Few holidays bring communities together quite like the Fourth of July. Across Chittenden County, Independence Day is celebrated with fireworks, parades, live music, family activities, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful Vermont summer. Whether you're looking for a lively waterfront celebration, a small-town parade, or an evening under the stars watching fireworks, there's something for everyone.

If you're still deciding how to spend the holiday, here are some of the best places to celebrate the Fourth of July around Chittenden County.

Burlington Waterfront

One of the largest and most popular Independence Day celebrations in Vermont takes place along Burlington's Waterfront. Every year, thousands gather at Waterfront Park to enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, family activities, and spectacular views of Lake Champlain.

The highlight of the evening is the fireworks display over the lake. Watching the fireworks reflect off the water with the Adirondack Mountains in the background creates one of Vermont's most memorable Fourth of July experiences.

If you're planning to attend, consider arriving early to find parking and secure a good viewing spot. Bringing lawn chairs or a blanket makes for a comfortable evening while you enjoy the festivities.

Essex Junction

Essex Junction is another favorite destination for families during the holiday. The Champlain Valley Exposition typically hosts an evening filled with entertainment, carnival rides, games, food vendors, and fireworks.

The atmosphere is family-friendly and offers something for all ages. Children can enjoy the rides and activities while adults take advantage of the live music and food before gathering for the fireworks finale.

Colchester

If you're looking for a classic hometown celebration, Colchester offers a full day of Fourth of July fun. The community parade is a longtime tradition that brings together local organizations, businesses, and residents for a festive morning.

Throughout the day, families can enjoy community events before ending the evening with fireworks. The welcoming atmosphere makes Colchester a wonderful place to celebrate with neighbors and friends.

Williston

Williston continues to host one of Chittenden County's favorite community celebrations. The day often includes a parade, family activities, local food vendors, and an evening fireworks display.

It's a great option for anyone looking for a relaxed celebration while still enjoying all the excitement that comes with Independence Day.

Hinesburg

For those who appreciate small-town charm, Hinesburg offers a traditional Vermont Fourth of July celebration. The community gathers for a parade featuring local organizations, classic cars, community groups, and plenty of patriotic spirit.

The celebration continues throughout the day with food, music, family activities, and fireworks after sunset. It's an excellent choice for families looking for a more laid-back holiday experience.

Shelburne

Shelburne provides a unique way to celebrate Independence Day with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra's annual performance at the Shelburne Museum. Guests can bring blankets and picnic dinners while enjoying live music on the museum grounds before fireworks light up the night sky.

The combination of music, beautiful scenery, and fireworks creates an unforgettable summer evening.

Enjoy Vermont's Small-Town Celebrations

One of the things that makes Vermont so special is the number of local communities that come together to celebrate the Fourth of July. Nearly every town puts its own spin on the holiday with parades, barbecues, live music, road races, and community gatherings.

These events provide the perfect opportunity to support local businesses, reconnect with neighbors, and enjoy everything that makes Vermont communities so unique.

Tips for Planning Your Day

The Fourth of July is one of the busiest weekends of the summer, so planning ahead can make your day much more enjoyable.

Arrive early if you're attending fireworks or a parade, as parking fills quickly. Bring sunscreen, water, folding chairs, and blankets if you plan to spend the day outdoors. If you're attending a fireworks show, be prepared for heavier traffic when the event ends.

If you're celebrating near Lake Champlain, remember that evenings by the water can become cooler after sunset, so bringing a light jacket is always a good idea.

Celebrate Safely

As exciting as the holiday is, safety should always come first. Follow local guidelines regarding fireworks, stay hydrated during the day, and designate a driver if you'll be attending celebrations with friends and family.

Respecting local parks and public spaces by cleaning up after yourself helps keep Vermont beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

Happy Fourth of July!

Whether you're watching fireworks over Lake Champlain, enjoying a hometown parade, listening to live music, or simply spending time with family and friends, the Fourth of July is a wonderful reminder of what makes Vermont communities so special.

From Burlington's bustling waterfront to the welcoming celebrations in Essex Junction, Colchester, Williston, Hinesburg, and Shelburne, there are countless ways to celebrate Independence Day throughout Chittenden County.

Wherever you choose to spend the holiday, we hope you have a safe, relaxing, and memorable Fourth of July. Happy Independence Day from all of us at Geri Reilly Real Estate! 

What Makes Waterfront Properties So Desirable?

