10 Cities in Vermont to Visit During Winter

Vermont in winter feels like a living postcard, with snowy streets, warm lights in shop windows, and trails that sparkle under crisp skies.

You get mountain energy, small town charm, and city comforts, all within easy drives.

This guide points you to places where you can glide on fresh snow, browse independent boutiques, and settle into cozy spaces that feel like home.

Let these ten destinations shape a trip you will remember long after the snow melts.

1. Stowe

Stowe shines in winter with alpine scenery, crisp trails, and a village that hums with cozy energy.

Base yourself along Mountain Road, where snowbanks frame galleries, outfitters, and inviting lobbies that glow at dusk.

Head to Stowe Mountain Resort at 5781 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672 for downhill thrills, groomed runs, and winding glades.

The Recreation Path, accessed near 135 Luce Hill Rd, Stowe, VT 05672, offers gentle miles for snowshoeing and Nordic strides.

In town, explore craft shops and local makers around 51 Main St, Stowe, VT 05672, then watch lights twinkle against white roofs.

The Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum at 1 South Main St, Stowe, VT 05672 shares gear history and athlete stories that inspire.

For a quiet moment, stroll to the white steeple at 137 Main St, Stowe, VT 05672, where the village green rests under fresh snow.

Skate at the Stowe Arena, 350 Park St, Stowe, VT 05672, with smooth ice and a friendly pace that welcomes all levels.

When winds pick up, slip into hotel lounges along 7412 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672, where fireplaces soften the evening.

Sunset reveals the spine of Vermont’s Green Mountains, and the sky blushes above spruce and cedar silhouettes.

You can linger in bookstores, try a chocolate shop, and browse gear walls without rushing the day.

Stowe blends mountain buzz with simple pleasures, making winter feel bright, balanced, and refreshingly easy.

2. Woodstock

Woodstock wraps winter in classic New England charm, with covered bridges, stately homes, and lanternlike windows at dusk.

Start at the village green at 4 The Green, Woodstock, VT 05091, where snow trims fences and footpaths form gentle arcs.

Wander to Middle Covered Bridge at Mountain Ave, Woodstock, VT 05091, its timber frame echoing footsteps on a calm afternoon.

Billings Farm and Museum at 69 Old River Rd, Woodstock, VT 05091 offers sleigh scene views, farm life exhibits, and peaceful fields.

Shops along Central St, Woodstock, VT 05091 present handwoven goods, prints, and Vermont made crafts with winter warmth.

The Woodstock History Center at 26 Elm St, Woodstock, VT 05091 adds context to architecture you will admire on quiet walks.

Winter trails at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, 54 Elm St, Woodstock, VT 05091, roll through hemlock and sugar maple.

For gallery browsing, step inside addresses near 3 Central St, Woodstock, VT 05091, where curated rooms invite slow looking.

When snowflakes drift, village sidewalks feel cinematic, and porch lights make welcome beacons.

Stop by Taftsville Covered Bridge at 9998 Woodstock Rd, Quechee, VT 05059 for a short, lovely detour under red trusses.

Return to the Green, where wreaths and bows keep spirits bright and winter feels gentle.

Woodstock delivers soft scenery, thoughtful history, and a calm rhythm that suits a Vermont holiday escape.

3. Manchester

Manchester pairs mountain access with polished small town style, perfect for a winter base in southern Vermont.

Begin at Manchester Village Green, Main St, Manchester, VT 05254, where white clapboard and stone walls meet frosted lawns.

Find the Southern Vermont Arts Center at 860 Southern Vermont Arts Center Dr, Manchester, VT 05255 for galleries in a woodland setting.

Browse outlets and independent shops along Depot St, Manchester Center, VT 05255, with window displays that feel festive.

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home at 1005 Hildene Rd, Manchester, VT 05254 offers hilltop views and quiet trails.

For Nordic laps, visit Viking Nordic Center at 615 Little Pond Rd, Londonderry, VT 05148, an easy scenic drive from town.

Drive to Bromley Mountain at 3984 Vermont Rte 11, Peru, VT 05152 for sunny slopes and a relaxed base area.

Warm up inside welcoming lobbies around 3567 Main St, Manchester, VT 05254, where fireplaces and armchairs encourage lingering.

Antique hunters can wander marble accented rooms near 4936 Main St, Manchester, VT 05255, with curated finds and local art.

Side streets reveal historic inns and porches wrapped in soft light, ideal for evening strolls.

Snow settles on fieldstone walls, and church bells carry across quiet air in town.

Manchester brings easy access, culture, and calm scenery, making winter days smooth and satisfying.

