| VOLUME 29 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | December 4, 2025 |
ArtBits always features a calendar of the goings on of Franklin County artists. Check out these events around Franklin County. Each issue includes the entire text of our weekly newspaper column. STUFF YOU SHOULDN'T MISS
Franklin County's arts and music gatherings bring new opportunities, gossip, "show-and-tell" and occasional workshops. There are also booked and acoustic Open Mic Nights that feature music, readings, and more from the best new artists in Vermont.
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ST. ALBANS--The Festival of Trees continues to usher in the holiday season with the Running of the Bells today. HOLIDAY FESTIVALS
The 15th annual Running of the Bells is a festive evening with a costume contest throughout Downtown beginning at 5:30 p.m. The one-mile fun run kicks off at 6:30.
The Gala en Blanc takes over City Hall for a "white hot evening" to celebrate the joy of the season in City Hall on Friday at 6 - 11 p.m. Decorations will wrap the auditorium in a white winter glow as Christmas elves with trays of appetizers circulate through the room. There is dancing and gambling at the casino tables for charity. Admission is $40 per person or $70 per couple and includes appetizers and $200 in chips for the casino games. Bring six non-perishable food items for $100 more in chips. More chips can be purchased, and you will be able to bid on silent auction items with your winnings. The evening benefits the Franklin County Senior Center, Northwest Family Foods, Laurie's House, and the main Festival beneficiary, the Josh Pallotta Fund and Josh’s House.
Santa's Workshop will offer crafts, cookies, and a visit from Santa himself at the St. Albans Museum on Saturday at 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Admission is free.
City Hall auditorium hosts Up North Studio, Electric Youth Dance Company, and Studio 3 for the Dance Showcase in City Hall Auditorium on Saturday at 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Girl and Boy Scouts will have candy, hot chocolate and coffee. Admission is free.
Claus for a Cause is a Dave's Ice Cream Social afternoon family event with snacks and cocoa, activities, Santa, and the Champlain Community Choir all in City Hall on Sunday at 1 - 4 p.m. Admission is free. Donations will go to the VT Cancer Network.
The 14th Star Holiday Rewind Party will relive the magic of the festival, the season, and the screen in the Taproom on Sunday at 5 - 8 p.m. Dress as your favorite holiday movie character with prizes for the best costumes and dance to iconic movie soundtracks and holiday hits. Find them on Facebook for more info.
The all-volunteer organization offers a week of free family and cultural entertainment and raises funds for the Josh Pallotta Fund--Josh's House. Click here for more info.
NORTH HERO--North Hero Village hosts a village-wide Christmas Festival on Friday through Sunday at 11 a.m. each day.
There will be antiques at the Back Chamber.
Look for hot cocoa and cookies and the Tree Lighting and Caroling at North Hero House.
Greentara hosts a Holiday Artisan Market with one-of-a-kind handmade gifts on Saturday at 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Hero's Welcome will have stocking stuffers.
Click here for more info.
ENOSBURG--Christmas in Enosburg is a "Weekend of Events."
The EBCA Stocking Auction to benefit the 2026 Summer Sounds goes live on Friday through Sunday. Stockings will be auctioned on Facebook. Each stocking will be displayed in the "discussion" section. Place bids in the comments of the stocking photo you want. Bids must be increased in $5 increments. No bids will be accepted before noon on Friday or after noon on Sunday. Call Shawna (802.370.0126) or email for more info.
Saturday
The Enosburg Methodist Church hosts the Christmas Bazaar at 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
EES Actions and the EFHS Senior Class Actions Craft Fair is in Enosburg Falls High School at 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Meet Santa at Enosburg Falls High School at 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, and Cindy Lou Who. And there will be horse rides until noon.
The EBCA Holiday Festival on Lincoln Park will have Christmas music and food vendors from 5 - 7 p.m.
The Enosburg Lions and the EBCA Holiday Lighted Parade and Tree Lighting begins at 6 p.m. with lighted floats, tractors and more. Santa will be there to light up Lincoln Park
Sunday
The Opera House at Enosburg Falls hosts the free Community Christmas Concert with the Community Chorus and Enosburg Town Band at 2 p.m.
A Saturday tour of the region finds sales in St. Albans, Sheldon, Enosburg, Richford, Alburg, and the Islands. ART FOR SALE
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence has a special BOGO sale on artist made, gallery support Christmas Tree Ornaments from the gallery tree on Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. All tree ornaments are $12. Click here or find them on Facebook for more info.
