolling in advance is required.

Hawks, Owls & Falcons!
Where: Shelburne Farms, 1611 Harbor Rd, Shelburne
When: Saturday, 10:00am & 1:00pm
Meet Vermont birds of prey, learn about their characteristics, and ask questions at this drop-in program on Shelburne Farms. While registration is encouraged, drop-ins are welcome.

Webby’s Art Studio: Diorama Day
Where: Shelburne Museum, Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education Classroom, 6000 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne
When: Saturday, 11:00am-3:00pm
See Shelburne Museum’s collection of miniatures, and then design your own diorama using a combination of drawing, collage, and sculpture techniques.

The Music of the Beatles for Kids
Where: Higher Ground 1214 Williston Rd, Willistion
When: Saturday, 12:00pm
The Rock and Roll Playhouse Family concert series returns to Higher Ground this Saturday to play the music of the Beatles. These concerts are perfect first concerts for young kids, with movement and dancing encouraged. Tickets are $15 per person.

November 22nd – November 24th

Craft Vermont
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 870 Williston Rd, South Burlington
When: Friday, 10:00am-8:00pm; Saturday, 10:00am-6:00pm; Sunday, 10:00am
This holiday art and craft show features over 160 Vermont artisans. Admission is $8, but gets you access to all 3 days of the show, and children 12 and under are free. 

Family Art Saturday
Where: Burlington City Arts, 135 Church St, Burlington
When: Saturday, 11:00am-1:00pm
Make art with the whole family, for free! Drop in to the BCA Center for their once-a-month Family Art Saturday, where you can create artwork together based on a current exhibition. 

A Taste of Autumn on the Farm
Where: Shelburne Farms, 1611 Harbor Rd, Shelburne
When: Saturday, 10:00am-12:00pm
Head to Shelburne Farms and join them in the Farm Barn kitchen to cook up some tasty treats. Learn about some of Vermont’s favorite foods as you cook them. This event is recommended for ages 5 and up, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Non-member costs are $7 per child, and $4 per adult, and registration is required.

Webby’s Art Studio: Matchbox Houses
Where: Shelburne Museum, Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education Classroom, 6000 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne
When: Saturday, 11:00am-3:00pm
Inspired by the museum’s collection of dollhouses, this family-friendly art class allows you to create a petite house for a miniature figurine.

November 29th – December 1st

The HomeLight Killington Cup
Where: Killington Resort, 4763 Killington Rd, Killington
When: Friday-Sunday, 10:00am-9:00pm
Make your way to the FIS Ski World Cup for women’s giant slalom and slalom racing at Killington’s Resort. Last year, Mikaela Shiffrin won her third Killington Cup World Cup slalom. Catch the first run at 10am or the second run at 1pm, on both Saturday and Sunday. General admission and parking are free, but there are only a limited number of tickets available for enhanced viewing.

Jingle Bell Express 2019
Where: Main Street Landing, Burlington
When: Saturday-Sunday, 10:00am, 12:00pm or 2:00pm
Ride the Jingle Bell Express for a good cause! There are 3 festive one-hour rides available each day, with special guests, activities, caroling and treats. Tickets are $25 each, but children under 2 are free (if they sit on a lap), and each child will receive a goodie bag and cookie. All proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Burlington.

Women’s Festival of Crafts
Where: Burlington City Hall, Burlington
When: Saturday, 10:00am-5:00pm; Sunday, 10:00am-4:00pm
This great craft festival in Burlington’s City Hall features local and handmade goods from over 50 artisans. Find anything from jewelry to artwork, greeting cards to housewares, and more. Admission is free.

Webby’s Art Studio: Wired Ballet
Where: Shelburne Museum, Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education Classroom, 6000 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne
When: Saturday, 11:00am-3:00pm
Build and sculpt an Edgar Degas ballerina, inspired by his featured artwork in the Electra Havemeyer Webb Memorial Building, using wire, pipe cleaners, and tulle.

Tree Lighting and Fireworks
Where: Taylor Park, Saint Albans
When: Saturday, 5:00pm-7:00pm
Start the holiday season with a tree lighting and caroling in downtown Saint Albans. Visit with Santa, sample cider and cookies, and stay for the bonfire and fireworks (all for free!) The evening kicks off the Saint Albans annual Festival of Trees, which goes through December 8th.

Kids Workshop – Stocking Ornament
Where: The Home Depot, 759 Harvest Ln, Williston
When: Saturday, 9:00am-12:00pm
While supplies last, kids will be provided with a Workshop Apron, commemorative pin, and a free kit to make a holiday stocking ornament. Participants will nail a photo frame to the inside of an ornament, which can then be customized with paint and stickers (and later, a photo of your choosing). A parent or adult should be present the whole time, and registering is recommended.

Frozen in Vermont
Where: Higher Ground, 1214 Williston Rd, South Burlington
When: Sunday, 12:00pm or 2:30pm
Wildflowers Studio and Higher Ground partner up to bring you a frozen magical wonderland, with dance and musical performances by Fusion 802. There will be crafts, airbrush tattoos, sensory activities, inflatable fun, and a photo booth… all in the Frozen theme. Kids can even meet the famous Frozen characters. 

Rí Rá Santa 5k Vermont
Where: Rí Rá Burlington, 123 Church St, Burlington
When: Sunday, 10:00am
This family-friendly event is Vermont’s first and largest all-Santa Run/Walk 5k. All race participants receive a Santa suit to be worn during the race, and upon completion, will enjoy breakfast snacks and a lovely medal to mark their participation. Even if you don’t walk/run yourself, watching hundreds of Santas run through the streets is quite a sight to see.

Need more ideas? Want to add anything to our list of family-friendly weekend events this November? 

Check out Busy Btown for other easy things to do in Chittenden County, and to see a weekly list of our Top 10 Events for the upcoming weekend. You’ll also find resources on trails, parks, playgrounds, and more around Chittenden County.