Maine’s Fall festivals are a wonderful reason to spend time at Wells Beach during the off-season, but I love Christmastime even more.  For me, there is something special about getting into the holiday spirit “nautical-style.”  These are just a few of the many reasons we keep our Wells Beach cottage open through New Year’s.

9 Maine Christmas Festivals & Holiday Events

1. Festival of Trees | November 29 – December 31, 2014 – The Festival of Trees is a community event to benefit the programs of the Dyer Library and Saco Museum.  Dozens of beautifully decorated trees and wreaths are put on display for visitors to enjoy.
2. Lighting Of The Nubble | November 29, 2014 – Each holiday season, the Cape Neddick “Nubble” Lighthouse is adored with white lights which remain lit after dark through New Year’s Day.  Kick-off festivities begin at 5:00 PM in York’s Sohier Park and will include cookies, hot chocolate, music, Santa Claus, and a countdown to the lighting.

   

3. Freeport’s Annual Sparkle Weekend | December 5-7, 2014 – Visit Freeport for a town-wide holiday celebration featuring a talking Christmas tree, a parade of lights, visits from Santa, dynamic light shows, free horse-drawn carriage rides, and many other activities.
4. York Festival of Lights | December 6, 2014 – Organized by a committee of business people and citizens, the Festival of Lights is held annually to give thanks for making York a great community and to celebrate the warmth of the season.  Activities include: breakfast with Santa, the Polar Express, ginger-bread house displays, caroling, art exhibitions, film festival, craft fairs, lights parade, church suppers, and much more.
5. Celebrate the Season by the Sea at Old Orchard Beach | December 7, 2014 – This annual holiday event hosted by the Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce will take place from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Bring your camera and have your picture taken with Santa.  Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and popcorn. A Christmas tree in the gazebo at Memorial Park located on First Street will be lit.
6. Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude | December 5 – 7 and December 12 -14, 3014 – A holiday festival that takes place in Kennebunkport during

   

   the first two weekends of December.  The entire community gets involved and the event schedule is PACKED with activities that will delight children and adults alike.  In fact, HGTV named Kennebunkport as 1 of the top 10 Christmas towns in America.  Learn more by reading our blog post, Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude: A Fantastic Way to Get into the HolidSpirit.
   

7. Christmas by the Sea Celebration in Ogunquit | December 12 -14, 2014 – Also held during the first part of December, Ogunquit hosts its own and equally festive holiday celebration.  Just a few of the many planned activities include: a polar plunge, parade, gingerbread decorating, storytelling, hay rides, visits with Santa, wine and sweets tastings, basement bazaar, Chowderfest, craft fairs, art exhibits, wandering minstrels, and a whole lot more.
8. Annual Portland Harbor Boat Parade of Lights | December 13, 2014 – Either from shore or while riding the 4:30 ferry, watching this parade of boats adorned with Christmas lights is magical.  (Tips: The Maine State Pier has a great vantage point. If you want to ride the ferry, plan ahead and arrive early.  Tickets go on sale 11/28.)
9. Annual Southern Maine Christmas Parade | December 14, 2014 – Sponsored by the Wells Chamber of Commerce, the parade will begin at 2:00 PM and proceed North up Post Road from Wells Plaza to the Wells Junior High School.

Don’t forget that Portsmouth, NH, is only 20 miles South of Wells.  It is another wonderful place nearby to spend time by the sea.

Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth, NH | December 2 – 31, 2014 – A month-long holiday celebration including   shows, strolls and shopping.