The 7 Best Vermont Events This Week: November 20-27, 2024 | Seven Days

Oh, Pliés!

Thursday 21 & Friday 22

The World Ballet Company performs the enchanting classic Swan Lake at the Flynn in Burlington and Lebanon Opera House in New Hampshire. Rooted in Russian and German folklore, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s legendary ballet sweeps audiences into the beguiling story of Odette — a cursed princess-turned-swan — through mesmeric choreography, dreamy music and decadent costuming.

Many Hands

Friday 22-Sunday 24

The early bird gets the hand-turned pepper mill, as they say! Holiday shoppers check off every unique relation on their list ahead of schedule at the Celebrate Vermont art and craft festival at the DoubleTree hotel in South Burlington. The weekend-long event showcases stunning handmade goods, mouthwatering wines and “you don’t see that every day” specialty foods.

Woodland Wizardry

Opens Friday 22

A Forest of Lights at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science in Quechee implements thousands of bulbs to turn the already impressive landscape into a whimsical winter wonderland. Folks stroll through imaginative displays, including the unmissable “snow shower tower” and jolly “mandala trees,” ending at a cozy campfire with hot cocoa.

Serenading Swifties

Saturday 23

Tortured poets, unite! Local classical musicians take the stage for Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington for an evening of inspired pop hits. Illuminated by the lavish glow of countless candles, listeners journey through the singer-songwriter’s prolific repertoire, from “Love Story” to “Fortnight.”

Distilled Spirit

Opens Saturday 23

The Gin-ter Wonderland holiday pop-up at Barr Hill distillery in Montpelier transforms the cocktail bar into a festive paradise replete with seasonal beverages and nostalgic décor. Continuing every weekend through late January, the bar serves up a special menu of cheerful libations, including gingerbread old-fashioneds, spiced cranberry Negronis and sugar cookie-inspired punch.

Transcending Tradition

Sunday 24

Laura Sánchez‘s transformative one-woman show, Welcome to Holland!?, at Next Stage Arts in Putney is an immersive theatrical experience that invites viewers into a world of vulnerability and inspiration. The multidisciplinary work uses flamenco dance, film and poetry to explore themes of motherhood and immigration, while simultaneously challenging the status quo.

Street Shots

Ongoing

Photographer Michael Metz‘s “Would You Mind If…?” exhibition at Village Wine and Coffee in Shelburne begs reflection on the ever-evolving topic of privacy in public domains. The show features a captivating mix of candid portraits taken over six years — some with permission, others not so much — and toes the line between capturing authenticity and invading personal space.