We've said it before and we maintain this fact: Maine is the best state for Christmas. From our wonderful holiday lights to our lovely shopping strolls, there are so many things on offer allowing residents and visitors to get into the Christmas spirit. Over the last month, we've received a few notes from people asking our advice on the best way to celebrate Christmas in Vacationland. If you've already checked out the holiday lights road trip, the next logical step is to visit some of our favorite Christmas towns. Follow this google map and the guide below to make the most of this holiday season in Maine.

1. Kennebunkport, York County

You can't miss out on the holiday spirit when celebrating in Kennebunk! The annual Christmas Prelude kicked off early this month and featured two tree lightings and lots of merriment. And, for a real Maine Christmas experience, head to Cape Porpoise Square for the famous lobster pot tree.

2. Portland, Cumberland County

The tree is lit in Monument Square and Portland Christmas festivities are in full swing! We hope you made it to see the harbor light up for the 17th Annual Boat Parade of Lights this past weekend as well. And, this is also the month for the Narrow Gauge Railroad's Polar Express!

3. Freeport, Cumberland County

Freeport's Christmas celebration takes place nightly until December 31st. Every half-hour from 5pm to 9pm the synchronized show features music and visual effects. Catch it directly outside the flagship store and throughout the campus. Fun events and things to see include: The Discovery Forest, The Model Train Village (open 9am-9pm daily,) The Reindeer Barn (open weekends from 11am-5pm), Free Old-Fashioned Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides (weekends from 3pm-7pm,) and Santa Visits (open weekends 11am-5pm.) Our favorite part of this experience is the Night Sky Dome, a geodesic dome featuring a simulation of the Northern Lights, which is open daily from 9am-9pm.

4. Bath, Sagadahoc County

Bath began celebrating Christmas for the entire month of December beginning with the annual "Old-Fashioned Christmas" celebration beginning just after Thanksgiving with the Christmas Tree Lighting, Jingle Bell Walk, & Visit with Santa. Visitors can now continue the celebration during Trolley Christmas Caroling on Fridays & Saturdays in December from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

5. Owls Head, Knox County

The Owls Head Transportation Museum is where Christmas comes alive in Owls Head. Earlier in December, Santa traded his sleigh for an airplane as he made his annual appearance at the museum. Head here for a way to celebrate the holidays, with a bit of Maine history thrown in for fun!

6. Camden, Knox County

Enjoy a lovely Christmas by the Sea in Camden! The town is decked out in lights and celebration, even if you happened to miss the annual holiday event!

7. Bar Harbor, Hancock County

Bar Harbor is one of the most "Maine" towns you'll find in Vacationland and we recommend a stroll through during the holidays to truly experience it. Click here for information on what to check out this month. We promise there are lots of options to put you in the spirit of the season!

8. Bangor, Penobscot County

Santa's Workshop kicked off in early December, along with a lovely Festival of Lights Parade themed with "Holidays of the World." Today, you can check out the many shops and lights that cater to those looking to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit.

9. Waterville (or, Kringleville as it's known this time of year!), Kennebec County

Downtown Waterville’s Santa Claus tradition began in 1969 when Waterville volunteers brought in an unheated log cabin to Castonguay Square and lit up a young spruce tree. Today, you can visit Santa in Kringleville just about every day of the week (he takes the day off on Monday) before he heads off for his Christmas obligations just before the holiday.

10. Gardiner, Kennebec County

Gardiner doesn't just spend one weekend celebrating Christmas. Here, it's a month-long affair! Things kicked off in early December for the annual tree lighting in Johnson Park. Then, on December 3rd, the annual Holiday Parade of Lights took place on Water Street - along with the 2nd annual Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest. We mention all of this not to make you feel bad, but to encourage you to visit one of the most Christmas-ready towns in Maine! After this stop, you'll have visited some of the best that Maine has to offer!

For more holiday spirit, take a look at this article for 13 ways to have the most enchanting Christmas experience possible in Maine this year.