Saturday, Dec. 7 through Saturday, Jan. 4—WOODSTOCK—This December, Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock transforms into a holiday haven with an array of festive events and activities for all ages. Visitors can immerse themselves in the charm of Victorian Christmas traditions, enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, and explore the spirit of community through seasonal programming. Here’s what you can experience this month:
Christmas at the farm
Dec. 7-8 and Dec. 21-Jan. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Step back into a Victorian Christmas with Billings farm, adorned for the season with twinkling lights and natural décor. Explore the 1890 Farm Manager’s House, complete with 19th-century decorations, on a self-guided tour. Families can enjoy activities like candle dipping, pie crust crafting, and seasonal walks on the Billings Loop, weather permitting. Warm up by outdoor fire pits with hot cocoa or coffee, and browse the Museum Gift Shop for unique Vermont-made holiday gifts.
Billings Farm’s monthlong celebration of the holidays begins Dec. 7 and continues until Jan. 4.
Woodstock Vermont film series
“Driver” — Dec. 7-8, at 3 p.m. Saturday screening and Q&A with filmmaker Nesa Azimi of “Driver,” a documentary about resilience and determination in the trucking industry. Tickets are $15 or $12 for members.
“The Cowboy and the Queen” — Dec. 21 & 22, at 3 p.m. Explore the unique bond between horse trainer Monty Roberts and Queen Elizabeth II in this documentary. Tickets are $15 or $12 for members.
Both films are part of the Woodstock Vermont Film Series, which continues through February 2025.
“The Cowboy and the Queen,” shows on Dec. 21 and 22.
Pre-K story time: ‘Wonderful Winter’
Dec. 11, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Preschool-aged children (ages 3-5) and their adult companions can enjoy a wintry story, make hot cocoa, and visit the farm’s sheep and goats. Registration is $12 per child, $10 for members.
Wassail Weekend at Billings Farm
Dec. 13-15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Celebrate the 40th annual Wassail Weekend with Victorian Christmas traditions, candle dipping, and holiday story time. Enjoy wassail punch by the fire and take festive photos. Horse-drawn wagon or sleigh rides will be offered on Friday and Sunday, and the farm’s draft horses will participate in the iconic wassail parade on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Santa and spectators wave to onlookers at the annual Wassail Weekend parade in Woodstock.
Horse-drawn sleigh rides
Dec. 15, 26, 28, 29, 31, and Jan. 2 & 4. Weather permitting, enjoy an old-fashioned sleigh ride through the farmstead for $5 per person in addition to admission. Private sleigh rides are also available by reservation.
Homeschool club: Winter Solstice
On Dec. 19, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., children ages 7 to 11 can learn about the astronomy behind the winter solstice and explore how wildlife adapts to winter with a Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park ranger. Registration is $20 per student, $15 for members.
Holiday shopping
The museum gift shop offers a variety of Vermont-made products, from handcrafted items to Billings Farm Cheddar. Admission is not required to shop, making it easy to find the perfect holiday gift.
Billings Farm & Museum is open weekends and select days through February 23, 2025. Admission includes access to the Animal Barns, Vermont Farm Life exhibits, and the 1890 Farm Manager’s House
For more information about events, programming, or tickets, visit: billingsfarm.org.
