December 1, 2023 | By Waterbury Roundabout

Our inbox is full of holiday events and happenings in and near Waterbury. Here is a list that we will add to over the next few weeks, so check back to see what might be new or even rescheduled due to weather if it’s an outdoor event.

If you have an event to announce, email us at waterburyroundabout@gmail.com.

Now through Dec. 19

Wrap It Up and Win

The annual Wrap It Up & Win local shopping promotion is now running with weekly drawings through Dec. 19. Nearly 50 area stores, restaurants and breweries participate in the holiday effort organized by Revitalizing Waterbury.

Cards with the signature snowman are available at participating merchants. Collect five stamps and then drop off the card to enter the weekly Tuesday drawing with prizes from local sponsors. No limits on how many times one may enter. Drop cards off at Bridgeside Books, The Tiny Acorn, or Sunflower Natural Foods. Find a list of participating businesses, weekly winners and more details online at discoverwaterbury.com.

More holiday business events and promotions are listed in the Revitalizing Waterbury calendar as well.

Now through Dec. 24

CLiF Giving Tree at Bridgeside Books

*Books for CLiF under the tree at Bridgeside Books. Courtesy photo*

Bridgeside Books’ annual Giving Tree book drive to benefit the Children's Literacy Foundation is up and collecting new books through Dec. 24.

Any book purchased to donate to the tree is 20% off. Based in Waterbury, the Children's Literacy Foundation runs literacy programming and gives new books to underserved kids up to age 12 in Vermont and New Hampshire.

Special note: Many Bridgeside customers have donated their frequent buyer loyalty points to CLiF this year. To date, 48,000 points have accrued which will be used to purchase almost $500 worth of additional books for the book drive.

Fridays, Dec. 8 & 15

Silent auctions: Waterbury Winterfest, Revitalizing Waterbury and more

Bridgeside Books hosts a silent auction fundraiser ahead of the 2024 Waterbury Winterfest events. From 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 8, visit the auction to bid on prizes from Winterfest sponsors and shop the bookstore after hours. Treats and refreshments are served next door at Stowe Street Cafe as part of their Sip & Shop series on Fridays in December through Dec. 22. The cafe events include complimentary snacks and beverages and more for purchase along with visits from various local artists and makers.

On Friday, Dec. 15, Revitalizing Waterbury holds a silent auction at Bridgeside Books with the bookshop open for business and refreshments at the cafe.

More details are online at stowestreetcafe.com/events including a special holiday community dinner on Dec. 14; bridgesidebooks.com/events and waterburywinterfest.com.

Saturday, Dec. 9

Crossett Brook Community Craft Fair

Community Craft Fair at Crossett Brook Middle School, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Handmade items, baked goods, raffle with prizes, and more.

We hear Santa may be stopping by for photos, too.

Free admission.

252 Community Concerts project comes to Moretown

In May 2022 composer-pianist and University of Vermont music professor David Feurzeig embarked on a tour of the state titled “Play Every Town” with the goal to play 252 free concerts in each of Vermont's towns as a symbolic way to confront climate change through the power of community and music. Traveling in his solar-charged electric vehicle, Feurzeig will become the first musician to accomplish this feat. An upcoming stop is planned in Moretown on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 3 p.m. at the Moretown Methodist Church.

Feurzeig specializes in genre-defying recitals that bring together the music of a wide variety of musical styles, from ancient and classical to jazz, avant-garde and popular traditions.
Each program is locally tailored. In Moretown, cellist Suzanne Smith joins Feurzeig for a couple of pieces, including Saint-Saëns' beloved “The Swan.” James P. Johnson's landmark tunes “Carolina Shout” and “Keep Off the Grass” are a shout-out to the year 1922 when the Methodist Church was remodeled in local birch and its Gulbransen upright was manufactured. The program includes a unique Scarlatti keyboard sonata, this one being Sonata no. 48 for this 48th concert in the series. In celebration of the winter holidays, there will be a handful of holiday sing-along songs as well as other solo pieces.

Feurzeig says he finds his approach delights classical music fans while attracting new audience members given his down-to-earth approach. “Classical music culture puts the great composers on an almost religious pedestal. Once this was an indication of the audience's love and respect, but now it just distances people from the music,” he said. “It turns away new listeners, who feel like they're in a stuffy museum instead of a live concert. Sure, the music can be serious, but there's no reason anyone should feel intimidated. If I don't get a laugh from the audience in the first two minutes, I get worried.”