ALBURG--The annual Alburgh Fire Craft/Vendor Fair takes over the firehouse on Saturday at 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
ENOSBURG--The Enosburg Methodist Church hosts the Christmas Bazaar on Saturday at 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
ENOSBURG--EES Actions and the EFHS Senior Class Actions Craft Fair is in Enosburg Falls High School on Saturday at 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
NORTH HERO--Greentara hosts a Holiday Artisan Market on Saturday at 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. There will be one-of-a-kind handmade gifts made here. The Hive Cafe will be right out front.
RICHFORD--The annual First Baptist Church Christmas Bazaar will fill the lower level Fellowship Hall on Saturday at 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. There will be a crafts table, a white elephant table, baked goods, fudge, candy, coffee, tea, soups, cookies, great conversations and more.
ST. ALBANS--"Come for the sale, stay for the luncheon and baked goods" at the St. Paul's Arts & Craft Show on Saturday at 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. They will have a selection of home goods, including Christmas decor, maple goodies, pottery, slate paintings, wreaths, and much more.
SOUTH HERO--The annual St Rose of Lima Christmas Bazaar will include a maker's market, bake sale, gift basket raffle, luncheon, and more ON Saturday at 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
SHELDON--Busy Hands Crafts by Debbie Paradee has a solo pop-up craft sale at the Abbey on Saturday at 5 p.m,. She'll have gifts for adults and children.
ST. ALBANS--The Catalyst Coffee Bar hosts a winter wonderland of treasures in the Catalyst Holiday Market on with Bee Street Arts, Due North Winery, Inkset Illumination, and Mountain Life Woodwork on Sunday at 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence Gallery features different artists each month. This month, the spotlight is on fiber artist Janice DeCooman, graphic artist, teacher, and stained glass creator Lindsay DiDio, watercolorist and mixed media artist Dorothy Goulet, and folk artist Sally Tarr with a live reception at the gallery this evening at 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. A.I.R. will continue celebrating the monthly Featured Artists online and on Facebook. ART ON THE WALLS
The art and fine craft cooperative features paintings, fiber arts, stained glass, sculpture, lamps, pottery, folk art boxes, scarves, hats and more by 40 Franklin County and surrounding area artists. It is owned and operated by the artists and sponsors. The gallery on South Main Street is open every day in December, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Christmas. Click here or find them on Facebook for more info.
ST ALBANS--The halls, the gym, and the Performing Arts Center will be alive with music, art, and dance for BFA Fine Arts Night at BFA-St. Albans on Tuesday at 5 - 7 p.m. Artwork and interactive demonstrations will be on display in the Connector. The orchestra, band, and chorus perform in the gym. Dance and theater performances will take over the stage.
SHELDON--The Abbey hosts Flowers by Jenny again for Holiday Centerpiece Night this evening at 6 p.m. The cost is $40. All the containers, birch sticks, greens, ribbons, and wintery bits are included. Call or message Jenny (802.373.5476) to reserve a seat or for more info. ART YOU CREATE
ST. ALBANS--14th Star Brewing Company hosts Starry Christmas Night Painting with Linda Oakes Carvalho this evening at 6:30 p.m. Registration includes a canvas, paintbrushes, paints, palettes and more. Food and beverages will be available from Black Radish and 14th Star. The cost is $50. Click here to register and for more info.
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild hosts Yarn & Yak with Kelli Shepherd on Wednesday at 5 - 7 p.m. The free, drop-in workshop is for projects to knit, crochet, or craft with fiber. All skill levels are welcome. No registration is required. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Richard E. & Deborah L. Tarrant Foundation and the Vermont Community Foundation present the film Gone Guys at the Welden Theater on Tuesday at 6 p.m. Doors at 5:30. Boys and young men are steadily disengaging from school, work, and the broader society. The documentary draws on the work of Richard V. Reeves' Of Boys and Men, to illuminate their challenges through powerful data and compelling personal stories. A community discussion follows the film. FILM
Admission is by donation. Click here to watch the trailer and Click here to reserve tickets and for more info.
