As the holiday season approaches, the charm of Northwest Vermont comes alive with festive markets offering everything from handcrafted gifts to seasonal treats. Whether you're searching for the perfect present, supporting local artisans, or simply soaking in the holiday spirit, these markets are must-visits for your holiday itinerary. Here's your guide to the best holiday markets in Grand Isle, Chittenden, and Franklin Counties.

Grand Isle County Holiday Markets

 

Viva Marketplace Holiday Markets | South Hero, VT

Dates: December 6th & 13th

Time: 10 AM – 4 PM

Discover an eclectic collection of holiday treasures at Viva Marketplace in South Hero. This cheerful boutique offers a thoughtfully curated selection of gifts, including toys, jewelry, holiday décor, and women’s clothing. Shop locally made and globally sourced items you won’t find anywhere else. Just a 25-minute drive from Burlington, Viva Marketplace is the perfect stop for stress-free holiday shopping.

Event Information

 

Annual Grand Isle Craft Fair | Grand Isle, VT

Date: December 6th

Time: 9 AM – 3 PM

Support the Grand Isle community at this annual craft fair at Grand Isle Elementary School. Discover an array of handmade crafts, from holiday décor to unique gifts, and enjoy delicious treats like chili from their annual cook-off. The event also features a popular raffle table filled with generous donations from local businesses. Perfect for families, this craft fair offers something for everyone while supporting a good cause.

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Holiday Artisan Market Series | North Hero, VT

Dates: December 6th, 13th & 14th

Time: 11 AM – 4 PM

Celebrate the season at the Greentara in the North Hero Village. This cozy artisan market invites the community to celebrate the season with a festive gathering of local artisans, featuring returning favorites alongside new makers. This year, the market will also collect winter coats in good, clean condition and non-perishable food items to support neighbors in need, encouraging visitors to give back while they shop. 

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Alburgh Craft Fair | Alburgh, VT

Date: December 6th

Time: 10 AM – 3 PM

Browse over 30 vendors offering a wide variety of handmade goods and unique gifts perfect for your holiday shopping. Don’t miss the popular Pie & Cupcake Walk, where you can select your favorite flavors to take home. This crowd-favorite event sells out quickly! Enjoy a delicious meal or snack from the firefighters' kitchen and enter the raffle for a chance to win a large Christmas Present basket. 

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Chittenden County Holiday Markets

 

BTV Winter Markets | Burlington, VT

Dates: December 12th & 13th

Time: 4pm-8pm  

Love Burlington and BCA are partnering for the sixth season of the BTV Winter Market, bringing a refreshed and cozy experience to this year’s holiday festivities. Instead of the traditional outdoor setup, the market is moving indoors and will take place over two lively, jam-packed weekends across two great locations. Featuring 30 local artists and makers, the Winter Market offers a vibrant holiday atmosphere and an array of unique, locally crafted gifts, making it a must-visit event of the season.

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Vintage-Inspired Marketplace Annual Holiday Sale | South Burlington, VT

Dates: December 5th – 7th

Time: 10 AM – 6 PM

Step back in time at this local vintage-inspired market in South Burlington. From retro holiday décor to vintage-style gifts, this three-day event is a haven for anyone who loves a touch of classic charm. With over 60 vendors showcasing their treasures, the Vintage-Inspired Holiday Market is the perfect place to find unique pieces that evoke the magic of holidays past.

They will also have a Holiday Gift Card Giveaway! Stop in for a chance to win! 

Event Information

 

The Good Trade Makers Market | Burlington, VT

Dates: December 6th & 7th

Time: 11 AM – 5 PM

Experience nearly 100 independent makers and manufacturers at the Good Trade Makers Market at Hula! This event offers everything from artisan-made goods to innovative designs. With your ticket, enjoy a drink while shopping and meeting talented creators from across the country. Located at Hula in Burlington, this upscale market blends modern craftsmanship with holiday cheer.

