Burlington and St. Johnsbury Ring in 2026 with Spectacular New Year’s Eve Celebrations: “Highlight” Festival and “First Night North” Set the Stage for Vermont’s Biggest Festivities

Published on January 1, 2026

By: Paramita Sarkar

Vermont welcomed 2026 in grand style with two major New Year’s Eve celebrations that highlighted the state’s rich arts and community spirit. Burlington’s “Highlight Festival” and St. Johnsbury’s “First Night North” brought thousands of attendees together to enjoy a blend of artistic performances, fireworks, and tradition, despite the cold winter temperatures typical of the region.

Both events drew attention to Vermont’s cultural significance, with Burlington serving as the hub for modern, arts-driven festivities and St. Johnsbury’s traditional, community-rooted celebration reflecting the state’s rich history. From the famous “Champ Burn” to the raising of the “Ball of Light,” these twin celebrations showcased what Vermont does best: bringing people together to honor the past while celebrating the future.

What Happened at the 2026 Burlington Highlight Festival?

The 2026 Burlington “Highlight Festival,” held at Waterfront Park and other downtown locations, was the city’s official successor to the long-standing “First Night” tradition. Despite the typically chilly Vermont winter, hundreds of attendees came out to celebrate the arrival of the new year, enjoying an event that spotlighted local arts, music, and performances.

A standout feature of the event was the “Champ Burn,” where a handcrafted wooden sculpture of Champ, the mythical Lake Champlain monster, was burned in a ceremonial fire. The fire-dance troupe Cirque de Fuego led this symbolic ritual, representing the act of letting go of the old year and welcoming in the new.

At 8:00 PM, attendees were treated to a major fireworks display over Lake Champlain, organized by NorthStar Fireworks. This early timing allowed families with young children to enjoy the celebration before the midnight countdown.

The festival also featured an impressive musical lineup, with performances by The Barr Brothers, Dwight & Nicole (soulful rock/blues), Sonido Mal Maiz (psychedelic Latin music), and Sam Amidon and Henry Jamison (folk/singer-songwriter). The return of the “Fluffy Bus,” a fan-favorite mobile art installation/lounge, provided a heated space for revelers to gather and enjoy the festivities in comfort.

Where Did the Festival Take Place?

The main events of the Burlington “Highlight Festival” took place at Waterfront Park and various downtown locations in Burlington. The city’s historic setting along the shores of Lake Champlain provided a picturesque backdrop for the celebrations, with both the “Champ Burn” and the fireworks display taking advantage of the stunning views.

As one of Vermont’s most vibrant cities, Burlington has long been known for its artistic community and innovative cultural events. The Highlight Festival was a perfect reflection of this, bringing together local artists, performers, and community members to celebrate Vermont’s cultural heritage.

When Did the Festival Take Place?

The Burlington “Highlight Festival” took place on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025, into the early hours of January 1, 2026. The festival was designed to allow both local residents and visitors to participate in a day-long celebration, with activities spread across various venues and featuring music, art, and performances throughout the evening.

One of the festival’s highlights was the “Champ Burn” at 8:00 PM, followed by the fireworks over Lake Champlain. The event provided entertainment for all ages, with the fireworks timed early in the evening to allow families with children to join in the celebration.

Why Is the Burlington Highlight Festival Important?

The Burlington “Highlight Festival” serves as a significant cultural moment for the city and the state, representing the ongoing evolution of Vermont’s community-driven celebrations. The festival honors the state’s rich arts heritage while embracing new artistic expressions. It reflects the city’s growth as a modern cultural hub while remaining deeply connected to its roots in the arts and community traditions.

Moreover, the “Highlight Festival” is the official successor to the “First Night” tradition, which had long been Vermont’s way of marking the transition from one year to the next. By evolving this tradition, Burlington is maintaining its legacy of hosting creative, community-oriented events while introducing new elements that appeal to both locals and visitors.

How Did St. Johnsbury’s First Night North 2026 Celebrate?

While Burlington’s “Highlight Festival” embraced modernity and artistic innovation, St. Johnsbury’s “First Night North” continued its tradition of community-centered celebrations. Known as Vermont’s longest-running New Year’s Eve performance festival, “First Night North” focused on providing a substance-free environment for families and visitors to enjoy.

The 2026 event featured over 150 performers across more than 75 shows, hosted in 12–18 different venues throughout downtown St. Johnsbury. The grand finale of the evening was the “Ball of Light” raising, a long-standing tradition in St. Johnsbury. Instead of a ball drop, the community gathered to watch the First Night North Ball of Light rise at midnight, accompanied by a vibrant community dance party led by local DJs.

The festival also featured a variety of performances, including magic shows by Marko the Magician, puppetry, planetarium shows, and a diverse range of musical genres such as bluegrass, Celtic, jazz, R&B, and even traditional Tibetan music. For the first time, students under 18 were granted free admission, making the festival more accessible for families.

How Are the Festivals Being Compared?

While both Burlington and St. Johnsbury celebrate the arrival of the new year, their approaches are distinct. Burlington’s “Highlight Festival” is a modern, arts-driven celebration that focuses on vibrant performances, innovative art installations, and fireworks, creating a contemporary atmosphere with an emphasis on celebrating the future.

On the other hand, St. Johnsbury’s “First Night North” celebrates the past and community roots with traditional performances, family-oriented activities, and the “Ball of Light” raising, a symbol of Vermont’s deep historical connections.

The difference between these two celebrations perfectly encapsulates Vermont’s diversity, from its modern artistic expressions to its strong ties to tradition, and both festivals serve as important markers of the state’s vibrant cultural landscape.

Conclusion: A Twin Celebration of Vermont’s Culture

The 2026 New Year’s Eve celebrations in Vermont, with Burlington’s “Highlight Festival” and St. Johnsbury’s “First Night North,” showcase the state’s unique ability to balance modernity with tradition. Whether through the grandeur of Burlington’s artistic innovations or St. Johnsbury’s longstanding cultural celebrations, Vermont’s festivities provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to come together in joy and reflection as they enter a new year.

With over 150 performances in St. Johnsbury and Burlington’s bustling waterfront festivities, these events are not only a reflection of Vermont’s history but also an exciting glimpse into the future of community-driven celebrations in the state.

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