Things to do in Stowe in December

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Overview

December is a good time to visit Stowe. The weather is usually freezing cold with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 16—30°F (-9—-1°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Stowe during this time. Some of our top recommendations: attend the Stowe Winter Carnival, go on a holiday shopping spree in Stowe Village, cozy up by the fire at a local inn or bed and breakfast, and more!

Stowe has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to Stowe. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Stowe in December. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout December, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Stowe in December

Top experiences in December
Attend the Stowe Winter Carnival
This annual event features a variety of winter activities, including ice carving competitions, snow golf, and a snow volleyball tournament. There are also live music performances, bonfires, and a fireworks display, making it a festive and fun way to celebrate the season.
Go on a holiday shopping spree in Stowe Village
The charming streets of Stowe Village are lined with unique shops and boutiques, offering a wide range of gifts, crafts, and locally made products. From handmade jewelry to artisanal cheeses, you'll find plenty of treasures to bring home as souvenirs or holiday gifts.
Cozy up by the fire at a local inn or bed and breakfast
Stowe is home to a variety of charming inns and bed and breakfasts, many of which feature crackling fireplaces and cozy lounges. After a day of outdoor adventures, there's nothing better than relaxing by the fire with a warm drink and good company.
Go ice skating at the Jackson Ice Arena
Whether you're a seasoned skater or a beginner, the Jackson Ice Arena offers a picturesque setting for gliding across the ice. With indoor and outdoor rinks, you can enjoy skating under the stars or in a cozy, climate-controlled environment.
Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow-covered countryside
There's something magical about gliding through the winter wonderland in a cozy sleigh, pulled by a team of beautiful horses. It's a quintessential Vermont experience that will make you feel like you've stepped into a holiday postcard.
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Take a scenic drive along the Smugglers' Notch State Park
In December, the winding roads and towering cliffs of Smugglers' Notch are transformed into a winter wonderland. The snow-covered landscape and icy waterfalls create a breathtaking backdrop for a leisurely drive through the park.
Take a guided tour of the Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory
Even in the cold of December, a visit to the Ben & Jerry's factory is a sweet experience. You'll learn about the company's history, see how their famous ice cream is made, and of course, sample some of their delicious flavors.
Visit the Cold Hollow Cider Mill and sample their freshly pressed apple cider
December is the perfect time to warm up with a cup of hot cider, made from locally grown apples. You can also watch the cider-making process, browse the gift shop, and indulge in delicious apple cider donuts.
Go skiing or snowboarding at Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe is known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, and December is the perfect time to hit the slopes. With fresh powder and stunning mountain views, it's an experience you won't want to miss.
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Holidays in Stowe in December
December

There are no holidays in Stowe in December

Other notable holidays
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Weather in Stowe in December

Temperatures on an average day in Stowe in December

The average temperature in Stowe in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 30°F (-1°C) to a low of 16°F (-9°C). Some would describe it as freezing cold with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Stowe, July, has days with highs of 78°F (26°C) and lows of 60°F (15°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 24°F (-4°C) and lows of 8°F (-14°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Stowe in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
30°F
highs
16°F
lows

General weather summary

Freezing cold with a gentle breeze
Feels like
35%
Chance of rain
0.149 in
Amount
11.5 mph
Wind speed
98%
Humidity
8.9 hrs
Daylight length
7:18 AM
Sunrise
4:12 PM
Sunset
30%
Cloud cover
Thick winter coat with gloves
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 30°F (-1°C) and a low of 16°F (-9°C), it generally feels freezing cold with a gentle breeze. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something toasty like a thick winter coat with gloves
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Best attractions for Stowe in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Stowe has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Stowe that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Stowe for December.
Stowe Recreation Path
1. Stowe Recreation Path
Nature & Parks
Hiking Trails
Lush 5.3-mile recreation path & greenway known for hiking, cycling, picnic & swimming areas.
Mt Mansfield
2. Mt Mansfield
4.8
(154)
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
Ski resorts, hiking trails & other recreational activity centered around the state's highest peak.
Stowe Mountain Resort
3. Stowe Mountain Resort
4.2
(833)
Ski resort
Nature & Parks
Ski resort with 2 mountains & more than 100 trails, plus shops, eateries, golf & lodging.
Outdoor Center at Trapp Family Lodge
4. Outdoor Center at Trapp Family Lodge
4.5
(57)
Adventure sports center
Nature & Parks
Smugglers' Notch State Park Campground
5. Smugglers' Notch State Park Campground
4.6
(110)
Park
Sights & Landmarks
Narrow, winding pass through the Green Mountains, with a campground, hiking trails & rock climbing.
Stowe Mountain Resort
6. Stowe Mountain Resort
4.2
(833)
Ski resort
Nature & Parks
Ski resort with 2 mountains & more than 100 trails, plus shops, eateries, golf & lodging.
Moss Glen Falls
7. Moss Glen Falls
4.8
(220)
Waterfall
Nature & Parks
Scenic hiking trails offer sweeping views of this cascading waterfall, with gorges & pools below.
The Alchemist Brewery
8. The Alchemist Brewery
4.7
(1000)
Brewery
Food & Drink
Hip, contemporary brewing facilities with a taproom, a seasonal beer garden & guided tours.
Stowe Mountain Resort
9. Stowe Mountain Resort
4.2
(833)
Ski resort
Nature & Parks
Ski resort with 2 mountains & more than 100 trails, plus shops, eateries, golf & lodging.
Gold Brook Covered Bridge
10. Gold Brook Covered Bridge
4.6
(434)
Bridge
Sights & Landmarks
Bridge with walnut-stained gable ends built in the mid-19th century, linked to local folklore.
Gentle Giants Sleigh Rides & Carriage Rides
11. Gentle Giants Sleigh Rides & Carriage Rides
4.3
(78)
Carriage ride service
Nature & Parks
Sterling Gorge Falls
12. Sterling Gorge Falls
4.6
(130)
Park
Nature & Parks
The Lodge at Spruce Peak - Destination by Hyatt
13. The Lodge at Spruce Peak - Destination by Hyatt
4.5
(2157)
Resort hotel
Nature & Parks
High-end, Alpine-style resort with refined lodgings & ski in/ski out access, plus spa & golf course.
Stowe Cider
14. Stowe Cider
4.6
(290)
Brewery
Food & Drink
On-tap cider including flights is the specialty of this funky taproom with picnic tables & games.
Wiessner Woods
15. Wiessner Woods
4.7
(93)
Hiking area
Nature & Parks
Wooded conservation area with a network of trails for hiking, snowshoeing & cross-country skiing.
Stowe Free Library
16. Stowe Free Library
4.5
(17)
Public library
Libraries

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