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Winooski Holiday Pop-Up Shop | Winooski, VT

Date: December 4th

Time: 5 PM – 9 PM

The annual Winooski Holiday Pop-Up Shop invites you to explore downtown Winooski while shopping small from local vendors offering a wide selection of thoughtfully crafted holiday gifts. Discover unique treasures, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and support local businesses in the heart of the city. It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!

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Palmer's Sugarhouse Holiday Fair | Shelburne, VT

Date: December 6th

Time: 11 AM - 4PM

Visitors can savor the sweetness of the season at the Palmer’s Sugarhouse Holiday Fair in Shelburne, where festive charm meets Vermont tradition. Guests can enjoy a warm maple latte while browsing tables of local artisans, including Tammy Lee Wood Artist, Fern Bridge Farm, Snaps and Sunflowers, and others offering a variety of handmade gifts perfect for the holidays.

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Franklin County Holiday Markets

 

Collins Perley Winter Craft Show | St. Albans, VT

Dates: December 13th & 14th

Time: Saturday: 9 AM – 4 PM, Sunday: 9 AM – 3 PM

This two-day holiday market in St. Albans is a favorite for finding handcrafted gifts, home décor, and holiday treats. Whether you’re shopping for last-minute presents or seasonal decorations, this market has you covered. 

Event Information

 

St. Paul’s Art & Craft Show | St. Albans, VT

Date: December 6th

Time: 9 AM – 3 PM

Celebrate local artistry at St. Paul’s Art & Craft Show, featuring unique, handcrafted items like wreaths, slate paintings, pottery, and more. This market is perfect for finding thoughtful gifts while supporting the talented makers of Franklin County.

Event Information

 

3rd Annual Holiday Craft Show | Georgia, VT

Date: December 6th

Time: 9 AM – 3 PM

Join the fun at Georgia Elementary Middle School for their annual holiday craft show. With nearly 100 vendors offering everything from candles and quilts to jewelry and art, you’ll find something special here. The event includes lunch options and a silent raffle, with proceeds supporting local Girl Scout Troop 61489.

Event Information

 

Whether you’re exploring the rustic charm of Grand Isle County, the vibrant markets of Chittenden County, or the festive events in Franklin County, each of these holiday markets promises a memorable experience. Support local artisans, find unique gifts, and immerse yourself in Vermont's holiday magic.

This November, our community came together in a big way. Thanks to your generosity, we delivered over 330lbs of non-perishable food and personal items to The Champlain Islands Food Shelf to support families and individuals across Grand Isle County.

From pantry staples to essential household items, your donations will help keep shelves stocked as we move into the winter season. We are deeply grateful to everyone who donated or helped spread the word. Your support shows the strength of our Island community and the care we have for our neighbors.

To learn more about The Champlain Islands Food Shelf and their distribution schedule, visit www.champlainislandsfoodshelf.org.

 

 

Why 71% of Aspiring Homeowners Are Pausing Other Major Life Decisions with Purpose

To many, the American Dream still centers on homeownership. It’s a symbol of stability and long-term investment. So much so that some Americans are timing major life milestones, like starting a family, launching a business, or changing jobs around the moment they finally get the keys to their own home.

The Coldwell Banker 2025 American Dream Report* reveals that 71% of aspiring homeowners (defined as those who don’t currently own a home but want to someday) are delaying major life decisions until they can afford to buy a home and the ripple effects have yet to play out. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a story about how homeownership is the new starting line for adulthood.

 

The Pause Button on Life

Picture this:

• A couple postpones expanding their family because they want a backyard first.

• A professional turns down a career opportunity in another city because they’re saving for a down payment.

• Personal goals and even adopting a pet are put on hold, waiting for the first home.

Homeownership is deeply woven into our sense of readiness for life’s biggest decisions.

 

Homeownership: The Milestone That Shapes Everything

We wanted to understand how the idea of the American Dream is evolving. The findings are clear: for many, owning a home isn’t just a goal, it’s the foundation for everything else.

• Nearly 1 in 5 aspiring homeowners (18% each) are putting off marriage or having children until they own a home.

• 17% (each) are delaying career changes or even getting a pet.

