Things to Do in Montpelier in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Montpelier
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Genuine winter charm without the tourist crush - December sits in that sweet spot before the holiday crowds arrive in force, meaning you can actually walk the downtown streets and duck into cafes without fighting for space. The State House and local museums are quieter than they'll be all year.
- The holiday market season hits its stride mid-month, with local artisans setting up at the Capitol Plaza most weekends. You're looking at genuine Vermont crafts, maple products, and wool goods at better prices than you'll find in ski resort gift shops an hour away.
- Snow conditions are typically establishing themselves by December, which means you can catch early-season rates at nearby ski areas like Stowe and Sugarbush (30-45 minutes away) while still basing yourself in a walkable city with decent restaurants and breweries.
- The cold actually works in your favor for food tourism - this is peak season for Vermont's comfort food scene. Local restaurants lean into hearty fare, maple everything is flowing, and the cideries and distilleries are doing winter tastings without the leaf-peeper crowds.
Considerations
- The weather is genuinely unpredictable in a way that affects your plans - you might get that picturesque snowy December, or you might get gray, damp days hovering just above freezing with intermittent rain. Pack for both scenarios because December in Vermont doesn't commit to anything.
- Daylight is brutally short - sunset around 4:15pm means your outdoor exploration window is compressed. If you're planning to walk the trails around Hubbard Park or photograph the State House, you're working with maybe 8 hours of usable light, and it's weak winter light at that.
- Some seasonal businesses and attractions start closing for the winter or shift to weekend-only hours. The farmers market moves indoors and scales back, some hiking trails become inaccessible without proper winter gear, and you'll find restaurants that close Mondays and Tuesdays when tourist traffic drops.
Best Activities in December
State House and Capitol Complex Walking Tours
December is actually ideal for exploring Montpelier's compact downtown and the Vermont State House because the cold keeps casual tourists away but the buildings are heated and welcoming. The gold dome looks striking against gray winter skies, and the indoor portions of self-guided tours let you warm up between outdoor photography sessions. The 70% humidity makes the cold feel damper than the thermometer suggests, so you'll appreciate being able to duck inside frequently. Weekday mornings are quietest.
Craft Brewery and Distillery Trail
Vermont's craft beverage scene is excellent in December because locals are out supporting their neighborhood spots and the tasting rooms are cozy without being packed. Three Penny Taproom, Lost Nation Brewing, and Stonecutter Spirits are all within walking distance downtown. The cold weather makes the walk between spots brisk but manageable, and you'll appreciate the warm interiors. This is peak season for winter seasonal releases and barrel-aged offerings.
Cross-Country Skiing at Nearby Nordic Centers
By December, the Nordic ski centers within 15-30 minutes of Montpelier are usually grooming trails, and you'll catch early-season rates before the holiday rush. The snow coverage tends to be variable this early, but places like Morse Farm and Sleepy Hollow Inn typically have enough base by mid-December. The short daylight hours mean you'll want to start by 10am to get a solid 4-5 hours in before the light fades around 3:30pm.
Vermont Historical Society Museum
When the weather turns genuinely miserable - and December will hand you a few gray, damp days - the Vermont History Museum becomes your best indoor option. It's small enough to cover in 90 minutes but substantial enough to be worthwhile, and December is dead quiet. The building is properly heated, unlike some of the historic sites that close for winter. You'll get context for everything else you're seeing around the state.
Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks
December is actually a smart time to visit Vermont's maple operations because you'll see the setup and equipment without the spring sugaring crowds, and they're running their country store with holiday inventory. Morse Farm is about 5 km (3.1 miles) north of downtown and offers a more authentic experience than the tourist-trap sugarhouses near ski resorts. They've got cross-country ski trails on property if there's snow, and the maple tastings and farm store are open year-round.
Capitol Plaza and Downtown Holiday Markets
Mid to late December brings weekend holiday markets to the Capitol Plaza and downtown area, weather permitting. These are small-scale, local affairs - maybe 20-30 vendors - but you'll find genuine Vermont crafts, wool products, and food items without the markup you'd pay in resort towns. The markets typically run 10am-3pm on Saturdays, and the cold keeps things moving quickly, which somehow makes it feel more authentic than browsing in a heated convention center.
December Events & Festivals
Winter Farmers Market
The Capital City Farmers Market moves indoors for winter and runs on Saturdays at the Montpelier High School. It's smaller than the summer outdoor version but you'll find root vegetables, winter greens, maple products, artisan breads, and prepared foods from local producers. This is where locals actually shop, not a tourist attraction, which makes it worth experiencing if you're cooking or want to see the real food culture.
First Night Montpelier Preparations
If you're visiting late December, you'll see the city preparing for First Night Montpelier, the New Year's Eve celebration. While the actual event is December 31st, the last week of December has a festive energy with decorations going up and local businesses doing holiday promotions. Worth noting if you're planning to be here for New Year's - it's a family-friendly alcohol-free celebration with performances and activities across downtown venues.