4. Waterbury

Waterbury blends small town streets with easy trail access, a smart stop between mountains and Burlington.

Stroll along South Main St, Waterbury, VT 05676, where brick facades meet freshly shoveled sidewalks and cheerful windows.

Explore historic exhibits at Waterbury Historical Society, 28 North Main St, Waterbury, VT 05676 for context on mill era roots.

Visit the Green Mountain Club Visitor Center at 4711 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Center, VT 05677 to plan winter hikes.

The State Office Complex village at 103 South Main St, Waterbury, VT 05676 shows adaptive reuse and sturdy architecture.

Ben & Jerry’s Factory at 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury, VT 05676 offers tours, gift shop browsing, and colorful displays.

Find quiet at Hope Davey Park, 1400 Maple St, Waterbury Center, VT 05677, where woods hold clean winter air.

Skate at Ice Center of Washington West, 546 River Rd, Waterbury, VT 05676, with public sessions and smooth ice.

Nearby viewpoints along Route 100 present farm fields, silo silhouettes, and the Worcester Range in soft light.

Downtown storefronts stock Vermont made goods, books, and outdoor layers that suit snowy days.

When clouds lift, head toward Little River State Park, 1463 Waterbury Rd, Duxbury, VT 05676 for winter walks.

Waterbury delivers a balanced winter rhythm, with friendly streets, easy logistics, and memorable scenery.

5. Burlington

Burlington brings lake views, creative energy, and walkable blocks that sparkle after a light snowfall.

Start at Church Street Marketplace, 2 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401, where brick arcades frame lively storefronts and street art.

At the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, 1 College St, Burlington, VT 05401, explore science exhibits and lake stories.

Stroll the Burlington Waterfront Park, 20 Lake St, Burlington, VT 05401, with snowy paths and Adirondack views across the water.

Duck into the Fleming Museum of Art, 61 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT 05405, for rotating galleries and quiet benches.

The South End Arts District along Pine St, Burlington, VT 05401 showcases studios and murals against white winter backdrops.

For a serene walk, follow the Burlington Greenway at 234 Penny Ln, Burlington, VT 05401, where wind brushes the shore.

Books and vinyl line shelves near 191 Bank St, Burlington, VT 05401, inviting unhurried browsing on cold afternoons.

Historic facades around City Hall Park, 149 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401 glow with soft evening lights.

Snow dusts stairways at the University of Vermont, 85 S Prospect St, Burlington, VT 05405, adding campus charm.

Warm up in lobbies along Main St, Burlington, VT 05401, where seating nooks keep conversations lingering.

Burlington balances culture, nature, and easy transit, a bright base for a Vermont winter stay.

6. Brattleboro

Brattleboro sits along the Connecticut River with lively arts, stacked brick blocks, and steep streets that catch snow.

Main Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301, offers galleries, bookstores, and window displays that feel hand curated and neighborly.

Brattleboro Museum and Art Center at 10 Vernon St, Brattleboro, VT 05301 hosts exhibits in a former station building.

Riverview walks at Depot St, Brattleboro, VT 05301 reveal bridges, rail lines, and winter silhouettes of the riverbank.

For a calm loop, go to Retreat Farm, 45 Farmhouse Sq, Brattleboro, VT 05301, where fields and barns frame snowy paths.

The Stone Church at 210 Main St, Brattleboro, VT 05301 anchors a hill with handsome stonework and steady presence.

Whetstone Pathway, 28 Whetstone Brook Path, Brattleboro, VT 05301, threads beside water that murmurs under ice fringes.

Shops near 118 Elliot St, Brattleboro, VT 05301 carry crafts, prints, and Vermont made gifts with thoughtful design.

Side lanes reveal murals that brighten winter gray and make photo friendly corners.

When you need warmth, lobbies and reading rooms around 224 Main St, Brattleboro, VT 05301 offer quiet seats.

As evening drops, string lights lend a gentle glow to cornices and old mill windows.

Brattleboro blends culture, scenery, and kind pace, perfect for a southern Vermont winter weekend.

7. Waitsfield

Waitsfield rests in the Mad River Valley with postcard bridges, farm fields, and a relaxed rhythm that suits winter.

Begin at the Great Eddy Covered Bridge, Bridge St, Waitsfield, VT 05673, where timber and river views frame quiet photos.

Stroll Irasville and Waitsfield Village along Main St, Waitsfield, VT 05673, browsing maker shops and outdoor gear rooms.

Skate at Skatium Outdoor Rink, 4961 Main St, Waitsfield, VT 05673, with mountain air and friendly volunteers.

For gentle trails, Mad River Path at 4711 Main St, Waitsfield, VT 05673 winds by meadows and stone walls.

