Vermont's Wassail Weekend Is A Magical Trip Into Christmas Past

Woodstock, Vermont is a picture-perfect mountainside town, and the ideal scene for a Christmas-themed festival.

Each year, this snow-covered village transports itself back to the 19th century with horse-drawn sleighs, silver bells, historic decorations, and twinkling candlelight.

2019 marks Woodstock's 35th annual Wassail Weekend. It all begins Friday December 13 with food, shopping, and tours of historic Billings Farm & Museum in the village center.

Later that day, visitors and locals will gather at Norman Williams Public Library for an animated holiday tale told by Peter Mendes.

The first night of Wassail Weekend is capped off by a performance from Yale University a-capella singers! 

Bundle up the little ones bright and early Saturday morning for a delightful Breakfast with Santa at the Little Theatre. It's just $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. 

The rest of the day is packed with tours of Woodstock's historical homes - all decked out in 19th century holiday decor, a festive holiday craft fair, and plenty of children's activities. 

The biggest, most anticipated event of all comes at 2 PM with the 35th Annual Wassail Parade!

More than 50 horses and riders dressed in holiday costumes, period dress, and jangly jingle bells will clop down the street tossing candy canes for the kids. Santa will even make an appearance!

Saturday evening brings the town's first official Christmas tree lighting as well as more performances and festivities culminating with the Woodstock Inn & Resort’s Wassail Celebration Feast.

The fun continues Sunday with several more events - check out the entire weekend lineup here. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind holiday celebration!