Boothbay Lights Festival
Visitors can experience the coastal towns of Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor sparkling with thousands of holiday lights. Guests can explore local shops, view the giant pot buoy tree, and participate in community activities like a town-wide decorating contest. The celebration brings together dining, shopping, and festive seaside sights throughout the region.
What to Expect
Holiday celebration sparkling with thousands of lights across coastal Maine towns.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Boothbay Harbor Region
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce
Food & Drink
Local dining is open during the celebration, and visitors can enjoy local food.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday shoppers
Vibe
Festive and coastal
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Tips & Advice
- Ride the Boothbay Lights Shuttle from downtown, which drops you right at the door of Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.
- Snap a photo at the Giant Pot Buoy Tree at Pier One downtown and enter it in the Selfie Contest that runs all season.
- Vote for your favorite in the Holiday Decorating Contest, since the People's Choice vote stays open for the whole season.
- Buy Gardens Aglow tickets separately, because the garden lights have their own ticket and run Thursdays to Sundays plus select dates.
- Dress warmly for the December 5 Lighted Boat Parade and Fireworks on the harbor, and remember December 6 is the rain date.
Special Events & Promotions
- Nov 21: Early Bird Sale & PJ Party for local shopping.
- Nov 28: Santa on the Boothbay Common.
- Dec 5: Santa & Friends arrive in Boothbay Harbor for the community tree lighting (rain date Dec 6).
- Dec 5: Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks (rain date Dec 6).
- Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens runs Thursdays to Sundays plus select dates and needs its own ticket.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Giant Pot Buoy Tree?
It's at Pier One in downtown Boothbay Harbor. Take a selfie there and enter it in the Selfie Contest.
How do I get from downtown to Gardens Aglow?
The Boothbay Lights Shuttle runs from downtown to the door of Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.
What happens if it rains on the night of the boat parade?
Santa & Friends' arrival in Boothbay Harbor and the Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks both have a rain date of December 6.
How does the Holiday Decorating Contest work?
Local businesses decorate, and visitors vote for a People's Choice winner all season long. A list of the entries is available to browse.
Is Boothbay Lights good for families?
Yes. Lodging, shops and restaurants stay open, and there's plenty for the whole family over six weeks of events. Places to stay around the towns offer stay-and-play packages.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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