Admission is free and donations will benefit Friends of the Mad River. More information is on his website PlayEveryTown.com as well as his social media accounts.

Sunday, Dec. 10

Waterbury Community Band Christmas Concert

The Waterbury Community Band will play its annual Christmas Concert Sunday, Dec. 10, at 3 p.m. at the White Meeting House Waterbury Congregational Church, 8 North Main Street (the band’s “home church”). The program will include a selection of favorite carols and singing along is encouraged. All are invited to this free concert. A donation basket will be out to support the church which graciously supplies heat, light, rehearsal space and storage to the band. Donate if you are able.

Menorah lighting ceremony

*The menorah's lights burn in Rusty Parker Park during Chanukah 2022. Photo by Gordon Miller*

The second annual public Chanukah Menorah Lighting and Celebration happens at 5:30 p.m. at Rusty Parker Memorial Park on Sunday, Dec. 10. Led by Rabbi Baruch Simon of Chabad of Stowe and Waterbury, the ceremony will light the first candles of Chanukah on a 12-foot menorah in a display of Jewish pride and light amidst the darkness.

Attendees can enjoy traditional foods of latkes and donuts along with treats of chocolate coins and gift bags with dreidels, crafts and a much smaller, personal menorah. Free.

Wednesday-Thursday, Dec. 13-14

‘Two for Christmas’ in Montpelier

*The woodcutters in a scene from ‘Two for Christmas.’ Photo by Robert Eddy, First Light Studios*

Lost Nation Theater celebrates the winter holiday season in Montpelier City Hall Arts Center with the staged reading of David Budbill’s play “Two for Christmas” at 7 p.m. on Dec. 13-14.

The story is billed as “a different kind of Christmas play...one filled with grit, humor, and the spirit of the nativity,” according to the theater’s announcement. “You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll never sing ‘We Three Kings’ in the same way again. The play is wondrous, whacky, and fun for the whole family.”

Originally written and performed in 1996 and again in 2012, the two one-act plays are set in widely different eras and feature the same cast members.

Act One is “The Second Shepherds Play,” Budbill’s faithful translation of a 15th-century miracle play, a format known for mixing humor and music. It tells the story in verse of a poor thief in 1479 England who steals a lamb from three shepherds on Christmas Eve and brings it home to his cantankerous wife. It includes a visit from an angel.

Act Two is “The Pulp Cutters’ Nativity” – the same basic story, but 500 years later in Budbill’s famed “Judevine” – where the shepherds are now loggers, a chainsaw replaces the lamb, and the angel is a waitress at the local diner.

Lost Nation Theater’s founding artistic director Kim Bent directs this local classic by playwright Budbill who died in 2016. “David had a genuine love of an essential rural spirit – people who are independent and have joy in living life for its own sake,” Bent said. “The author of the miracle play has a similar sensibility. Both invoke the divine in the midst of the profane and ridiculous. These are very precious stories inspired by the heart of who we are as human beings.”

Performances are live and in person, live-streamed on Dec. 13 and via digital recording through Dec. 31. The summer flood in Montpelier damaged the city hall elevator, requiring patrons to use stairs. The online option aims to accommodate those who cannot easily attend in person.

Tickets: $10-20, depending to type. Available online, by phone Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., or in person at the door as available. Masks are strongly encouraged inside Montpelier City Hall Arts Theater. More information: lostnationtheater.org, 802-229-0492 or email to info@lostnationtheater.org

Friday & Sunday, Dec. 15 & 17

Mad River Chorale Holiday Concerts

*Waterbury Congregational Church. File photo by Lisa Scagliotti*

The Mad River Chorale performs its holiday concert, “Peace on Earth,” in Waterbury on Friday, Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m. in the beautiful Waterbury Congregational Church.

Directed by Mary Jane Austin, the 40-person group (accompanied by string quintet, harp and piano) will perform choral gems by Poulenc, Buxtehude, Finzi, Britten and Chilcott. Back by popular demand, audience members will be invited to join in singing a couple of familiar Christmas carols, plus the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s “Messiah.”

Tickets can be purchased online at madriverchorale.org or at the door. Adults $20, seniors/students $15; under 11 free.

This year marks the group’s 31st year of serving the community through song. In addition to the Waterbury performance, the chorale has a second concert date on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m. at the Waitsfield United Church of Christ.

