It’s time to go light-peeping! The Light Up Rutland County winter lights and decorating contest is in full swing, with nine competing households, two non-competing households, and a local business decorator all ready for visitors to come see their lights. Videos and slideshows for school decorators will be posted on Social Tinkering’s website after Dec.…

Dec. 21 through 22 from 9 a.m to 6 p.m.—CHESTER—The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (OVRCC), in collaboration with Vermont Rail System, is launching the Okemo Valley Holiday Express, a new festive holiday train experience for families and visitors. Running on Dec 21 and 22, the excursion train offers a scenic journey through South-Central…

By Pat Wise The holiday spirit sparkled at Rutland’s Paramount Theatre with three show dates of “Elf The Musical Jr., ” a remake adapted from the 2003 comedy film which had been directed by Jon Favreau, written by David Berenbaum and starring Will Ferrell as Buddy the elf. “Elf The Musical Jr.,” presented by Rutland Youth Theatre, brought Buddy…

WED 12/18 KILLINGTON2 p.m. K1 Base Lodge- Daniel Brown6 p.m. Rivershed – Sammy B LUDLOW6 p.m. Off the Rails – Learn to Line Dance POULTNEY7 p.m. Poultney Pub – Open Mic hosted by Danny Lang QUECHEE6 p.m. The Public House – Chris Pallutto RUTLAND8 p.m. Center Street Alley – Full PA/Backline Open Mic hosted by…

Jacques Audiard’s musical thriller can’t achieve its lofty ambitions but still offers more than most films Acclaimed French film director Jacques Audiard delivered one of the best crime films of the past 20 years in 2009’s “A Prophet.” Audiard returns to the crime world once more, but this time, he travels from the French prison…

Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 10-22—WHITE RIVER JUNCTION—Shaker Bridge Theatre opened “The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley” on Thursday, Dec. 5, at the Briggs Opera House. This yuletide sequel to “Pride and Prejudice,” written by Lauren M. Gunderson and Margot Melcon, invites audiences to experience Pemberley’s bustling servants’ quarters during the holiday season. The story unfolds as Mrs. Reynolds,…

Thursday, Dec. 12 at 5 p.m. — RUTLAND —The highly anticipated Jingle Bell Shop returns to downtown Rutland on Thursday, Dec. 12, from 5-8 p.m., blending festive shopping with locally sourced food and drink in an event designed to support local businesses and bring seasonal cheer. For $25, ticket holders can explore nearly 30 stops…

The Festival of Trees, part of the Vermont Holiday Festival held Dec. 5-7 at the Killington Grand Hotel, once again brought holiday cheer and creativity to the spotlight. Local businesses showcased their talent by sponsoring and decorating themed trees, which filled the venue with festive magic and community spirit. The competition  featured standout designs that…

 Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 15-16—SPRINGFIELD — The Dance Factory will enchant audiences with its 33rd annual production of “The Nutcracker” at Springfield High School on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Directed by Ashley Hensel-Browning, the performance features a cast of youth and adult dancers, dazzling custom costumes, and magical elements like a growing…

By James Kent RUTLAND—On Sunday afternoon, Dec. 8, the Paramount Theatre filled wall-to-wall with people ready to usher in the holidays with the annual tradition of a “Holiday Pops” concert performed by the Vermont Symphony Orchestra. Conductor José Daniel Flores-Caraballo and his 100-plus musicians and chorus singers set the tone in this two-hour performance that…

Sunday, Dec. 15, at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.—RUTLAND—Grace Congregational UCC will host its highly anticipated annual holiday concert featuring an afternoon and evening performance on Sunday. The event, a staple of the local festive season, will present “Messiah" (Part 1) by George Frideric Handel alongside Dale Sakamoto’s “Be Still.” Admission is free, with seating…

Dec. 13 through 15, from 5 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Sunday—Woodstock— Beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday afternoon, Woodstock will transform into a festive wonderland for its annual Wassail Weekend, with events planned through Sunday evening. This cherished tradition blends music, history, and holiday cheer in a packed weekend designed to capture the charm…

WED 12/11 KILLINGTON6 p.m. Rivershed – Matt Koelsch LUDLOW6 p.m. Off the Rails – Learn to Line Dance POULTNEY7 p.m. Poultney Pub – Open Mic hosted by Danny Lang QUECHEE6 p.m. The Public House – Kim Wilcox RUTLAND5 p.m. Moose Lodge – Nick Bredice & Liz Reedy8 p.m. Center Street Alley – Full PA/Backline Open…

By Sarah Calvin Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 5-8 at various locations (see below.) This weekend, the third iteration of the Vermont Comedy Festival returns to Bridgewater’s Woolen Mill Comedy Club. The festival, which features comics from across the country, will be headlined by Emmy-nominated writer Tim Meadows, a longtime SNL cast member, who will perform…

Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.— RUTLAND—The inaugural Quality Ski Film Tour, powered by Salomon and hosted by First Stop Board Barn, will take center stage at the historic Paramount Theater on Saturday evening. This special event supports a meaningful cause, with a portion of ticket proceeds benefiting Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, an organization…