There’s something special about life on the water, and few places in the Northeast offer a waterfront lifestyle quite like Lake Champlain. Stretching more than 120 miles between Vermont and New York, Lake Champlain is one of the region’s most treasured natural resources and a defining feature of life in northwestern Vermont.

From stunning sunsets and recreational opportunities to privacy and long-term value, waterfront properties along Lake Champlain continue to be among the most sought-after homes in the state. Whether you're looking for a year-round residence, a seasonal retreat, or simply dreaming about life by the lake, it’s easy to understand why so many buyers are drawn to waterfront living.

Incredible Views Every Day

One of the biggest advantages of owning a waterfront property is the view. Many Lake Champlain homes enjoy panoramic vistas of the water, the Adirondack Mountains, and some of Vermont’s most spectacular sunsets.

Unlike many home features that can be renovated or updated over time, a waterfront view is something truly unique and irreplaceable. Whether you're enjoying a morning coffee on the deck or watching the sun set over the mountains in the evening, the scenery becomes part of your everyday life.

Many homeowners say that the ever-changing views are one of their favorite aspects of living on the lake. Each season brings something different, from vibrant summer sunsets to colorful fall foliage and peaceful winter landscapes.

Direct Access to Outdoor Recreation

Lake Champlain offers endless opportunities for outdoor enjoyment throughout the year. During the warmer months, residents can take advantage of boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, swimming, and sailing right from their own property.

Many waterfront homeowners enjoy the convenience of stepping outside and immediately accessing the lake without needing to travel to a public beach or boat launch. This accessibility allows residents to fully embrace Vermont’s outdoor lifestyle.

Even during the colder months, the lake remains a focal point of the landscape. Ice fishing, winter photography, and simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings make waterfront living appealing throughout all four seasons.

A Sense of Privacy and Escape

One of the reasons waterfront properties are so desirable is the sense of privacy they often provide. Many lakefront homes are located on larger lots or in quieter areas away from busy roads and neighborhoods.

For many buyers, owning a waterfront property offers an opportunity to disconnect from daily stress and enjoy a slower pace of life. The sounds of the water, the open views, and the natural surroundings create a peaceful environment that can be difficult to find elsewhere.

While some waterfront properties are located near vibrant communities like Burlington, Shelburne, and Charlotte, many still offer a level of privacy that feels like a true retreat.

Strong Long-Term Appeal

Waterfront real estate has historically maintained strong demand due to its limited supply. There are only so many properties that can sit directly on the shores of Lake Champlain, making them highly desirable among buyers.

Because waterfront land is finite, these properties often attract interest from a wide range of buyers, including primary homeowners, second-home owners, retirees, and investors. While market conditions can fluctuate, the unique nature of waterfront real estate tends to support long-term value.

For many buyers, a waterfront home is not only a lifestyle purchase but also an investment in a location that remains highly sought after year after year.

Four Seasons of Beauty

One of the unique aspects of Lake Champlain living is the ability to enjoy the lake year-round. While many waterfront destinations are primarily seasonal, Vermont offers four distinct seasons that each bring their own charm.

Spring brings blooming landscapes and the return of boating season. Summer offers warm weather and endless days on the water. Fall transforms the shoreline with vibrant foliage, while winter creates a peaceful and picturesque setting unlike any other.

This year-round appeal makes Lake Champlain waterfront properties especially attractive for those seeking a permanent residence rather than just a vacation home.

Proximity to Vermont’s Best Communities

Many Lake Champlain waterfront homes offer the perfect balance of privacy and convenience. Communities such as Burlington, South Burlington, Shelburne, Charlotte, Colchester, and Grand Isle provide easy access to shopping, dining, healthcare, schools, and local events while still allowing residents to enjoy the benefits of lakefront living.

This combination of natural beauty and accessibility is one of the reasons the area remains so popular with both local and out-of-state buyers.

Is Waterfront Living Right for You?

Owning a waterfront property is about more than just the home itself. It’s about embracing a lifestyle centered around nature, recreation, and some of Vermont’s most beautiful scenery.

Whether you're drawn to the breathtaking sunsets, direct lake access, peaceful surroundings, or long-term value, Lake Champlain offers a unique living experience that few locations can match.

For those dreaming of life on the water, Lake Champlain continues to represent some of the most desirable real estate in Vermont. It’s a place where every season brings new opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, connect with nature, and experience the very best of Vermont living.