Winter is a magical time in Maine. Frost-painted windows, and a white blanket of snow that transforms Maine into a winter wonderland, make Christmas in Maine one of the most beautiful times of the year. Small coastal towns, exude Charles Dickenson ambience, and are sure to delight and get you into the holiday spirit. Whether you are looking for a big bash or a celebration that is a bit low-key, there is something for everyone.
1. Christmas Prelude | Kennebunkport
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5/5
Large
High
Christmas Prelude, known for its charm and sensational holiday events, has been described as a “Hallmark holiday movie, coming to life”. HGTV named Kennebunkport as the second-best Christmas Town in America. It’s no wonder, that thousands of people from around the world, flock to Kennebunkport, to share in the joy and the magic of Christmas. The twinkling lights throughout the picturesque town, the festive window displays, and the hot cocoa (seemingly on every corner) to keep you warm, are sure to get you feeling the essence of the season.
WHERE: Dock Square, Kennebunkport.
WHEN: First weekend in December, 11-day celebration.
ACTIVITIES: Craft fairs, candlelight caroling, trolley rides, boat rides, hot cocoa bars, s’mores stations, pooch parade, tree lighting, fireworks and of course, the appearance of Santa himself. Kiddos will have plenty of photo ops and time to hang out with Santa and Mrs. Claus, from story time to cookie decorating. Note: some activities include free refreshments.
HIGHLIGHTS: Fireworks, many shop and restaurant options.
LOWLIGHTS: Large crowds, limited parking, booked out hotels and restaurants.
WHERE TO STAY: The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel, Grand Hotel, Kennebunkport Inn.
WHERE TO EAT: Hurricane, The Boathouse, Burleigh.
BEST REFRESHMENTS: Mornings in Paris, Dock Square Coffee House, The Candy Man store.
2. Northern Lights | Freeport
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5/5
Large
High
Add some sparkle to your holiday, with stunningly decorated trees, tantalizing food scene, LL Bean’s flagship store and the outlet mall, offering exclusive holiday hours and shopping deals. Martha Stewart named Freeport one of “the most charming small towns to visit during the Christmas season” saying that “there’s simply no better place to do your Christmas shopping than in Freeport Maine”.
WHERE: Discovery Park and Main St, Freeport.
WHEN: First Friday in December, 10-day celebration.
ACTIVITIES: Visits with Santa and his reindeer, crafts, photo ops, twinkle tunnel, warming benches, free hot cocoa, interactive activity and more.
HIGHLIGHTS: Interactive activity (that changes every year), many shop and restaurant options.
LOWLIGHTS: Large crowds, limited parking.
WHERE TO STAY: Hilton Garden Inn, The Harraseeket Inn & Suites.
WHERE TO EAT: Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro.
BEST REFRESHMENTS: Met Coffee House, Starbucks, Wicked Whoopies.
3. Boothbay Lights | Boothbay
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Activities:
5/5
Large
High
Brimming with New England charm, Boothbay goes all out for their celebration. It’s impossible to walk away not feeling inspired by the holiday season. Peruse the quaint shops and get early bird specials, snap a selfie by the buoy tree for a chance to win prizes, or participate in any of the scheduled activities full of holiday cheer for all to enjoy. Elevate the experience and stroll through the 14 acres of botanical gardens (Gardens Aglow) boasting over 750,000 twinkling lights and giant wooden trolls.
WHERE: Bridge St. and Commercial St.
WHEN: End of November through the end of December.
ACTIVITIES: Live Nativity scene, North Pole express, s’mores with Santa, gingerbread spectacular, crafts, lighted fire truck parade, festive boat parade of lights, fireworks and more.
HIGHLIGHTS: Gardens Aglow, fireworks, shopping options.
LOWLIGHTS: Large crowds, limited parking.
WHERE TO STAY: Harborage Inn on the Oceanfront (maybe closed for the winter season).
WHERE TO EAT: Most of the restaurants are in hibernation for the winter season, check nearby towns for options.
BEST REFRESHMENTS: Eventide.
4. Holiday of the Harbor | Rockport
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4/5
Medium
Medium
Technically not a festival, but still no less festive. Spend your evening immersing yourself in this unique celebration defined by magic. The captivating scenery feels dreamy, with streets dotted with luminaria, illuminating the path to the harbor where you will find food trucks, music and more. Cozy up by the fire pits with a spiced cider in hand as you watch the breathtaking fireworks display over the harbor.
WHERE: Main St. and Pascal Ave.
WHEN: New Year’s Eve.
ACTIVITIES: Fireworks, luminaria, food trucks, music and more.
HIGHLIGHTS: Fireworks.
LOWLIGHTS: Large crowds, limited parking, booked out restaurants.
WHERE TO STAY: Rockport Harbor Hotel.
WHERE TO EAT: 18 Central Oyster Bar & Grill, Nina June.
BEST REFRESHMENTS: Seafolk Coffee.
5. Winter Wonders | Eliot
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4/5
Medium
Low
Not a festival, but might as well be one. Experience the wonder and feast your eyes on more than 2 million lights with whimsical displays and interactive scenes as you wonder through the park. The alluring lights, have a fairy tale appeal, it will be a night you won’t soon forget.
WHERE: 34 Sandy Hill Ln.
WHEN: From Thanksgiving to the end of December.
ACTIVITIES: Interactive scenes.
HIGHLIGHTS: Lights.
LOWLIGHTS: Books out fast.
WHERE TO STAY: No accommodations in the park. Seek accommodations in nearby towns.
WHERE TO EAT: No restaurants in the park. Seek restaurants in nearby towns.
BEST REFRESHMENTS: Concession stand (hot/cold drinks, cider donuts, cookies etc.)
6. Christmas by the Sea | Ogunquit
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3/5
Large
High
Meander the charming town with shops adorned in festive decorations, tempt your taste buds with delectable cuisine or warm up by the bonfire on the beach as fireworks light up the sky. If you prefer a scene with fewer crowds, stroll the Marginal Way, with mesmerizing rugged coast views, to Perkins Cove with charming shops and eateries decked out in all the holiday trimmings.
WHERE: Main St. and Perkins Cove.
WHEN: Second weekend in December.
ACTIVITIES: letters to Santa via Perkins Cove sail mail express, photos with Santa, Christmas parade, artisan craft fair, hot chocolate bar, tap takeover, bonfire at the beach, fireworks and more.
HIGHLIGHTS: Many shop and restaurant options.
LOWLIGHTS: Large crowds, limited parking.
WHERE TO STAY: The Cliff House.
WHERE TO EAT: The Tiller, Angelina’s.
BEST REFRESHMENTS: Mornings in Paris Café, Harbor Candy Shop.
7. Christmas by the Sea | Camden
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3/5
Medium
Medium
Looking to escape the crowds? Enjoy this cozy winter retreat. Bask in the radiance of the holiday star, perched up on Mt. Battie Tower, overlooking the Camden town or explore the charming shops and eateries. This “Jewel Of The Maine Coast” has something for everyone.
WHERE: Elm St, Main St. and Atlantic Ave.
WHEN: First weekend of December.
ACTIVITIES: Parade, tree lighting with carols, horse wagon rides, a walk-through Bethlehem, Santa makes an appearance by boat, story time and photos with Santa, bonfire and more.
HIGHLIGHTS: Several shop and restaurant options.
LOWLIGHTS: Limited parking.
WHERE TO STAY: Camden Harbor Inn, Grand Harbor Inn, 16 Bay View.
WHERE TO EAT: Fresh and Co, Vintage Room, Long Grain.
BEST REFRESHMENTS: Zoot Coffee, Camden Deli.