Maine Holiday Destination Guide
Our Top Three Recommended Destinations or Events:
- Freeport L.L.Bean Northern Lights Festivities
- Boothbay Harbor Gardens Aglow
- Kennebunk Christmas Prelude
Portland:
Every year Portland shines up for the holiday season. The city is covered in lights and festive colors. Each year they host shop window decorating contests, foodie events, concerts and more. Generally the Monument Square Christmas tree lighting is a night of festivities that brings everyone together, however, this year with COVID-19 restrictions the lighting will be viewed online.
The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad puts on a Polar Express run that puts a spin on their normal route to bring on holiday cheer. The trip comes with a souvenir mug and some hot chocolate, and some really cool memories.
Christmas Boat Parade of Lights takes place the second Saturday of December, this year at 4:45 PM. Snag a seat at a waterfront restaurant or near the ferry terminal to get the best view of all of the boats.
South of Portland:
York: The lighting of Nubble Lighthouse is a really unique event to check out. It’s not every year you get to see Christmas lights and a historic lighthouse. While you’re in the area check out the York festival of lights.
Ogunquit: “Christmas by the Sea” they decorate Perkin’s Cove to create a nautical, coastal Christmas vibe that is a must see. Get some small town shopping in while you’re there.
Kennebunk and Kennebunkport: Kennebunk Christmas Prelude, this year’s schedule runs December 2nd-12th. The holiday prelude boasts a full 10 days of events. Their main events include the Cape Porpoise Trap Tree lighting, 40 trees trail, hat parade, caroling, pooch parade and some awesome shopping and food.
If you’re in town for a little while longer check out Fire and Ice and the Nonantum Resort. The event features a chilly ice bar and bonfires and your ticket includes some cool foods.
North of Portland:
Freeport: Freeport is one of our favorite towns to visit during the holiday season. The town and L.L. Bean collaborate to create a beautiful holiday experience for everyone. We highly recommend visiting during December to take in the scene.
Freeport Sparkle Showcase
The Sparkle Showcase is the town’s take on the holiday season that includes a parade of lights, tree lighting, holiday decorating contest and more. Check out the town’s website for more information and exact yearly dates.
L.L. Bean Northern Lights Events
The highlight of our season is here! L.L. Bean hosts similar events each year, with enough change to make a new surprise but keep the tradition going. In previous years L.L.Bean has hosted a centerpiece tree, reindeer barn, life size snow globe, a model train village and a beautiful tree walk on site. This year (2021) they will be hosting the centerpiece tree, ice skating, hot cocoa bar and speciality reindeer barn on certain dates.
L.L. Bean also hosts special events throughout the holiday season. This year they’ll be hosting events such as Boat Tote Stenciling, Curling demonstrations and paracord crafts.
Boothbay Botanical Gardens Aglow
Pre-COVID19 the botanical gardens did a spectacular walking tour through lighted paths where you could wander your way around for as long as you’d like. This year and last year they have adapted to a drive-through option, though no less magical! The 2021 cost is $40 a car, and tickets must be purchased in advance.
If you’re in the Boothbay area for an entire day check out the Boothbay Railway Village for the North Pole Express that runs Saturdays and Sundays in December.
Bethel: Bethel is a small ski town that you’d think of in a typical Christmas movie. The town itself can be the attraction, though they do celebrate with the normal spread of Christmas events throughout December.
Bath: Bath celebrates with an old fashioned Christmas feel in the historic city.
Camden and Rockland: Both coastal towns have local shops perfect for Christmas shopping. Rockland has its famous trap tree that gives the good Maine feel to Christmas.
There may be too many options to make it to them all, but no choice is a bad one! Each town has its own charm and holiday spirit. No matter which events you choose for your Maine holiday you’re destined to have a good time.
