Where to find Vermonters' creative, extravagant holiday light displays: We mapped it
April Barton
As winter's chill and COVID-19 concern settles upon the area, Chittenden County residents are spreading joy a twinkle light at time.
Homes and businesses are warming the landscape — and perhaps beholders' hearts — with a multi-color glow in elaborate holiday lighting displays. Some have produced tasteful and classic sights with warm white lights encircling columns and candles in windows. Others have gone for a veritable playground of inflatables and characters, creating a yard scene that requires more than a glance to discover all the elements.
A few out there are using technology to choreograph a light show to music.
Where can you find these incredible sights?
Free Press reporters have been driving through neighborhoods and well-trafficked areas to find the most remarkable displays and creating a gallery of photos for your enjoyment. We are also providing a map to some of our favorite spots, for those who wish to bask in the brilliance in person.
Last year's list:A map of holiday lights in Chittenden County 2020
You can check back here throughout the holiday season to see if new photos or locations have been added to the gallery and map.
Community holiday lights contests
Many communities are also having local holiday lights contest and will provide maps for viewers to go see the entrants. These contests started last year and coincided with Gov. Phil Scott's "Vermont Lights the Way" campaign.
Here are links where you can find information on some of the community contests:
- South Burlington Holiday Lights Contest (South Burlington Recreation & Parks)
- Essex Holiday Lights Contest (Essex Parks & Recreation/Essex Junction Recreation & Parks)
- Williston Holiday Decorating Contest (Williston Recreation & Parks)
- Shelburne Holiday Lights Contest (The Town of Shelburne)
- Milton Holiday Decorating Contest (Milton Recreation Department and Town of Milton)
More:Love holiday lights? This Vermont museum is hosting a winter lights extravaganza.
Contact reporter April Barton at abarton@freepressmedia.com or 802-660-1854. Follow her on Twitter @aprildbarton.