• 15% are waiting to start a business/go self-employed.

For younger generations, the impact is even more pronounced. 84% of Gen Z (ages 18-28) aspiring homeowners are postponing at least one major life decision until they can afford to buy, and nearly a third (29%) are delaying having children.

 

Why Is Homeownership So Central?

Despite rising prices and affordability challenges, homeownership remains at the heart of the American Dream. 56% of Americans say owning a home represents the American Dream to them, more than those who say the same for marriage/having children (42%), retiring by 67 (39%), or even earning a college degree (23%). 85% of Americans believe homeownership is still part of the American Dream.

Financial security is a big part of the story:

• 65% of Americans believe buying a home is a smarter long-term financial decision for most people than renting in today’s housing market.

• Nearly half of Americans (48%) see investing in real estate as a better way to build wealth than investing in the stock market.

 

Getting Creative to Make It Happen

Faced with tough market conditions, Americans are finding new ways to reach their homeownership goals:

• 84% of Americans are willing to make concessions to make home buying possible, like taking on side jobs (42%), buying less ideal homes like smaller or fixer-upper homes (35%), or moving to more affordable areas (35%).

• About a third have considered co-buying with family (36%) or friends/coworkers (33%).

• Some (11%) have moved in with parents or in-laws to save to buy a home.

 

Hope on the Horizon

Even with the challenges, optimism persists. Nearly two-thirds of Americans who don’t currently own a home (63%) would like to buy within the next five years, with Gen Z and Millennials (ages 29-44) leading the charge (70% and 72%, respectively).

The bottom line: Homeownership is more than just a place to live, it’s a symbol of stability, independence, and the freedom to move forward with life’s other big decisions. As Americans continue to adapt, the dream of owning a home remains as powerful as ever.

*The report includes data from a survey commissioned by Coldwell Banker and conducted by The Harris Poll among 3,068 adults ages 18+, among whom 885 are aspiring homeowners (i.e., don’t currently own a home, but would like to someday).

Northwest Vermont’s housing market saw notable movement in October 2025, reflecting a continued shift as inventory trends upward and prices begin to soften. The median sales price continues to rise. The median sales price in October settled at $539,900, up 8% from September and up 14.6% year over year. Despite the continued rise of prices, deals are happening. Closed sales rose to 205, marking both monthly and annual gains. Homes took longer to sell this month, with median days on market increasing to 17. Sellers received 98.9% of their list price, a slight month-over-month dip. This shows that negotiations are happening and sellers are not always selling for the full list price. Inventory remains a key story—active listings reached 389, up 15.1% compared to last October, giving buyers more options even as new listings declined to 193 from the previous month. Whether you're planning to buy or sell, these shifts offer important opportunities. Each market is unique, and we're here to help you navigate it with confidence. Contact us today for a personalized analysis of your local market.

We’re thrilled to welcome Ashley Wetherby to Coldwell Banker Islands Realty as a licensed real estate sales associate. A lifelong Vermonter, Ashley was born and raised in Grand Isle County and now lives in Franklin County. Her deep roots in the community and local knowledge make her an excellent resource for clients buying or selling in Franklin County, the Champlain Islands, and beyond.

Born and raised in the Lake Champlain Islands, Ashley knew from the start that this is where she wanted to return to start her career in real estate. With a background in nursing, her approach to real estate is grounded in advocacy, compassion, attention to detail, and trust. Her passion lies in helping people navigate life transitions—whether it’s finding your dream home, downsizing, or investing in your future.

Her personal journey in real estate includes buying, leasing, selling, and building, giving her first-hand insight into every step of the process. She understands how exciting–and sometimes overwhelming–real estate decisions can be, and is here to guide you with clarity, care, and confidence.

Outside of her professional career, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys, camping, gardening, baking, and DIY’ing. These moments keep her grounded and serve as a reminder of why finding the right home to suit your individual & family needs matters so much.

Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or explore life in Northwest Vermont, Ashley is a valuable resource. Connect with Ashley today!