A Very Merry Barre: Your Guide to the Holiday Kickoff Weekend

Barre is always a city of merriment and joy, but the official Merry Barre Holiday season kicks off on Saturday, November 29, 2025, with the welcoming of the Merry Barre Holidays Craft Fair for its two day “best in Vermont” display of over 100 crafters and vendors from all over our little state. 

As always, you can expect all the comforts and joy that a weekend of supporting local artisans could bring, like free parking and free admission.  The fair will also be fully handicap accessible and there will be food, refreshments, and seating to rest and recharge. 

Be sure to come out to the Barre Auditorium on either Saturday and Sunday, November 29th & 30th, 9am - 3pm, to support this beloved Barre holiday tradition that brings together the best crafters from all over Vermont for a festive weekend of shopping, cheer, and community spirit.

In addition to the craft fair, there are many events happening throughout the downtown and during the month of December. On November 29th, after a day of shopping at the craft fair and supporting Small Business Saturday, head back down to Main Street for the annual Merry Barre Holiday Parade and then to City Hall Park to Light up the City! Santa and Mrs Claus will do the official honor of lighting the park. Kids can say hello to Dasher and Cupid visiting from the Vermont Reindeer Farm, Seth + Sophie will be singing your favorite holiday tunes, and Dougy Fresh Catering will be dishing out warm apple crisp and hot cocoa. The parade kicks off at 5:15pm followed immediately by the tree lighting and wrapping up by 7pm. 

Each Saturday during the Merry Barre Holiday Season horse-drawn carriage rides will be leaving from Depot Square and circling down Main Street. Either before or after your ride you can warm up with a treat by supporting a local non-profit taking advantage of the Barre Partnership’s Hot Cocoa Hut parked in front of the Depot Square Station. Whether it be for cocoa, cider, cookies, or pie, your donations will be greatly appreciated. 

We think we are very lucky to live and work in the amazing community of Barre.  Follow The Barre Partnership on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with all things Barre.  To learn more about all of the happenings in Barre or to volunteer at our events, please email:  director@thebarrepartnership.com.

Written by Stefanie Kingzett, local teacher and Barre resident/enthusiast for 21 years, and Vice President and board member of The Barre Partnership since 2021.