Although many of the holiday happenings have changed in 2020, plenty of wintery magic awaits...
Watch as the The Memory Tree on the village green is lit for the first time, twinkling in remembrance of those who have passed, admire village homes and stores bedecked in their holiday best, shop social-distancing-style to your heart's content, enjoy holiday tunes, and more! Mask up and join us for the holiday hubbub:
Now through December 5:
Deck the doors with boughs of holly, fa la la la la la la la la—and we mean that literally! If you have a home or business in Woodstock Village, dress your front doorway in 19th-century holiday finery, snap a photo and post it Facebook or Instagram, tagging @WoodstockVT or #woodstockwassail by Saturday, December 5th 2020 to be entered in this fun, festive Deck the Door contest to be judged by The Woodstock Garden Club on the 13th!
Till the winner's announced, you and others can enjoy the beautiful decorations that befit the holiday season.
December 5:
Do you hear that? The farm is calling, from the snow-dusted fields you can snowshoe across (weather permitting) to a toasty warm bonfire to the Victorian Christmas decorations and traditions on display at Billings Farm & Museum from 10 AM-4 PM.
Strolling through the village, perusing shops (open till 7 PM!) for the perfect holiday presents and experiencing the glow from the Memory Tree, you may encounter a jolly old soul spreading joy to young and old—because Santa Claus is coming to town from 12-2 PM!
Then, meander down Elm Street for refreshments that'll put a spring in your step: free hot wassail and individually wrapped cookies at the First Congregational Church of Woodstock from 2-5 PM. By 4 PM, it's time to head back to the cozy confines of home because the annual Memory Tree Lighting is being streamed via Facebook Live!
December 6:
Couldn't make it to the farm on the 5th? You're in luck! Holiday happenings continue with a bonfire, Christmas lights, snowshoeing (weather permitting), tasty hot beverages and cider donuts, and more at Billings Farm from 10 AM-4 PM.
December 11-13:
Wassail Weekend at Billings Farm & Museum is here from 10 AM-4 PM! Stroll via snowshoe around the farm fields (weather permitting) or hop aboard a tractor for a more leisurely tour of the grounds offered from 11 AM-3 PM (Saturday and Sunday only).
Then, warm up as you partake in holiday tales, candle dipping, cooking demonstrations (including gingerbread ornaments), and even a hot cup of wassail!
December 12:
You don't need to get out of your PJs for this one: the Wassail Parade has gone virtual, brought to you by The Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the High Horses Therapeutic Riding Program!
Want to appear in the parade? Don your festive apparel and share your good cheer near and far by sending 1-3 photos and/or a short video to parade@highhorses.org by December 4th. Then, come one and all to their computers the morning of December 12 to experience all those joyful submissions compiled in video form!
Here we come a-wassailing
Among the leaves so green;
Here we come a-wand'ring
So fair to be seen.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail too...
Next up: Let the first annual Wassail Scavenger Hunt begin! Gather the whole family, mask up, grab a map from the Town Crier or the Welcome Center between 10 AM and 4 PM, and follow the clues to fun, festive finds throughout town! And who knows, maybe Old St Nick will even join you from 12-2 PM.
The magic continues. When you’re not stepping inside our quaint stores (open till 7 PM) to discover the perfect gifts for loved ones, linger before historic village homes that have decked their beautiful facades with boughs of holly, garland, and twinkling lights from 3-6 PM—then see the Green all aglow as the luminaries are lit.
Then, dine in high holiday style during the 3-course Wassail Celebration Dinner at the Woodstock Inn & Resort from 5-8 PM! Just be sure to reserve your table in advance (please note that the State of Vermont now mandates guests seated at the same table must be from the same household).
