The holidays are here again!

...and we have a lot planned in downtown Montpelier. Here is a list of events for the season:

The Great Montpelier Window Give Away

Thanksgiving through Friday 12/19

Match the merchandise with the merchant and win! Downtown merchants have donated almost $1000 worth of merchandise to decorate a window at Capitol Video for the holidays. Pick up an entry form from participating merchants to guess where merchandise came from. The person whose name is picked from all the correct answers will win all the merchandise. Sponsored by the Montpelier Business Association, MDCA, Capitol Video, and Samantha Talbot Kelly.

Horse-drawn wagon rides

Friday, Nov 28; Sat. Dec. 20; Sun Dec 21: noon-3pm

Enjoy a free tour around downtown Montpelier on a horse-drawn wagon. The wagon rides are made free thanks to the sponsorship of La Brioche and Main Street Grill, Guy’s Farm and Yard, Bear Pond Books, and The Drawing Board. Organized by the Montpelier Downtown Community Association

Art Walk

Friday 12/5 from 4-8pm

Check out new art at participating venues around town. Over 20 venues will be displaying art. Many will also feature artist talks or receptions. Maps and information available at The Lazy Pear and other participating venues or online at www.lazypear.com. Organized by the Montpelier Downtown Community Association

Window Display competition comes to an end

Friday 12/5

A jury will decide who has the best holiday window downtown. Stay tuned to see if you agree with their decision.

Santa Comes to Town for Montpelier Tree Lighting and Cookie Decorating

Saturday 12/6 at 5pm

Come to City Center to hear carolers, watch the lighting of the holiday tree, and meet Santa. Inside La Brioche, New England Culinary Institute has made dozens of cookies for youngsters to decorate. Tree donated by Morse Farm. Event sponsored by NECI and MDCA.

Free Parking

12/6-25

Two hours of free parking in downtown Montpelier! (Only in metered spaces. Does not include long term parking lots, two-hour limits enforced on weekdays).

“It’s a Wonderful Life”

December 9-11 at 7pm

Lost Nation Theater presents a radio play adaptation of the classic movie. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the “live studio audience.” Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Each child 6-11 years old will be admitted for free with one paying adult. For more information visit www.lostnationtheater.com or call 229-0492.

Holiday Gift Market

Saturday, 12/13 from 9am-4pm

Buy your holiday gifts from Vermont owned small businesses while helping to raise money with an amazing raffle benefiting OUR House of Central VT. There are raffle prizes from every single vendor as well as grand prizes. Second floor of City Hall.

Free showing of “E.T.” at the Savoy Theater

Saturday, 12/13 at 11am

Come join us for this classic coming home story from the 1980s. An extra-terrestrial is accidentally left behind on Earth and is befriended by a young boy and his brother and sister. As Elliot attempts to help his extra-terrestrial companion contact his home planet so that he might be rescued, the children must elude scientists and government agents determined to apprehend the alien for their own purposes...which results in an adventure greater than any of them could have imagined. Sponsored by the Savoy Theater and the Montpelier Downtown Community Association.

First Night Montpelier

Monday, 12/31 from 3pm-midnight

Ring in the New Year at First Night with over 60 performances and activities including music, children’s programs, a food court, 5 K road race, parade and fireworks! Early birds can start the festivities by ice skating, swimming or skiing from 1-3. Buttons on sale at locations throughout Central Vermont. In advance: $12 individual, $40 family pack of 4 buttons. New Year’s Eve prices go up to $15 individual, $50 family pack of 4. Brought to you by the Montpelier Downtown Community Association and the City of Montpelier. For more information, go to www.mdca.org.