Our first Midd Stroll of the season has wrapped, and what a joyful start it was. Middlebury felt alive on Thursday night — glowing with lights, laughter, and that unmistakable hometown magic that defines a Very Merry Middlebury.
We began with a simple, beautiful tree lighting that set the tone for the evening. As the lights came on, the town felt instantly warmer, despite the cold. Thank you to the Franklins for making this possible. And then came the students — 1,200 Middlebury College students, streaming into town for Mid-Kid Night. Even with the winter chill, their energy was electric. They filled the shops, grabbed food, sipped hot cocoa, caught a late night movie, and brought a wonderful vibrancy to our downtown. Thanks Middlebury College for the Midd Kid energy!
At the Town hall Theater, the National Bank of Middlebury transformed wrapping gifts into an art form, while Middlebury Studio School filled the Anderson Wing with its beloved craft fair. For those who missed it, you’re in luck — another craft fair will pop up inside the National Bank of Middlebury this week Thursday 5-8pm.
The Cocoa Hut was in full festive force, handing out over 1,200 candy canes between Thursday and Saturday. Thank you to all our volunteers who keep it manned! Elves guided families to Macey’s horse and carriage rides, adding old-fashioned charm as they jingled through town. And in what has become one of our favorite traditions, Fire Chief David Shaw delivered Santa safely and grandly to the Town Hall Theatre steps, where Mrs. Claus greeted him in perfectly timed holiday style. More than 220 eager children came to say hello, share wishes, and soak up the moment.
And then — the chocolate bars. Our Very Merry Middlebury bars have almost completely sold out. They are officially “in the wild,” so you may still be able to find a few at Sparrow, the Middlebury Co-op, Adagio Chocolates, Vermont’s Own, the Swift House, the Dollar Store and possibly IPJ — if you’re quick! Each bar still carries the chance to win wonderful prizes and supports our community programming.
All in all, it was a stunning kickoff to the season — a reminder of how much joy this community creates when we come together. We can’t wait to welcome you back for the next Midd Stroll this Thursday, 5–8pm. Lights, gifts, treats, and all the cheer — Middlebury is ready for you.
A Very Merry Middlebury, indeed.