Updated December 2019
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Aglow
Easily the biggest light display in the state, Gardens Aglow is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Maine during the winter months. The entirety of the gardens, from the trees to the ponds, have been covered in over 650,000 lights for visitors to walk through. This year, Gardens Aglow is open from 4-9 PM from November 14 - December 31. Also new this year is an online ticketing system. You MUST purchase your ticket in advance and your ticket is only good for the date and time slot you have selected. You can only enter the gardens during the time slot you have purchased so don't be late! If the event is sold out online, walk-in guests will be turned away.
Ice Skating at Thompson's Point
The Rink at Thompson's Point is a great winter activity since it is open until February. Skates are available for rent and you can bring your own as well!There is a warming room, heated lounge, and food vendors on site. Check out the schedule online here for themed nights and discounts!
Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude Weekend
One of the biggest Christmas celebrations in the state, the Kennebunkport Prelude has everything you could hope for! The two week long celebration welcomes the Christmas season to southern Maine, and Kennebunkport has been deemed the #2 Christmas Town in America! Highlights include a fireworks display, Santa arriving to town on a fishing boat, markets and fairs, trolley rides, local shopping, and other special events throughout the town. While many events are free, there is an admission cost for others. Check out the full schedule on the Christmas prelude website.
The Northern Lights at L.L. Bean
Embrace the magic of Christmas at L.L. Bean this season! The Northern Lights Display is set across the street from the flagship store. Walk through the Discovery Forest and embrace the sparkling lights and trees. Make sure to step inside the warming hut to view the Northern Lights and grab some free hot cocoa! Bring the kids on the weekends to see Santa and his reindeer, and don't miss your chance to hop on a horse drawn carriage ride around town.
Lighting of Nubble Lighthouse
The Nubble Lighthouse in York is one of the only lighthouses in the state that gets in the holiday spirit. The lighthouse is lit up in a special ceremony on November 30th and stays lit through the first of the year. Don't miss the lobster trap Christmas tree set up on display as you drive in. You can also stay in the Christmas spirit all year long because the Nubble Lighthouse is lit agin in July for a special Christmas in July celebration.
Santa Sunday at Sunday River
If you're a fan of skiing, Santa Sunday is a cannot miss event at Sunday River! Over 250 Santas will hit the slopes, dressed in coats and beards, raising money for local nonprofits. You can pre-register to ski in this event but you must bring your own Santa costume! The event if free to the public who would like to watch the event.
Polar Express Ride on the Narrow Gauge Railway
ALL ABOARD THE POLAR EXPRESS! From Thanksgiving through Christmas you can take a ride on the Polar Express along Portland's coastline. Kids are encouraged to dress in their pajamas for the ride where they will meet the train conductor, enjoy fresh cookies and hot chocolate, and get a special gift from Santa himself! Tickets usually sell out so it is encouraged to book your ticket in advance. The train ride lasts about 45 minutes and departs from the Ocean Gateway Visitor Center. Other FAQ's can be found here on the Narrow Gauge Railway's website!
See the "Magic of Christmas"or "The Nutcracker"
Take to the theater this holiday season to see two timeless performances at Merrill Auditorium. The Maine State Ballet takes the stage first this season performing the "Nutcracker" for the first two weeks after Thanksgiving. Or enjoy the "Magic of Christmas" with the Portland Symphony Orchestra, which plays From December 13 - 22. Tickets are on sale now!
The Lobster Trap Tree in Rockland
That is SO Maine! Although there are a few variations of lobster trap Christmas trees across the state, the one in Rockland is the largest. The lighting of the Lobster Trap tree usually occurs on the day after Thanksgiving and it kicks off a weekend full of Christmas festivities, including a parade, a visit from Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, shopping, and much more. Check out this website for more information on the Festival of Lights. Don't worry if you miss the festivities, the Lobster Trap Tree will stay lit up all season long!
Local Christmas Light Displays
So many towns have their own Christmas trees lighting ceremonies and parades that kick off the holiday season, such as the Parade of Lights in Gardiner. Don't forget about your neighbors that put on a show of their own in their front yards. Check out the display at 132 State Street in Augusta for a spectacular light show timed to music. And if you're in the Bangor Area you can participate in a Holiday Lights Scavenger Hunt hosted by the Z107.3 Radio Station.
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