SOUTH HERO--The South Hero Players present The Christmas Tree Farm in a four-day run at Snow Farm Winery starting today and continuing through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Whitney Maxham, Patrick Cope, Eliza Valle, Michelle Brady, David Belvedere, Nan Murat, Stephen Moore, Wendy Duval, Jennifer Brownell, Catherine Trombley, Kim McFerron, Kim T. Julow, Teah Bryan, Jane McFerron, Natalie Heinz, and Annalise Costantini put on a series of vignettes at the local tree farm. There's a breakup, a breakdown, high school sweethearts, a sleighful of Santas, a film director, an elf, and more in a Christmas dream written by Adam Szymkowicz and directed by Shannon Lowe. Admission is THEATER
$18 - $25. Click here for tickets and more info.
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild has four workshops this week. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Learn Holiday Zentangle with Julia Davenport at the MAG Art Center on Saturday at 1 p.m. Zentangle is a drawing technique invented by the monk Rick Roberts and artist Maria Thomas to combine meditation and art. The cost is $25-30. Click here to reserve a seat and for more info.
Wrapped in Wonder with Terry Buehner explores the basics of wire-wrapping to create a gemstone necklace at the MAG Art Center on Saturday at 5 p.m. The cost is $35-45. Click here to reserve a seat and for more info.
Social Sunday continues at the MAG Art Center with free weekly art classes for families on Sunday at 1 p.m. Each week offers a different project. Stay for 30 minutes or the whole two hours. Click here for more info.
Cindi Lafayette leads an introduction to Ink and Resin Christmas Ornaments at the MAG Art Center on Wednesday at 5 p.m. Alcohol ink creates vibrant, marbled, or translucent effects in resin The cost is $35-40. Click here to reserve a seat and for more info.
MORRISVILLE--River Arts has three workshops this week.
Carmella Cyr leads Needle Felting 101 for Deco Baubles this afternoon at 4 p.m. The hands-on, workshop will teach how to shape, decorate, and detail felted baubles, step-by-step, using colorful wool and felting needles. No experience is necessary. All materials are included. Tuition is $30. Click here to enroll and for more info.
Karen continues the Macrame 101 series with a festive Macrame Gnome on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. The December workshop will create fiber art gnomes with flowing beards and pointy hats. No experience is necessary. All materials are included. Tuition is $30 for a single workshop. Click here to enroll and for more info.
The three-workshop series, Watercolor: Beyond Basics 02, with Vermont artist Evie Mason continues with Session 2 on Wednesday at 6 - 7:30 p.m. The intermediate workshop will focus on layering and glazing techniques, color mixing, brush control and edge work, creating depth, light, and atmosphere, and composition and storytelling. Some prior watercolor experience is recommended. All materials provided, or "feel free to bring your own favorites." Tuition is $40 for a single workshop or $105 for all three. Click here to enroll and for more info.
ONLINE--Northwest Access TV presents Alex Foltz for Episode 2 of Foltz Studio, the live series of outdoor oil painting lessons. This episode finds him at the Trout River in Montgomery and on YouTube. The Highgate native who now lives in the state of Georgia teaches viewers the art of plein-air oil painting across different landscapes in Vermont. Two Northwest Access TV shows, Foltz Studio and Rations, are syndicated nationally. The two shows are released weekly on YouTube channel as well as to Franklin County Comcast subscribers on channel 1079. Foltz Studio airs first on Mondays at 5 p.m. and Rations follows at 6.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council will hold a Board Meeting and Updates in person at the Swanton Free Public Library on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month. Find the SAC on Facebook for the agenda and more info. IN THE SAC
Thursday, December 4 ON STAGE LIVE
ENOSBURG--The Rail Trail Pub presents an evening of classic jazz with LeoDos this evening at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NORTH HERO--The North Hero House hosts the Fall Music Series. This week, the series continues with Sergio Torres live this evening at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, December 4-6
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with Dan Parks tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, the Natural Selection at 5 p.m., and then Lixx makes their debut for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus two more shows live on Saturday night with Just Me at 5 p.m., and Magnetic Horse at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
MORRISVILLE--Moog's Place starts a weekend of music with Open Mic Night with Michael Perry tonight, then the John Lackard Blues Band on Friday night. Click here for more info.
