Your Guide to the Best Holiday Events in Maine (2025 Edition)
Maine during the holidays is a kind of magic you won't find anywhere else—coastal towns strung with lights, snowy village festivals, lobster trap Christmas trees, and charming small town parades. Whether you’re planning a festive weekend getaway or looking for new traditions close to home, here are the most beloved holiday events across the state.
In this blog post, we share all the most loved holiday events, parades, tree lightings, etc., happening throughout the state of Maine so you can have the best holiday season yet!
The Best Holiday Events in Southern Maine
Monument Square Tree Lighting - November 28th
Portland’s Monument Square tree lighting kicks off a season of twinkling Old Port windows, holiday strolls, Victoria Mansion’s Christmas décor, and waterfront lights. The lighting begins at 6:30p.m.
Kennebunk Christmas Prelude - December 4th to 14th
Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude is one of New England’s most iconic holiday celebrations. Expect lobster trap trees, candlelit caroling, craft fairs, and a cheerful bustle through Dock Square. View the full Christmas Prelude guide by clicking here.
Signature events:
Tree Lighting Ceremony, December 5th at 5:30p.m.
Cape Porpoise Lobster Trap Tree Lighting, December 5th at 7:00p.m.
Hat Parade, December 6th at 3:00p.m.
Santa Arrives by Lobster Boat, December 7th at 1:00p.m.
Christmas Fireworks, December 12th at 6:15p.m.
Freeport Sparkle Celebration - December 5th to 14th
Home to L.L. Bean’s Northern Lights, Freeport transforms into a glowing winter town complete with parades, a festival of trees, and family-friendly event. Click here for a full schedule of events.
Signature events:
Sparkle Celebration Parade of Lights, December 5th at 6:00p.m.
L.L Bean Tree Lighting Ceremony, November 21st at 5:45p.m.
L.L Bean Northern Lights Celebration - November 21st to December 24th
Free events and activities for the whole family—letters to Santa, light shows, festive photo ops, cocoa, tree lightings, pictures with Santa, and more!
Signature events:
L.L Bean Tree Lighting Ceremony, November 21st at 5:45p.m.
Pet photos with Santa Claus Claus, Mondays from 4-7 p.m.
Kids’ Fireside Stories, Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m.
Live Music & Food Trucks, Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m. in Discovery Park
Meet Santa Claus, Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday & Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Best Holiday Events in MidCoast Maine
Belfast Holiday Tree Lighting - November 29th
The perfect small-town holiday tree lighting—complete with cookies, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and a magical countdown in beautiful downtown Belfast.
Gardens Aglow - November 15th through January 3rd
Experience the best light show in Maine— featuring trolls, flora, fauna, lighthouses, and much more! This walkable, family-friendly experience is sure to be remembered for years to come.
Camden’s Christmas by the Sea - December 5th to 7th
This beloved festival spans Camden, Rockport, and Lincolnville with Santa arriving by boat, parades, craft markets, and coastal charm. Visit their Facebook page for full details.
Signature Events:
Community Tree Lighting, December 5th at 6:30p.m.
Holiday Craft Fair, December 4th from 9:00a.m.-2:00p.m.
Santa Arrives by Boat, December 4th at 9:00a.m.
Boothbay Boat Parade and Fireworks - December 7th
Experience the 37th annual lighted boat parade— watch light-covered boats cruise through the harbor. The fireworks will be set off over the harbor and begin shortly after the parade ends.
The Best Holiday Events in DownEast Maine
Bar Harbor Village Holidays - December 5th
Bar Harbor brings out its winter charm with a tree lighting, carriage rides, and late-night shopping.
Signature Events:
Santa arrives and reads ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, December 5th at 5:00p.m.
Ellsworth Downtown Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting - December 6th
One of Maine’s largest parades, drawing families from across the region. This year’s theme is Christmas in Whoville. The parade will take place at 4:00p.m., followed by the tree lighting ceremony shortly after.
The Best Holiday Events in Central Maine
Waterville Parade of Lights - November 29th at 6:00p.m.
Thousands of families from the central Maine region look forward to Santa and Mrs. Claus’ annual arrival and seeing over 35 floats created by community members and organizations file down Main Street, from Union to Spring Street.
Augusta Holiday Tree Lighting - November 30th at 10:00a.m.
The State House and riverfront glow with seasonal lights, vendors, and community events. This year’s theme is Rudolph and the Island of Misfit Toys.
Auburn Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting - December 7th at 3:30p.m.
Auburn’s annual Christmas parade begins on Main Street at 3:30p.m., followed by the tree lighting at 4:15p.m. in Festival Plaza.
The Best Holiday Events in Western Maine
Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade - November 29th at 11:00a.m.
A two-hour long parade with plenty of floats, trucks, music, and fun for the whole family. The parade begins on Main Street and ends at Moore Park. This year’s theme is “The Night Before Christmas.”
Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce Festival of Trees - November 30th to December 1st
Local businesses decorate and donate Christmas trees to the festival—which takes places at the Armory on Elm Street in Norway.
Bridgton Festival of Lights - December 6th
A jam-packed day full of holiday activities that takes place in downtown Bridgton.
Signature Events:
Craft Fair, December 6th from 9:00a.m to 3:00p.m.
Santa Shuffle 5K, December 6th at 9:45a.m.
Frost and Flame Parade, December 6th at 6:00p.m.
Community Tree Lighting, December 6th at 6:30p.m.
The Best Holiday Events in Northern Maine
Presque Isle Holiday Light Parade - December 6th
Bring the whole family to the 36th annual holiday light parade on Main Street in Presque Isle. Line up starts at 4:30p.m. and the parade will begin promptly at 6:00p.m.
Fort Fairfield Annual Christmas Light Parade - December 13th
The parade will take place on Main Street in downtown Fort Fairfield and be followed with cookies and cocoa with Santa at the Community Center.
Complete Calendar of Maine Holiday Events 2025
Insider Tips for Visiting Holiday Events in Maine
Bring cash
Paid parking and entrance fees at events are usually cash only (sometimes they accept Venmo). Some food and craft vendors may only accept cash too, so it’s always a good idea to have cash on hand.
Parking and transportation tips
Do your research beforehand so you’re not left wondering where to park. The websites linked above all provide parking information.
What to wear
Comfortable footwear and several layers of warm clothes, as temperatures in December in Maine can fluctuate between 20 degrees and 40 degrees.
Arrive early
Parking for popular events tend to fill up quickly. Try and arrive at least an hour if not several hours beforehand to get a decent parking spot.
Leave no Trace at Holiday Events in Maine
When it comes to enjoying time at these holiday events, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. It’s as simple as throwing away your garbage, recycling your empty bottles, respecting private property, and leaving nothing but footprints.
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