Manchester Tractor Parade: Manchester Business Assoc Photo Credits
Manchester Merriment kicks off in just over a week. Local businesses and organizations will host seasonal events from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, bringing the community and visitors together spreading holiday cheer. There is something for everyone and for every age, including train rides, concerts, craft markets, inn tours, lighted tractor parades, and tree and menorah lighting ceremonies. The Manchester Business Association, in collaboration with the Manchester Lions Club, the Town of Manchester, Dorr Oil and Propane, the Shires of Southwestern Vermont, the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce, and numerous others, presents Manchester Merriment.
The Manchester Business Association, in collaboration with the Manchester Lions Club, the
Town of Manchester, Dorr Oil and Propane, the Shires of Southwestern Vermont, the
Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce, and numerous others, presents Manchester
Merriment.
Festivities begin with the lighting of the Manchester Community Tree at Factory Point Green.
Along with a special visit from Santa, students from Red Fox Community School and Maple
Street School will sing carols during the tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 25.
Additionally, Santa can be seen in the vicinity on Dec. 2 at the Holiday Lighted Tractor Parade,
Dec. 3, at the Equinox Golf Resort & Spa, and Dec. 16 and 17 at the Santa Express train ride
(formerly known as the Elf Express).
For several decades, area hotels and inns have welcomed guests during the holiday season,
showcasing their festive spirit through holiday décor, while offering seasonal holiday treats and
refreshments. This year, there will be much more to be thankful for than just poinsettias,
garlands, and bows during the Shires Holiday Inn Tours on December 2 and December 9.
Executive Director of the Manchester Business Association John Burnham states, "100% of all
ticket sales will go to help our local food banks." Meals on Wheels of Bennington County, the
Arlington Food Shelf, and the Manchester Community Food Cupboard are among the recipients.
“Money raised helps reduce food insecurity in this precarious economic climate marked by
inflation and people struggling to make ends meet.” Burnham continues, " What better way to
celebrate the joyous holiday season than by knowing you are giving back.”
Tickets can be purchased online at exploretheshires.com/shiresholidayinntour. Tours are
available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on either Sat, Dec. 2 or Sat, Dec. 9.
A good many of the events are annual traditions, such as the Dorset and Manchester lighted
tractor parades. “We are anticipating another record-breaking year for the annual Manchester
Holiday Lighted Tractor Parade on Sat. Dec 2,” Burnham shares "This year's parade will feature
a record 30 tractors and floats dressed in their holiday finest, surpassing both last year's record
of 22 and any prior year”
On Dec. 16 and 17, decorated trains leave from the historic r.k. Miles Depot. The Manchester
Lions Club presents the Santa Express Train Ride, offering kids of all ages an hour-long train ride
through the valley of the Green and Taconic Mountain ranges. Passengers will be delighted with
holiday entertainment, cheer and refreshments. Adding to the memories of this enchanting
holiday ride, is a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Make plans now to ensure you don’t miss out on your annual favorite festivities. This holiday
season has a ton of fun and family-friendly events planned. For a complete list of holiday
themed events, visit manchestermerriment.org for the precise times, dates and tickets of both
returning favorites and brand-new holiday activities and experiences.
More details available at www.manchestermerriment.org
Manchester Business Association
Manchester Center, VT
Manchester, VT
United States