Holiday magic awaits in Portland! Dive into our guide for all the must-see events and fun. Be you a local or a traveler, our guide will help you uncover the holiday charms of Portland.
Popular events include the enchanting Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude, where the charming coastal town transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with festive activities. The Boothbay Harbor Festival of Lights invites visitors to stroll through spectacular light displays that illuminate the scenic harbor. And the Christmas Prelude is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a delightful blend of parades and community celebrations. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Portland
- Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude (Kennebunkport)
- Christmas Prelude (Kennebunkport)
- Boothbay Harbor Festival of Lights (Boothbay Harbor)
- Portland Christmas Market
- Portland Parade of Lights
- Boothbay Lights (Boothbay)
- Christmas By The Sea (Camden)
- Gardens Aglow (Boothbay)
- Bethel’s Country Christmas (Bethel)
- Merry Madness
See these and even more events listed below!
Portland Holiday Light Displays
Portland Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Santa Claus parade with a toy drive.
Description:
The Portland Parade of Lights is an annual event where Santa Claus travels through the community on an illuminated parade route. Participants are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys for the Christmas for Kids Year Round toy drive.
Where: Portland | More Info: Portland Parade of Lights
Boothbay Harbor Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Extensive holiday light displays and local shopping opportunities.
Description:
Boothbay Harbor Festival of Lights is a holiday celebration featuring thousands of lights, unique shops, and local dining options. The event includes signature events like Gardens Aglow at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, a Lighted Boat Parade, and a Gingerbread Spectacular.
Where: Boothbay Harbor | More Info: Boothbay Harbor Festival of Lights
Holiday Light Parade
What to Expect:
Unique floats with holiday lights and music.
Description:
The Holiday Light Parade, hosted by the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, features a festive procession of floats and vehicles adorned with holiday lights, music, and decorations. Participants must display a clear sign stating their business or organization name, and judging categories include Parade Champion, Best Business, Best Non-Profit, Best Faith-Based, Best General Float, and Best Youth Float.
Where: Presque Isle | More Info: Holiday Light Parade
Boothbay Lights
What to Expect:
Extensive holiday light displays and community events.
Description:
Boothbay Lights is a holiday celebration in Maine's mid-coast towns featuring thousands of lights, unique shops, and local dining. The event includes signature events like Gardens Aglow, Lighted Boat Parade, and Gingerbread Spectacular.
Where: Boothbay | More Info: Boothbay Lights
Gardens Aglow
What to Expect:
Spectacular outdoor light display with nature-inspired sculptures and themed areas.
Description:
Gardens Aglow at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens features over 750,000 LED lights illuminating 14 acres of central gardens, including nature-inspired sculptures and themed areas. The event offers a variety of activities such as visiting the J.K. Lilly III Automobile Gallery, taking a ride on the 1908 Looff carousel, and enjoying seasonal treats.
Where: Boothbay | More Info: Gardens Aglow
Portland Holiday Markets and Shopping
Merry Madness
What to Expect:
Holiday shopping tour with sticker collection for prizes.
Description:
Merry Madness is a two-week holiday shopping extravaganza in downtown Portland, Maine, featuring late-night shopping, libations, and discounts at participating businesses. Shoppers can explore downtown retailers at their own pace, collecting stickers to win exciting prizes.
Where: Portland | More Info: Merry Madness
Portland Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique shopping event with local vendors and Santa Land.
Description:
The Portland Holiday Market offers a unique shopping experience with over 100,000 square feet of display space featuring hundreds of exhibitors selling holiday decor, apparel, toys, treats, and more. Visitors can find unique gift ideas, handmade arts and crafts, photography, health and body products, clothing, specialty foods, and much more. The event also includes Santa Land with a massive living 25’ blue spruce tree and opportunities to get a picture with Santa Claus.
Where: Portland | More Info: Portland Christmas Market
Augusta Holiday Craft and Gift Fair
What to Expect:
Unique handmade gifts from local artisans.
Description:
The 35th Annual Last Minute Christmas Arts & Craft Show features talented artisans selling unique gifts, including wood items, quilt work, knits, crochet, jams, jellies, dolls, and jewelry, all made in the USA.
Where: Augusta | More Info: Augusta Holiday Craft and Gift Fair
Christmas By The Sea
What to Expect:
Holiday festivities with local shopping and entertainment.
Description:
Christmas By The Sea is a festive celebration in Camden, Maine, featuring holiday decorations, shopping, and entertainment.
Where: Camden | More Info: Christmas By The Sea
Portland Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Wells Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Annual community parade with local floats and marching bands.
Description:
The Wells Christmas Parade is a festive community event hosted by the Wells Chamber of Commerce, featuring floats, marching bands, and local organizations. It takes place on Sunday, December 15, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EST, starting at Wells Plaza and proceeding north to Wells Junior High School.
Where: Wells | More Info: Wells Christmas Parade
Portland Other Holiday Activities
Carnaval Maine
What to Expect:
Live ice sculpture demonstrations and diverse entertainment.
Description:
Carnaval Maine is a vibrant winter festival in Portland, Maine, featuring live ice sculpture demonstrations, frozen selfie stations, and diverse entertainment on the Norway Savings Bank Snow Stage. Enjoy local craft beers and food pairings in the Bites & Brews igloo, and engage in family-friendly activities like caricatures, face-painting, and ice carving.
Where: Portland | More Info: Carnaval Maine
Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday events with festive lights and live performances.
Description:
Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude is a 11-day holiday celebration featuring tree lightings, Santa's arrival by lobster boat, caroling, and a lively street festival with strolling carolers, sub-zero ice carving, and live music.
Where: Kennebunkport | More Info: Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude
Bath Old-Fashioned Christmas
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday activities in historic downtown Bath.
Description:
Bath Old-Fashioned Christmas is a traditional holiday celebration in historic downtown Bath, Maine. It features a Neighborhood Decorating Contest, Shop Window Decorating Contest, Red Magic Letter Boxes, Trolley Caroling, Santa's Arrival, Community Tree Lighting, and late evening shopping with live music and carolers.
Where: Bath | More Info: Bath Old-Fashioned Christmas
Bethel’s Country Christmas
What to Expect:
Horse-drawn wagon rides and Santa meet-and-greets.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season in Bethel's picturesque mountain village with horse-drawn wagon rides, Santa meet-and-greets, live music, and support for local shops and services.
Where: Bethel | More Info: Bethel’s Country Christmas
Christmas Prelude
What to Expect:
Santa arrives by lobster boat.
Description:
Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport is a 12-day celebration featuring tree lightings, Santa's arrival by lobster boat, caroling, and a lively street festival with sub-zero ice carving and live music.