Friday, December 5
COLCHESTER--Laura Fedele-Rasco plays all your favorite songs in the live and free Friday Night Live Music at the Spanked Puppy on Friday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
JOHNSON--Moog's Joint presents Seth Yacovone in their Live Music Lineup on Friday at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
SHELDON--The Abbey Friday Night Music Series often has live performances on Friday about 6:30 p.m. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Hullabaloo returns to the Old Post for a special reunion to kick off the holiday season on Friday at 8 p.m.. Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, December 5-7
ESSEX--The Double E overflows with music this weekend.
The Vermont Blues Society hosts its annual Concert Celebration with Paul Asbell plus Blues Over Easy in the Double E Lounge on Saturday at 6 p.m. Doors at 5:30. After a VBS business meeting, Mr. Asbell will open with a solo show. followed by Blues Over Easy, the super group with Gina Coleman, Jeff Salisbury, Mr. Asbell, Chuck Eller, Clyde Stats, and Terry Youk. General admission is $25. Click here for tickets and more info.
Moog's presents Brian Murray and Jimmy Law as Murray's Law in the T-Rex Theater on Sunday at 8 p.m. Doors at 7. The Dogs In A Pile guitarists and vocalists play an acoustic concert of covers in a mix of originals. General admission is $20. Click here for tickets and more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in December. Kyle Stevens leads Karaoke on Friday and Justice 3 returns live on Saturday. Music starts about 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub doubles up on Live at the Pub this weekend.
The Pub will swell with more Christmas Carol Sing Along after the Tree Lighting on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Lyrics and accompaniment will be provided. They will open starting at 5 before the tree lighting for those finishing the Santa Fun Run. BYOB. Click here for more info.
Next up is a Bluegrass Jam for experienced pickers and new learners alike on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. BYOB, Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week they host Sister Speak on Friday and Ethan Sawyer live on Saturday night. Music starts about 6:30 p.m. Call 802.524.1405 or find them on Facebook for more info. Click here to book a reservation or to visit the art on the walls.
Saturday, December 6
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Higher Ground hosts the Kids VT 2025 Spectacular Spectacular talent show with Polina Alekhina, Uliana Alekhina, Alyce Ayer, Eli Bart, Adim Benoit, Jack Blazewicz, Grace Castillo, Violet Chamberlin, Lila Crowley, Frank D’Amore, Henry Leitz, Molly McCarthy, Lindy Moynihan, Theophilius Parkinson, Amelia Quante, Lily Ryersbach, Thomas Schramm, Malhar Zach Sengupta, Yvette Shedrick, Jenna Sweeney, Eva Tarrant, Julian Trahan, Ella Twiggs, and Jax Washburn all on Saturday at noon. Click here for tickets and more info.
The EBCA Holiday Festival on Lincoln Park will have Christmas music and food vendors from 5 - 7 p.m.
ESSEX JUNCTION--Sparky's presents Staircase 24 live on Saturday at 7 p.m. "Come early for dinner and drinks and stay for the music." Find them on Facebook for more info.
Sunday, December 7
ENOSBURG--The Community Chorus and the Enosburg Town Band present the annual Holiday Concert at the Opera House at Enosburg Falls on Sunday at 2 p.m. Admission is free. Call 802.933.6171 or Click here for more info. Plan ahead. The Christmas Follies Holiday Variety Show comes Saturday, December 13.
ST. ALBANS--The 14th Star Holiday Rewind Party will relive the magic of the festival, the season, and the screen in the Taproom on Sunday at 5 - 8 p.m. Dress as your favorite holiday movie character with prizes for the best costumes and dance to iconic movie soundtracks and holiday hits. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Monday, December 8
ST. ALBANS--The Finals! 14th Star Brewing Company concludes the Lakeshore Community Event Series Singer-Songwriter Competition on Monday at 6 p.m. It's time to meet the top three finalists. 24 singer-songwriters including Bryan Blanchette, Michael Brennan, Donald Davis, Kip de Moll, Frank Erickson, Justin Farrell, Timothy Fitzgerald, Shane Goodwin, Kelsie, Owen Leavey, Blake Matteson, Levi Mendes, Cece Murphy, Robin Nickerson, Dan Parks, Colleen Perron, Victoria Pleshakova, Tod Pronto, Andy Samara, Charles Schramm, Abigail Sherman, Laura Shrewsbury, Zachary Tyler, Kristen W, and more have showcased their best works each week to earn a live studio album in Nashville, studio time at West Street Digital, a Taylor electric acoustic guitar, gift certificates, and more including cash prizes paid directly to the top three finalists from the Rachel Bissex White Light Fund.