Friday, Dec. 15

Stories with Mrs. Claus

We hear that Mrs. Claus plans to visit The Tiny Acorn on Friday, Dec. 15, at 10:30 a.m. for stories and more. She also will be in town at the shop starting at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17, during the time the reindeer visit on Stowe Street. More online on the Tiny Acorn’s Facebook page.

Christmas hymn sing-along

Wesley United Methodist Church hosts a Christmas hymn sing along led by the band Messenger at 6:30 p.m. at the church located at 56 S. Main St. in Waterbury.

Messenger is a five-member band that performs original music as well as country gospel, contemporary Christian, folk and blues. All are welcome. Free.

Saturday, Dec. 16

*Santa's helpers come with gifts to share. Photo by Gordon Miller*

CORRECTION | *RESCHEDULED* Santa in the Park & ornament gifts from Rotary

The Rotary Club of Waterbury once again welcomes Santa Claus to visit Rusty Parker Memorial Park in Waterbury on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. This event has been rescheduled due to blustery weather forecast for Dec. 10.

Organizers say Santa is eager to hear children’s holiday wishes and to pose for photos in his sleigh. His elves will also be there with some special gifts for children.

Come enjoy the festive atmosphere and enjoy some hot chocolate to keep warm. The event is free and open to everyone, including those who are only a kid at heart.

And for something new …

New this year is the Rotary’s holiday ornament giveaway. Imagine walking up to one of the trees in Rusty Parker Park and choosing an ornament to take home or give to a friend. It’s a special treat from Rotary to help folks enjoy the holidays. Ornaments will be hung starting on the afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 9. Please limit to one ornament for each little elf in your family or one per adult/couple.

More information is online at waterburyvtrotary.org/page/events.

‘The Spirit of Christmas Past’ at the Old South Duxbury Church

*This 1908 photo is from the Duxbury Historical Society’s collection.*

The Duxbury Historical Society invites the community to its Spirit of Christmas Past gathering at its new home, the Old South Duxbury Church, on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 4 p.m.

The program will feature some history of the early community Christmas celebrations including hymns from the time period of the first service in the church in 1855 and also readings from the 1939 combined community and school children’s Christmas service held in the church.

Ken Spencer will accompany on the old pump organ. All are welcome to attend at this 1855 church that has been the center of so many community celebrations over the years.

Please be advised that the building does not (currently) have a handicapped-accessible entrance.

On site parking is limited. Additional space is available across the street at Harwood Union MS/HS. Carpooling is recommended and although the event is indoors, attendees are reminded to dress warmly.

Sunday, Dec. 17

Reindeer Rendezvous + Santa Fin on Stowe Street

*Reindeer attract a crowd at their first visit to Stowe Street in 2021. Photo by Gordon Miller*

For the third year in a row, two reindeer will visit Bidwell Lane in downtown Waterbury on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The visit is organized by Bridgeside Books and held outside the shop in the parking lot. The reindeer come from the Vermont Reindeer Farm in West Charleston. This is a looking-only event where everyone is invited to stop by, see the reindeer, talk with their handlers. There is no touching or feeding of the animals.

In addition to Bridgeside several local businesses and organizations help sponsor this free event: Stowe Street Cafe, Stowe Street Emporium, K.C.'s Bagel Cafe, The Reservoir, Rotary Club of Waterbury, Paprika Catering Company, Mike Kiessling of Edward Jones,

Darby Kolter & Roberts, LLP, and the Waterbury American Legion

*Santa Fin, a.k.a. Finbar Ciappara, demonstrates his full professional persona. Photo by Suki Ciappara*

Note: Part of the parking lot on Bidwell Lane will be closed to vehicle traffic near the Stowe Street intersection starting at 9 a.m. Parking can be found at Brookside Primary School and along the streets and public parking lots in downtown.

For those unable to walk far, vehicles will be able to drop off visitors before finding parking. Drivers are asked to reserve this option for those who need it most. More information is online at bridgesidebooks.com.

In addition to the reindeer, Santa Fin returns for a Waterbury visit at the same time next door at Stowe Street Cafe. Many will remember him from his appearance in the 2021 River of Light parade. A professional special-needs Santa in the Central Vermont area since 2016, Santa Fin is very passionate about spreading joy, love, and holiday spirit to people of all ages and abilities. A graduate of the International University of Santa Claus with a degree in Santa Clausology, Santa Fin uses his iPad to communicate. Learn more about Santa Fin and watch him in the HBO documentary, “Santa Camp.

