Posted 25 Oct 2026 • Winter Fun
Visiting Family Near Burlington This Holiday Season
Visiting family near Burlington this November or December? Lakeshore Vermont Inn & Suites offers pet-friendly accommodations with fully equipped kitchens on Malletts Bay in Colchester, Vermont, about a 15-minute drive from downtown Burlington. Enjoy time with the people you came to see, then return to a comfortable lakeside place of your own.
Whether you’re joining relatives for Thanksgiving, visiting a college student, or planning a December visit, having your own accommodations gives everyone a little more room to enjoy the holidays.
Where can you stay when visiting family near Burlington?
Lakeshore Vermont offers a quieter lakeside setting in Colchester, within driving distance of Burlington’s shops, restaurants, and college campuses. Spend the day visiting loved ones, then return to Lake Champlain for a relaxed evening.
For travelers who prefer a downtown location, Lakeshore also offers an apartment at 65 North Union Street in Burlington. This accommodation is separate from the lakefront property and does not include lakefront or wellness amenities.
Make yourself at home between visits
Holiday visits don’t need to fill every hour. A leisurely breakfast, a quiet cup of coffee, or an evening spent reading can make the trip feel more comfortable.
Lakeshore’s fully equipped kitchens let you keep familiar routines during your stay. Prepare breakfast before heading out, enjoy a simple dinner in, or keep favorite snacks handy without planning every meal around a restaurant reservation.
If you’re visiting a student at the University of Vermont, Champlain College, or Saint Michael’s College, consider your campus plans when choosing accommodations. Our lakefront stays are in Colchester, so allow driving time to your destination.
Where can you shop for holiday gifts around Burlington?
Make an afternoon of browsing together, or pick up a thoughtful thank-you gift for the people hosting your holiday meal. Burlington offers several places to begin:
- Church Street Marketplace: Browse shops and galleries for gifts, clothing and home goods. The Marketplace’s shopping directory is a useful starting point for planning your stops.
- Crow Bookshop: Visit this independent bookstore at 14 Church Street to look for a book to give, or something to enjoy during your stay. Explore Crow Bookshop before your visit.
- Lake Champlain Chocolates: Choose a sweet gift at the Burlington chocolate maker’s Church Street shop or Pine Street flagship store. Find current locations and hours on the Lake Champlain Chocolates website.
For Vermont-made gifts, look for the maker’s information and ask shop staff about local products. Check each business’s holiday hours before heading out, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Can you bring your pet to Lakeshore Vermont?
Yes. Well-behaved pets are welcome at Lakeshore Vermont for an additional $25 per night, per pet.
Bring your pet’s usual food, bedding, leash, and towels to help them settle in. Please keep pets leashed on the property and clean up after them. When planning visits or shopping outings, check pet policies at your destinations and make suitable arrangements for your companion.
Add time to unwind by the lake
A family visit can also include a little time for yourself. Enjoy the view across Malletts Bay, settle into your accommodations, or choose a stay with wellness amenities.
Guests of Bay House, Bay Chalet, Harbor Cottage and Lakeside Villa have access to a sauna, hot tub and cold plunge shared among those four accommodations. Green Mountain and Lakeside Cottage have their own hot tubs and saunas. Wellness amenities vary by accommodation, so choose the stay that includes the features you want.
Plan your November or December visit
Before booking, confirm your family’s plans, campus commitments, and preferred travel dates. Check the accommodation’s guest capacity, amenities, and booking terms so you know what to expect.
Planning a colder-weather visit? Our winter packing guide offers clothing and comfort suggestions, plus a downloadable checklist. Adapt it to the forecast and the activities you have planned.
Planning a colder-weather visit? Our winter packing guide offers clothing and comfort suggestions, plus a downloadable checklist. Adapt it to the forecast and the activities you have planned.
We’d love to welcome you to Lakeshore Vermont this holiday season. Find a comfortable place to return to after a day with family, and leave a little room in your plans to enjoy Vermont along the way.
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