Things To Do (Activities - Winter)

Discover the best ways to make the most of winter in Burlington with this ultimate guide to outdoor adventures, cozy experiences, cultural highlights, and fun group activities. Winter in Burlington transforms the city into a snow-covered playground, offering everything from scenic hikes and ice skating to warm cafes and lively trivia nights. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, a cozy place to unwind, or a fun night out with friends, this guide has you covered. We’ve rounded up the best winter activities, both classic and unique, to help you embrace the season and make the most of Burlington’s cold-weather charm. Maybe try just closing your eyes, scrolling and just see what you land on! That’s something I do all of the time.

Outdoor Adventures

• Ice skating at Calahan Park or Roosevelt Park (free outdoor rinks, weather-dependent)

• Ice skating at Leddy Park Ice Arena (indoor public sessions)

• Sledding at Rice Memorial High School Hill (popular sledding spot)

• Sledding at Revere Hill (South Burlington) (well-known sledding location)

• Cross-country skiing at Catamount Outdoor Center (groomed trails, rentals available)

• Cross-country skiing on groomed sections of the Burlington Bike Path

• Snowshoeing at Red Rocks Park or Ethan Allen Park (scenic wooded trails)

• Snowshoeing on the Burlington Bike Path (lakeside winter views)

• Winter hiking at Mt. Philo (short, rewarding hike with great views)

• Winter birdwatching at Delta Park (spot seasonal birds along the water)

• Frozen sunrise stroll at North Beach (watch the lake shimmer in the morning light)

• Battery Park sunset views (a favorite for winter lake photography)

• Explore the frozen cliffs at Red Rocks Park (stunning natural formations)

• Take a wintery bike ride on the Burlington Bike Path (fat bikes recommended)

• Ice fishing at a designated Lake Champlain spot (verify safety before heading out)

• Take a full moon snowshoeing adventure at Catamount Outdoor Center

• Walk through UVM campus and relive the glory days.

Cozy & Relaxing Experiences

• Walk Church Street Marketplace and check out winter window displays

• Check out holiday lights in downtown Burlington

• Take a self-guided historic downtown tour (see Burlington’s winter charm)

• Visit the top of Ethan Allen Tower for snowy city views

• Have a winter picnic at Oakledge Park (bring a thermos of hot cocoa)

• Find a quiet bench and read outside in a scenic winter spot

• Take a Winooski River Walk for a peaceful winter stroll

• Warm up with a hot drink crawl (e.g., Uncommon Grounds, Muddy Waters, Kru Coffee)

• Tour local cafés for seasonal lattes and pastries

• Visit the University of Vermont Greenhouse (a warm escape from winter)

• Attend a winter reading session at Phoenix Books (author talks & cozy reads)

Local Culture & Entertainment

• See a performance at The Flynn (theater, concerts, comedy shows)

• Watch a hockey game at Gutterson Fieldhouse (UVM hockey)

• Watch a basketball game at Patrick Gymnasium (UVM basketball)

• Watch a movie at Sunset Drive-In Theater (they run movies in winter!)

• Visit ECHO Leahy Center’s winter exhibits (interactive science & nature)

• Explore local art at the Burlington City Arts (BCA) Center

• Take a pottery class at Willow House Studio

• Try an art class or workshop at BCA Center

• Check out local handmade crafts at Birdfolk Collective

• Tour the Magic Hat Artifactory (learn about Vermont’s iconic brewery)

• Browse vintage vinyl records at Pure Pop Records

• See a seasonal film screening at a local indie cinema

Social & Fun Group Activities

• Trivia night at Reuben James or Drink Bar or Venetian Soda Lounge

• Board game café meetup (gather with friends at a game-friendly spot)

• Play old-school arcade games at Archives Bar

• Try an escape room challenge at Escape Room 60 in Winooski

• Join a winter pub crawl on Church Street

• Go bowling at Spare Time Colchester

• Axe throwing at Burly Axe Throwing

• Try indoor rock climbing at Petra Cliffs

• Play billiards at Manhattan Pizza & Pub

• Plan a group baking night at home (comfort food & socializing)

• Cozy up at Lincoln’s speakeasy bar (hidden entrance adds to the fun)

• Host a potluck dinner with a winter comfort food theme

• Find a weekly comedy night at The Vermont Comedy Club

• Go thrift shopping at Battery Street Jeans or Goodwill

• Take a cooking or baking class at a local kitchen studio