The Tiny Acorn also hosts Mrs. Claus at 11 a.m. (see listing above from Friday).

George Woodard’s film ‘The Farm Boy’ in Montpelier

*Henry Woodard stars in ‘The Farm Boy.’ Photo courtesy Hanging Mudflap Productions*

The final screening of Waterbury Center farmer and filmmaker George Woodard’s second feature film, “The Farm Boy” takes place Sunday, Dec. 17, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Savoy Theater in Montpelier.
Shot in black and white in Vermont including locations in Waterbury, the World War II-era picture tells a story based on Woodard’s own parents.

A question-and-answer session follows the screening with Woodard and the film’s Producer Joan Brace O'Neal.

Tickets: $12 general admission at the door; purchase in advance online at savoytheater.com. View the trailer online as well at HangingMudflapProductions.com.

‘Rejoice!’ with Solaris in Waterbury

The Solaris Vocal Ensemble presents its holiday concerts titled “Rejoice!” on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16-17.

The Sunday performance is at 3 p.m. at the Waterbury Congregational Church; Saturday’s is at 7:30 p.m. at the College Street Congregational Church in Burlington.

Directed by Dawn Willis, the ensemble will perform choral classics including Herbert Howells’ “Magnificat” for mixed voices and organ, Francis Poulenc’s timeless “O Magnum Mysterium” and a variety of festive holiday favorites. Evolution Brass Quintet joins as guest artists for this concert.

Two options for tickets are $20 for general admission or pay what you can from a minimum of $5 to $30. Purchase for the Waterbury performance here and for the Burlington concert here.

Tuesday, Dec. 19

‘A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story’

*Willem Lange performs his reading of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol.' File photo*

Famed and beloved Yankee storyteller Willem Lange returns to Lost Nation Theater live and live streamed for a reading of "A Christmas Carol: a Ghost Story" by Charles Dickens at 7 p.m. on Dec. 19.

Emmy-winner Lange’s tradition of reading the Dickens classic began in 1975. He always performs to benefit “The Haven” in the Upper Valley. In addition, the theater will contribute a percentage of its proceeds to Just Basics food pantry in Montpelier and Good Samaritan shelter in Barre.

The performance runs approximately 70 minutes without an intermission. Masks are strongly encouraged inside Montpelier City Hall Arts Theater.

Tickets: $20 general admission, $15 students and seniors, $10 youth under 12; $20 for the live stream and on demand options. The summer flood in Montpelier damaged the city hall elevator, requiring patrons to use stairs. The online option aims to accommodate those who cannot easily attend in person.

Find more information and tickets online at lostnationtheater.org.

Soldiers with the 186th Brigade Support Battalion, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, drive decorated trucks in a convoy along Vermont Route 15 in Colchester on Dec. 21, 2021. Operation Santa's Convoy gave children a chance to see Santa in a safe way during the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. Army National Guard photo by Don Branum

Wednesday, Dec. 20 - updated with a new northern ending location

Vermont Army National Guard hosts Santa's Convoy

Soldiers and airmen of the Vermont National Guard are preparing to once again host and escort Santa Claus on military vehicles rolling through multiple Vermont communities. This year, the event will consist of two convoys with one starting in Waterbury.

The processions are scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 20, between 4:30 and 8 p.m. Estimated arrival times in the various communities are marked on the maps shown here.

The vehicles are scheduled to be staged in St. Albans and Waterbury starting at 4 p.m. before departing at 4:30, according to National Guard officials.

The local route will begin at the Waterbury Shaw’s market on Vermont Route 100 and travel mostly on Rt. 100 to the Vermont Army National Guard armory in Berlin. The other route starts at the Walmart in St. Albans and heads south on U.S. Route 7, ending at the Winooski Armory, 255 Lafountain St., Winooski. (That is a change from the original ending location at Spare Time bowling center in Colchester.) Santa will be available for photos with him at each ending location.

Click to enlarge the maps below

Saturday, Dec. 23

Sing-along with Sergio

Local musician Sergio Torres brings his guitar for live tunes from 10 to noon at K.C.’s Bagel Cafe.

December holiday events abound in and near Waterbury