Nearby Sugarbush Resort at 102 Forrest Dr, Warren, VT 05674 delivers alpine terrain and welcoming base areas.

Slow down at village greens around 40 Bridge St, Waitsfield, VT 05673, where snow gathers on fences and steps.

Galleries near 18 Bridge St, Waitsfield, VT 05673 show prints and handcrafted pieces that echo valley colors.

The Round Barn Farm at 1661 E Warren Rd, Waitsfield, VT 05673 stands proud in winter with perfect circles and red paint.

Lookouts along Route 100 reveal barns, maples, and ridgelines that shift with changing light.

Warm interiors and soft lamps welcome you inside along 5275 Main St, Waitsfield, VT 05673.

Waitsfield offers peaceful days, easy access to snow, and Vermont charm that feels genuine and unhurried.

8. Shelburne

Shelburne pairs lakeside calm with standout museums and tree lined streets that look lovely under fresh snow.

Walk the village center around 5376 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482, where clapboard facades and shop windows feel welcoming.

Shelburne Museum at 6000 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482 spreads historic buildings and galleries across open grounds.

Stroll Shelburne Farms, 1611 Harbor Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482, for shoreline views, grand architecture, and winter paths.

The Shelburne Country Store at 29 Falls Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482 holds creaky floors and nostalgic shelves.

Follow Harbor Rd to Shelburne Bay Park, 146 Athletic Dr, Shelburne, VT 05482, with quiet trails and lake vistas.

Art spaces near 5288 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482 offer rotating shows and friendly conversations.

For a contemplative hour, visit the Pierson Library at 5376 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482 with bright reading nooks.

Historic homes along Falls Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482 glow in the early evening, lanterns flickering on porches.

Shops carry Vermont textiles, paper goods, and thoughtful gifts that travel well in a carry on.

Snow on split rail fences adds texture to photographs and slow walks.

Shelburne gives you culture, shoreline quiet, and classic Vermont scenes without leaving the Burlington area.

9. Grafton

Grafton feels like a preserved Vermont village, with tidy lanes, white trim, and a hush that suits snowy days.

Start at the Grafton Village Historic District, 162 Main St, Grafton, VT 05146, where homes line a gentle curve of road.

Visit the Grafton Historical Society at 195 Main St, Grafton, VT 05146 to learn how the town grew around mills.

Wander to the white steeple at Grafton Congregational Church, 55 Main St, Grafton, VT 05146 for a classic photo stop.

Grafton Trails and Outdoor Center at 783 Townshend Rd, Grafton, VT 05146 offers groomed Nordic routes and snowshoe loops.

The village green near 173 Main St, Grafton, VT 05146 shines with simple decorations and calm benches.

Peek into maker studios around 62 School St, Grafton, VT 05146 for textiles, prints, and handcrafted keepsakes.

Side roads reveal barns with weathered boards, framed by maple trunks dusted in snow.

Evening light warms inn windows along 92 Main St, Grafton, VT 05146, creating postcard scenes.

Listen for the creek along Kidder Hill Rd, Grafton, VT 05146, a soft soundtrack beneath powdery banks.

Paths stay quiet, which makes every step feel unhurried and easy to savor.

Grafton offers deep quiet, handsome architecture, and Vermont character that invites slow exploration.

10. Montpelier

Montpelier, the capital of Vermont, delivers a compact downtown with civic landmarks and friendly corners made for winter wandering.

Begin at the Vermont State House, 115 State St, Montpelier, VT 05633, where the gold dome gleams against snowy hills.

Walk to Hubbard Park, 400 Parkway St, Montpelier, VT 05602, and climb the stone tower for white treetop views.

Kellogg-Hubbard Library at 135 Main St, Montpelier, VT 05602 offers sunny reading tables and art filled hallways.

Explore shops and galleries along State and Main, Montpelier, VT 05602, with clever displays and local makers.

For rail history, visit the Montpelier Junction area at 44 Main St, Montpelier, VT 05602 for tracks and river scenery.

The North Branch River Park, 629 Elm St, Montpelier, VT 05602, has wooded routes for snowshoes and quiet walks.

City Hall at 39 Main St, Montpelier, VT 05602 stands proud, its clockface bright in early evening.

Window shop by Langdon St, Montpelier, VT 05602, where bridges cross the Winooski and murals add color.

Skate at the Montpelier Recreation Department rink, 55 Barre St, Montpelier, VT 05602, with smooth ice and simple charm.

Warm lobbies near 100 State St, Montpelier, VT 05602 offer seating that invites a lingering pause.

Montpelier gives small city ease, history, and steady warmth, perfect for a thoughtful winter visit.