BRISTOL — This Holiday Season, Bristol’s picturesque streets and artistic flair will showcase the holiday spirit with events designed to celebrate community and togetherness. Bristol’s small-town charm shines during its Small Business Saturday promotions, featuring festive sales and cheerful decorations.
Bristol will be bustling with holiday activities and celebrations that kick off even before the month of December arrives.
First up this year is the Holley Jolly Holiday Market, which will transform Bristol’s Holley Hall into a vibrant hub of artisanal talent on Nov. 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Showcasing a curated selection of high-end handmade goods, the market features an array of talented vendors from Addison County and beyond. The inviting atmosphere, filled with festive cheer, will make the Holley Jolly a must-visit destination for those seeking to embrace the holiday spirit in style.
Promoters are inviting people to make a day of it, and visit all that Bristol has to offer, downtown shops and eateries that are just steps away.
Less than a week later, Bristol will celebrate a spiritual tradition and a delicious tradition on the same evening.
Friday, Dec. 6, will see the lighting of the Memory Tree. The Bristol Recreation Department and the Bristol Elementary Chorus group invite everyone to join them on the Town Green at 5 p.m. to light the tree.
You can get the name of a friend or loved one included by providing it to organizers; the fee is $5 per name. Register a name on the rec department website, bristolvt.myrec.com, or bring them to the town office at 1 South St.
That same evening will see the annual Chocolate Walk in Bristol. From 5 to 8 p.m., businesses will be open late and will offer a complimentary chocolate treat to customers that come in to visit. Spend the evening browsing the stores, nibbling a delicious chocolate indulgence, and getting the holiday shop on at more than 20 unique vendors at multiple Main Street locations.
That same weekend, St. Ambrose Parish Hall in Bristol will host the “Gnome for Christmas” bazaar. It’s scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6, 1-4 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. It will feature crafts shop, bake shop, doll and jewelry shop, wonder jars, attic treasures, face painting, online silent auction, raffles and more. Silver Tea Friday at 2:30 p.m.
The sweetness continues in Bristol on Friday, Dec. 13. At 5 p.m. there will be a fun Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt on the green. Santa’s helpers will hide candy canes all around the park. Bring your flashlight and help find them.
Santa will be arriving at the Town Green for the Candy Cane Hunt at 5 p.m. Kids who find five candy canes will win, and a special prize will be awarded to the person who find the rainbow candy cane!
This event is free and open to the public.
Santa will be available for photos afterwards.
Head to Bristol for the annual Lumen Celebration of Fire & Light on Saturday, Dec. 14. Experience fire performers and a lighted walk down Main Street from 4-7 p.m.
There’s another chance to enjoy the fresh air and holiday feeling on that Sunday, Dec. 15.
The Bristol Recreation Department has invited Pat Palmer and his team of magnificent horses to provide a free winter trolley ride around town from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rides start and end at the Holley Hall. Reservations are required; to make one call 802-453-5885 starting on Monday, Dec. 9, from 8 a.m.-noon, through Friday, Dec. 13 at noon.
Donations will be appreciated, donations will go towards future programming. Maximum of 15 per trolley ride.
In the last week before Christmas, the Rec Department has planned an event with a special guest. On Tuesday, Dec. 17, our youngest kids can look for Story Time with Mrs. Clause at Holley Hall, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
There’s still more holiday joy to spread in Bristol. The SD Ireland Holiday Truck — a cement mixer decorated with 10,000 little lights — will be at the Bristol Town Green on Dec. 20 at 5:15 p.m. and then will drive around the streets of Bristol neighborhoods before it makes its way back North.
Get those last-minute gifts from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, during Bristol CORE’s “Last Minute Fa La La” promotion. Your favorite Bristol shops will be staying open until late to help you check off everyone on your list. As you bop in and out of shops, you’ll be delighted to know that there’s more than just shopping to enjoy.
5 Town Friends of the Arts will have you covered with a gift wrapping station that evening.