With its largest attendance since its launch in 2019, the yearly Christmas in Castleton event brought holiday cheer to the town last weekend. 

Arts and crafts, a busy Christmas market, a blinding parade, and heartwarming holiday traditions were all part of the daylong celebration from 11a.m. to 6 p.m., which brought out visitors and residents to start the season in style.

Starting off the day, children and families could create their own photo ornaments to take home during the first arts and crafts session at the Castleton Free Library. Santa made an appearance to make sure everyone was staying on the nice list this year. The grinch however was lingering behind him trying to dim the Christmas cheer. 

At the former Texaco lot was the Christmas Market. This showcased a wide range of local vendors exhibiting their handcrafted products and festive treats. They had everything from goat’s milk fudge to stained glass ornaments, bourbon barrel maple syrup to hand knitted baby boots. The community members dodged in and out through booths, hands full with unusual presents and goodies. 

Debra Lee Adams from Fat Toads Farm has been selling her goats milk soaps and fudge ever since the beginning. 

“We’ve been here for five years, it’s a family run business. I make all the fudge and the soap from our goats. Been here since the beginning so now people expect us to be here, it would be weird if we weren’t here,” Adams said.

Every year Adams also brings her infamous goats that are parked right outside Third Place. You could even feed them little pellets. Adams told a group of kids, “make sure to feed every goat in there so no one felt left out.” 

A food truck was posted behind the market selling their famous fried dough, hot dogs, and even a fried dough hot dog, which is pretty self-explanatory. VTSU Castleton student Emma Ezzo got in line immediately when the smell of fried dough hit her nose.

“This is one good fried dough. It even comes with a caramel sauce,” Ezzo said sprinkling powdered sugar over the dough.

Among the vendors were Sweet Potato Accessories, run by local crafter Ashley Carter, who delighted shoppers with her cozy hand-knitted hats, scarves, and toys. 

“The name of Sweet Potato Accessories came from my daughter. When she was little, we used to call her sweet potato, and it kind of just stuck,” Carter shared. “This is our second year doing this and the turn out is way better than we expected, it’s been a lot of fun.” 

With its selection of maple syrup and delicious treats, Genier Sugar House from Fair Haven, also attracted a consistent crowd. Before buyers even purchased their maple, they raved about the rich, smoky flavor of their bourbon maple syrup, which was given away to try as a free sample. 

The key events of the evening were when the Christmas spirit peaked. The lighting of the Tree of Remembrance, a moving tribute to departed loved ones, brought family and community together. The tree lit up the night sky as the residents sang “Let It Shine,” creating a heartfelt moment of community and solidarity.

Soon after, Castleton’s streets were filled with the much-anticipated holiday-lit procession. Joy and laughter were spread as dazzlingly lit floats moved through the town. Kids and grownups laughed when Santa made his grand entrance and began throwing mints from a funny perch on a fully furnished portable toilet. The Grinch also displayed his characteristic quirkiness by tossing onions to the audience. Included in the parade were lit-up tractors, a decorated horse, and a huge 18-wheeler with a big wreath on the front. 

A local resident who lives down the street but was shy about giving her name said, “Usually I hate parades because all the loud noises make my dog go crazy, but how can you hate this. Everyone’s so happy, kids are running around. I’m glad I came this year.” 

The display was made much more charming by the children who rushed alongside the parade floats wearing glowing necklaces and Santa hats. As the parade passed through the town, families gathered in the streets to applaud and take pictures. 

Its most successful year to date, Christmas in Castleton 2024 attracted visitors from all around the area and highlighted the town’s strong sense of community. The event cemented its status as a cherished staple of Castleton’s Christmas season by fusing local artistry, sentimental traditions and festive spirit.

“There’s something really special about this event,” said Ashley Carter. “The sense of community is more important than the lights or the shopping, that’s why everyone’s here.”