Cool Yule 2025
Holiday Happenings in Bristol: Your Guide to a Magical season
The twinkle lights are up, the cocoa is warm, and downtown Bristol is ready to shine. All month long, our community is hosting a festive lineup of beloved traditions, family activities, local shopping, and small-town magic you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re strolling Main Street with a chocolate in hand, gathering around the glow of the Memory Tree, or celebrating fire and light at Lumen, the holiday season in Bristol is wonderful and not to be missed!
Here’s everything happening this holiday season:
Small Business Saturday Giveaway!
This Small Business Saturday, we’re celebrating the shoppers who keep Bristol thriving! From Friday, November 28 through Sunday, November 30, shop at any small business in Bristol and send us your receipts for a chance to snag an exclusive gift!
How to Enter
Shop small in Bristol anytime 11/28–11/30
Email a photo or screenshot of your receipt(s) to info@bristolcore.org
That’s it!
The First 50 Participants Win:
A limited-edition “I ❤️ Bristol” tote bag, designed by local artist Mtn Grl Studio.
Support your favorite shops, discover new ones, and enjoy a little thank-you gift from Bristol CORE while supplies last.
Let’s show up for our small businesses all weekend long!
Brought to you by Bristol CORE.
The Holley Jolly Holiday Market
Saturday, November 29 • 10 am - 3 pm • Holley Hall
Holley Hall in Bristol will be bursting with makers and artisans from Addison County and beyond at the 3rd annual Holley Jolly Holiday Market. Showcasing a curated selection of high-end handmade goods, the market features an array of talented vendors from Addison County and beyond.
Memory Tree Lighting
Thursday, December 5 • 5:00 pm • Town Green
The season begins with one of Bristol’s most cherished traditions: the annual Memory Tree Lighting. Join the Bristol Recreation Department to honor loved ones who hold a special place in our hearts.
To include a name, register online, at the Recreation Office, or at the Town Office. Each honoree is $5, with checks made payable to Bristol Recreation Department. Names will be collected through November 30.
The Chocolate Walk
Friday, December 5 • 5–8 pm • Downtown Bristol
A Bristol classic for over 15 years! The Chocolate Walk kicks off our month of festivities with an evening of sweet treats and small-town charm. Wander in and out of your favorite shops, enjoy chocolate samples from downtown businesses, and find gifts for everyone on your list.
Come for the chocolate… stay for the neighborly buzz, extended shopping hours, and the joy of supporting local all season long.
Tandem (26 Main St) is hosting a vendor market with: Farmhouse Chocolates, Lower Notch Farm, Waxsmith Originals, Ariel Honey Infusions, Tree Heat Maple Products, Downhill Bread, and the Tandem Bar will be serving Hot and Cold Cocktails, Beer, Wine & Savoure Drinks.
Minifactory (16 Main St) is hosting a Makers Market and will have a hot dog kitchen with all the fixins!
Brought to you by Bristol CORE.
Bristol Elementary School Winter Festival Fundraiser
Saturday, December 6 • 4:00 pm • Holley Hall
Join the BES Class of 2032 for a free, fun, and festive community evening!
Doors open at 4:00 PM for entertainment starting at 4:30 PM with Magic Man (and Comedian), Tom Joyce, followed by live music from Remember Baker. Don't miss the Silent Auction, Winter-Themed Photo Booth, and shopping with Farmhouse Chocolates, all moderated and staffed by Senator Rocket and the hardworking 6th grade class.
Candy Cane Hunt with Santa
Thursday, December 12 • 5:00 pm • Town Green
Santa needs your help! Kids under 12 are invited to search the Town Green for his lost candy canes. Find five and you win a prize—but keep your eyes peeled for the legendary rainbow candy cane, worth a special reward!
Santa will stick around afterward for photos, smiles, and last-minute gift requests. This event is free and open to the public.
Free Hot Chocolate and Caroles on Main Street 5-7 pm.
After the Candy Cane Hunt, make your way to Main Street for a free cup of hot chocolate and holiday entertainment from Bristol CORE!
Gingerbread House Decorating Party
Sunday, December 14th • 12-3 pm • Holley Hall
$25 for one house, $40 for two houses, everything included. All proceeds go to the food shelf. To reserve a house please email Maura.Donnelly@MAUSD.org.
Hosted by the MAUSD Mentoring
SD Ireland Holiday Truck
Thursday, December 19 • 5:20 pm • Town Green
The iconic SD Ireland Holiday Truck returns to Bristol! Catch this dazzling display of lights at the Town Green before it rolls through the streets of Bristol on its festive tour north. A quick moment of magic—not to be missed.
Story Time with Mrs. Claus
Saturday, December 20th • 10 am • Holley Hall
Gather little ones for a cozy holiday story time with Mrs. Claus, crafts, and cocoa.
Bristol CORE’s Lumen: Bristol’s Celebration of Fire & Light
Saturday, December 20 • 4–7 pm • Town Green & Holley Hall
Our most luminous event of the year returns to brighten the longest nights of winter. Lumen is all about warmth, creativity, and community—from lanterns to fire dancers to glowing art.
What to expect:
Lantern-Making Workshop at 4 pm in Holley Hall
Cirque de Feugo fire dancing at 6 pm
Fire pits, warm food, and glowing festivities throughout the evening
Dress warm, bring a friend, and step into the light with us.
Thank you to AllEarth Renewables for sponsorship this event and helping us light the night! Special thanks to the Bristol Rec Dept for their leadership, sharing the space, and keeping us safe throughout the night.
Brought to you by Bristol CORE.
Holiday Arts & Open Houses
Deborah Holmes Watercolors: Holiday Open House
December 6 & 7 • 10 am–4 pm • 24 Garfield Street
Explore Vermont-inspired paintings and prints in this two-day open studio event.
Bristol Suites & Local Artists Holiday Reception
December 12 • 4-7 pm • Bristol Suites (19 Main St)
Featuring works by Brenda Myrick and Barbara Lane! Browse beautiful works throughout the lobby and suites while mingling and sipping complementary wine and seltzer.
As you make your way through the holiday season, we invite you to shop small, gather often, and savor the spirit of Bristol. Whether you’re celebrating a tradition or discovering something new, we’re grateful to have you as part of this warm and wonderful community.
Happy Holidays from Bristol CORE!
See you downtown.
