Once Thanksgiving is behind us, it's time to shift into holiday mode. In fact, starting the day after Halloween, many of us have just one thing on the brain: the holidays! (Guilty.) Many towns begin installing the telltale snowflakes on street lamps as early as October, but it's not until the festive lights are up and the trees are sparkling that we know it's time to light that yule log. Here are our picks for the best Christmas towns in Maine if you really want to feel the Christmas spirit this year.
Disclaimer: This list was a hard one! We wish every lovely town in Maine could have been included, but with all the decorating, baking and wrapping to be done, you just don't have time to read a list that long!
1. Gardiner
There are so many fun holiday events in Gardiner, Maine, that you'll stay busy all season long. During the wintertime, Maine looks like something straight out of a snow globe. That's especially true when you visit a Christmas town like Gardiner. Throughout the month of December, this community hosts an array of seasonal events you won't want to miss. And just a simple stroll down Main Street will showcase the town's exquisite holiday decorations. Couldn't you imagine spending Christmas in this magical village?
2. Bath
This charming town in Maine celebrates Christmas all month long in their annual "Old-Fashioned Christmas" celebration that begins just after Thanksgiving. Following Thanksgiving and typically running all through the month of December, Bath, Maine, hosts an "Old Fashioned Christmas" where Santa joins the Children's Tree Lighting along with caroling, contests, live music, entertainment, family-friendly activities, and much, more!
3. Camden
Enjoy Christmas by the Sea during Camden's annual holiday event. For more than 20 years, the seaside village of Camden has held a "Christmas by the Sea" festival each winter. The event has spread to include the people and businesses in the neighboring communities of Lincolnville and Rockport, and is one of the best-loved events in the Pine Tree State.
4. Bar Harbor
For a big, old dose of holiday cheer, head to Bar Harbor. One of the most quintessential Maine towns in the summer only gets more magical when the snow falls. The tourists thin out a bit, but don't expect to have it to yourself. The secret is out that towns like Bar Harbor twinkle with the holiday spirit at Christmastime.
5. Freeport
Perhaps the best name of all the Maine Christmas celebrations, the Freeport Sparkle Celebration brings together holiday cheer and shopping in one lovely weekend. The weekend kicks off Friday night with a Parade of Lights down Main Street, and the fun continues all weekend with a Sparkle Express Train Adventure, free horse drawn wagon rides, visits with Santa, and the talking Christmas Tree.
6. Bangor
Come to Downtown Bangor in December, for loads of holiday fun and cheer. While the exact dates vary by year, the festivities remain the same: visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa's Workshop with a Santa Scavenger Hunt throughout downtown, cookie decorating, crafts, the annual Festival of Lights parade at Main Street & West Market Square, and later, the City Tree Lighting. This is an enchanting and beloved Christmas event in Maine!
7. Owls Head
One of the most iconic lighthouses in Maine, the Owls Head Transportation Museum is where Christmas lives in this town. Prepare to be dazzled by the town's festivities; past year's festivals have included Santa dropping in by helicopter!
8. Kennebunkport
There are so many fun events packed into the holiday season in beautiful Kennebunkport, Maine! Widely regarded as one of the best Christmas towns in the country, Kennebunkport's annual Christmas Prelude celebration is truly magical. This extravagant Christmas event fills the seaside town of Kennebunkport with an atmosphere of holiday spirit where visitors feel like they're entering the North Pole. Throughout town, shops are decorated with ornaments, visitors are served holiday shopping discounts and complimentary cider and snacks. During this two week event, Christmas carolers sing our favorite jingles, historic houses are open for tours, there are wine tastings, horse drawn wagons, a hat parade and so much more! At Dock Square, the celebrations officially begin with the Tree Lighting Ceremony on the first weekend of Christmas Prelude. During the second weekend, spectators can enjoy the Christmas Fireworks Display and the ever popular Pooch Parade where man's best friend displays the holiday spirit with Christmas apparel.
9. Rangeley Lakes Region
Pack up the kids and head over the river and through the woods for this year's Christmas festivities at Rangeley Lakes. Each year, Rangeley's downtown is transformed into a veritable winter wonderland, with specials in participating shops, open houses, refreshments, shoppers raffle, caroling, holiday hayrides, and even visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus!
10. Portland
Every year, the lighting of the tree in Portland, Maine, signals the start of the holiday season here in Maine. Congress Street, Commercial Street, and iconic downtown parks — including Longfellow Square, Tommy’s Park, Boothby Square, Lincoln Park, Pleasant Street Park, and Congress Square Park — are illuminated by a kaleidoscope of fantastical colors & shapes each year, bringing radiance, warmth, and magic to cold winter nights. These dazzling displays wow residents and visitors alike and have become a true signature of downtown Portland during the holiday season. The best part? The lights are illuminated on Black Friday — and they keep the city merry, bright, and beautiful all through March! We're here for it.
11. Presque Isle
In December, Presque Isle dazzles and delights Mainers young and old. The Holiday Light Parade sets off from North Street and proceeds to Clukey's Auto Supply for the lighting of the Tree of Hope and then continues to Gentile Hall at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Hot beverages will be served, and the Man in Red might make an appearance, too!
12. Cape Neddick, York
For an only-in-Maine experience, visit Cape Neddick in York during the holidays. The Saturday after Thanksgiving, the town of York lights the famous Nubble Lighthouse - often sited as the most photographed lighthouse in Maine. Visitors can enjoy live music, hot cocoa, and snacks while Santa makes his merry way to Sohier Park.
13. Waterville (otherwise known as Kringleville!)
Welcome to Kringleville, the most cheerful Christmas town in Maine! For many years, with the help of Waterville Main Street, community volunteers create a fun family holiday experience that lasts from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
We know we're not alone in thinking that Maine is the best state in the country for cozy fires, winter vibes, and holiday cheer. Where have your best Maine Christmases taken place? And, what will you be doing to prepare for the holiday season this year?
These Christmas towns in Maine shine all year round; in fact, many of the above locales are featured in this roundup of some of the state's most charming downtowns!
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