Sure, it’s nice and cozy snuggling up in front of the fire with some cocoa and a holiday movie during the winter months, but there’s so much to enjoy in the Okemo Valley this season. From fireworks to night skiing, the following list is a nice representation of the nightlife that will make it worth throwing off your blanket and taking a trip to the winter wonderland just outside your door.
Miracle on Main Street Pop-Up Christmas Bar
Nov. 25, 2022 through Jan. 1, 2023
Main + Mountain
112 Main St., Ludlow
802-242-1608
mainandmountain.com
Get in the spirit with a visit to this boutique motel in the heart of downtown Ludlow. The Christmas-themed pop-up lobby bar showcases handcrafted holiday cocktails, craft beer and wine in a festive setting decorated with kitschy holiday décor. You can lounge in the booths or around the fire pit, grab a board game and have a ball. Food is available from the light-fare menu, and toting cocktails from the bar to any of the 13 motel rooms is encouraged.
New Year’s Eve on Star Lake
Dec. 31, 2022
2347 Belmont Road
Mount Holly, Vt.
mhcavt.org
The Mount Holly New Year’s Eve celebration is a long-time annual tradition established by the Mount Holly Snow Flyers, the local snowmobile club. This will be the 25th annual New Year’s Eve celebration. The festivities start with a bonfire at 8 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. on Star Lake, which is decorated in Christmas lights. The Mount Holly Community Association also co-sponsors this event. Hundreds of people usually attend, watching in their cars or enjoying the spectacular show on the beach area of the lake. If the ice is safe, there is also nighttime skating.
Grafton Inn Ice Bar
Jan. 6 & 7, 2023
Grafton Inn
92 Main St., Grafton
graftoninnvermont.com
This annual outdoor winter event features real bars and sculptures forged from ice, a selection of craft beers and a cocktail menu made with Vermont spirits, bonfires, local food trucks, a DJ, and more.
Night Cross Country Skiing/Snowshoeing
Viking Nordic Center
615 Little Pond Road
Londonderry
vikingnordic.com
Enjoy 3 kilometers of intersecting trails lit by both overhead lights and gas lanterns. The lantern section, known as “tunnel of love,” is softly lit by old-style railroad lanterns. Night skiing or snowshoeing is for all ages. If the snow is nice, the weather good, and staff available, the center will decide to add a night ski to the calendar. It is posted on the Viking Nordic Center Facebook page, which is updated when that decision is made. Typically night skiing is scheduled on Martin Luther King Day weekend, President’s Day weekend, and Valentine’s Day as well as over Christmas and New Year’s Day. There is a fire pit and benches on-site as well as a sugarhouse with picnic table, lights, and plugs for a crock pot. The night course can also be rented along with the clubhouse for private events or races.