All six finalists have already won a live Nashville in-the-round session to be performed and recorded in Burlington. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Wednesday, December 10
ENOSBURG--Sage Machia hosts Country Karaoke Nights at the Rail Trail Pub on Wednesday at 5:30 pm. The boot scootin' boogie happens every Wednesday. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The monthly Blues Jam continues at Twiggs, hosted by Vermont's leading blues man, Nobby Reed and the House Band, on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Blues Jam blows out the speakers at Twiggs on the second Wednesday of each month. Find them on Facebook for more info.
This Sunday is the second Sunday of Advent. There's a 40 percent chance of snow showers. ALMOST LIVE CHRISTMAS PLAYLIST
- Gene Autry, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Andy Williams sang for Golden Christmas on YouTube.
- Frank Sinatra collaborated with dozens of musicians. He and Cyndi Lauper sang Santa Claus Is Coming To Town on YouTube. Then he sang it with Seal on YouTube.
- Carrie Underwood and John Legend sang Hallelujah on YouTube.
- Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello sang The Christmas Song on YouTube.
- This version of The First Noël was Josh Groban with Faith Hill on YouTube.
- Let It Snow sang Tori Kelly and Babyface who never drove a plow truck but knew how it felt on YouTube.
- Cher teamed up with Stevie Wonder for What Christmas Means to Me on YouTube.
- Nobody liked Christmas songs more than Bing Crosby. Here's his (animated) Winter Wonderland on YouTube. And he sang Mele Kalikimaka with the Andrews Sisters on YouTube.
- Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga also sang Winter Wonderland together on YouTube. He teamed up with the London Symphony Orchestra for It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas on YouTube.
- Jon Gailmor sang Silver Bells on YouTube.
- Mark Shelton sang Sacred Christmas Songs on the second Sunday of Advent on YouTube.
ENOSBURG--The storybook Barn Owl and Bumblebee Bistro Holiday High Tea features a reading and book signing of The Christmas Calf by local writer George Woodard this afternoon at 1 or 3:30 p.m. The Holiday High Tea will also have mini sandwiches, quiche, parfaits, scones, cakes, and tarts, teas and specialty coffees, and more, plus photos and a visit with Santa, and a visit to the Elf's Candy Counter to fill a free bag. The cost is two for $45 or four for $85 and reservations are required. Call or text 802.528.6529 for tickets and more info. FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
HIGHGATE--The Highgate Library and Community Center continues the Muffin Monday Senior Social Hour on Monday at 10 a.m. The program is a community connect to brainstorm opportunities for senior support. Each week will also include coffee and tea, as well as fresh pastries. The program will run every Monday morning and is free for anyone 55 and older. Registration is mandatory as space is limited. Call the Library (802.868.3970) to register and for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library hosts the Tuesday Night Book Group to discuss Martyr by Kaveh Akbar on Tuesday Evening at 6 p.m. Her debut novel follows Cyrus Shams, a young Iranian-American poet who grapples with trauma, addiction, and his family's legacy of violence and loss. Goodreads calls the finalist for the 2024 Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize an "essential new voice in contemporary fiction." The group reads an eclectic mix of titles and meets the second Tuesday of each month in the Martha Dalton Meeting Room. Copies are available at the circulation desk. The Book Group meets after hours. Please arrive before the doors close at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
ELMORE and NEW ORLEANS--Beloved local singer and songwriter and Summer Sounds favorite Jon Gailmor died Sunday, November 30, at age 77, after battling leukemia for 18 months. The Vermont State Treasure who helped kids (and grownups) love music and make songs brought folk music's political and environmental awareness to his lyrics but his songs are best loved for their stories. PASSAGES
He created a life here as a singer/songwriter, workshop leader, radio show host, Town moderator, and friend. He represented us at the Kennedy Center and Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans at the Super Bowl. And he sang about how Randy and Ned Go to School for FCAR on YouTube.
"The world would be a better place if we acknowledge people like" the postal workers, trash collectors, school crossing guards around us, he said. The world is a better place because we had Jon Gailmor in it.
Lifelong Westporter Dan Woog remembered Jon Gailmor on Monday.
Good News!There are so many events around the region that we miss some of them.Be sure to check these calendars for what's happening near you ... |
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Music!Links to the Summer Music series in Franklin County |
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