Twinkle, Twinkle
November 21-January 5
Winter Lights at Shelburne Museum outshines even the starriest night. The stunning, music-enhanced illumination of the grounds and historic buildings invites families to stroll past sparkling sea creatures at the steamboat Ticonderoga, whimsical circus figures under a glowing big top, bioluminescent butterflies in Bostwick Garden and other lustrous landmarks.
Select dates from Thursday, November 21, through Thursday, January 5, various evening times, at Shelburne Museum. $10-20; free for children under 3. $65 per car on special drive-around nights. Sensory-friendly dates on Monday, December 9 and 16. Info, 985-3346, shelburnemuseum.org.
In With the New
December 31
An age-appropriate bedtime won’t stop kids from marking the turn of the calendar at Montshire Museum of Science’s New Year’s at Noon celebration. Clad in fancy finery or pajama-party attire, children 12 and under enjoy themed activity stations and count down to 2025 every hour on the hour until the clock strikes 12 — noon, that is.
Tuesday, December 31, 9:30 a.m.-noon, at Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich. $11-15; free for children under 2; member discount. Info, 649-2200, montshire.org.
Chill Factor
December 8
Before Disney’s Frozen, there was Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen. Ukraine’s Grand Kyiv Ballet translates the wintry wonderment from page to stage — watch in awe as forest fairies, mischievous trolls, a funny snowman and other characters dance through this frosty tale of true love, friendship and wicked spells.
Sunday, December 8, 7 p.m., at Flynn Main Stage in Burlington. $48.75-69.75. Info, 863-5966, flynnvt.org.
Winter Wonderland
Starting January 1
Where can you play in the snow and view masterful artworks at the same time? At Greensboro’s Open Air Gallery Ski & Snowshoe Trail, a self-guided sculptural stroll — or slide — featuring regional art in a stunning natural setting. Choose from various paths suited to all ages and abilities, and look for more interactive experiences for kiddos this year.
Open daily starting Wednesday, January 1, dawn to dusk, at Highland Center for the Arts in Greensboro. Free; donations accepted. Info, 533-2000, highlandartsvt.org.
Reel to Real
February 2
The Vermont Youth Orchestra goes to the movies for its “Screen Time” concert. Talented performers play Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf as a live score to the same-named 2006 Oscar-winning animated short film. The program also includes the first movement of Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor, played by Essex High School senior Hailey Messier, and Koji Kondo’s end theme to the Star Fox 64 video game.
Sunday, February 2, 3 p.m., at Essex Cinemas & T-Rex Theater. $20-23. Info, 655-5030, vyo.org.
Glacial Gala
February 14-16
North Hero’s frozen City Bay is the coolest place to be during Great Ice!, a midwinter party for all ages. Festivalgoers embrace the cold with dogsled rides, an across-the-lake trek, lighted nighttime ice skating, bonfires, ice games and snow-building competitions. Someone be sure to invite Jack Frost so that the weekend is appropriately chilly!
Friday, February 14, 4-8:30 p.m.; Saturday, February 15, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Sunday, February 16, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at City Bay and nearby locations in North Hero. All events are free except for dogsled rides, $15. Info, 372-1795, greaticevt.org.
Step Right Up
March 1
The celebrated Grand Shanghai Circus combines awe-inspiring acrobatics, colorful costumes and spellbinding sets in a spectacle full of jaw-dropping thrills. A flurry of daring acts — including bicycle tricks, chair stacking, pole climbing, plate spinning and roller skating — delivers an enchanted evening that leaves all ages breathless.
Saturday, March 1, 7 p.m., at Paramount Theatre in Rutland. $30-40. Info, 775-0903, paramountvt.org.
The original print version of this article was headlined “Save the Dates | Winter fun for the whole family By carolyn Fox & Angela Simpson”
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This article appears in Kids VT, Winter 24-25.
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