Sanford Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Discover a festive holiday shopping experience at the Somersworth Holiday Craft Fair. This large event showcases over 100 of New England's finest crafters, offering a diverse array of handmade gifts, decorations, and artisanal goods. Visitors can enjoy delicious food options prepared by volunteers, making it a perfect outing for finding...

Join the delightful 'Elf on the Shelf' scavenger hunt winding through downtown Rochester. Discover 12 hidden elves, each offering a special ticket and a treat. Collect all your tickets and head to Collec-tiques on North Main Street for a chance to win exciting prizes in the grand raffle. It's a...

Step into 'The Holidaze in Maine' for a delightful holiday shopping experience. This event brings together local artisans and vendors, offering a curated selection of handmade gifts, unique crafts, and festive treats. It's the perfect place to find special presents and soak in the holiday spirit.

Ogunquit's beloved 39th annual Christmas by the Sea festival welcomes the holiday season with a vibrant array of activities. Visitors can enjoy tree and bridge lightings, live concerts, craft shows, and engaging children's activities. The event culminates with a parade, a lively bonfire, and a dazzling fireworks display, with Santa...

Experience the magic of the Downtown Holiday Festival, a cherished community event filled with festive cheer. Visitors can enjoy live music and performances on the City Square Stage, witness Santa's arrival by sleigh to light the tree, and capture memorable photos with him. Free cookie decorating at Reilly's Bakery and...

Step into an enchanted wonderland at the Saco Museum's annual Festival of Trees. This cherished holiday tradition transforms the museum galleries into a sparkling spectacle of beautifully decorated trees, each with a unique theme. Guests can explore the festive displays, bid on artwork from local artists, and try their luck...

Discover a treasure trove of handmade wonders at the 52nd Annual Holiday Craft Fair. Artisans from across New England gather to showcase their original creations, offering unique gifts and decor. This cherished event supports local scholarships and the historic Old Red Church, making every purchase a meaningful contribution.

Discover the charm of Strafford, NH, during its 36th annual Christmas celebration. Over 50 local artisans and craftspeople open their homes and studios across approximately 30 locations, offering a unique shopping experience. Browse handmade treasures, enjoy refreshments, and find one-of-a-kind gifts.

The Wolfeboro Festival of Trees returns for its 25th year, transforming The Wright Museum into a winter wonderland. Visitors can marvel at dozens of uniquely decorated trees, browse a festive craft fair, and enjoy special events like Santa Saturday and Pizza in the Pines. This beloved annual tradition raises funds...

Discover the spirit of the holidays at the Home for the Holidays Craft Show, featuring juried artisans from the Society of Southern Maine Craftsmen. Meet the makers, admire their original designs, and find unique, handcrafted gifts perfect for everyone on your list. This event celebrates the tradition of quality craftsmanship...

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, transforms into a winter wonderland for its annual Vintage Christmas celebration. This beloved event invites visitors to experience the holidays with a charming blend of historical traditions and festive entertainment. From the enchanting 'Elf The Musical!' and Irving Berlin's 'White Christmas' to the magical Candlelight Stroll at...

Discover unique, handcrafted treasures at the Annual Christmas Makers Market in South Portland. This two-day event showcases a diverse array of talented artists and crafters, offering everything from handmade jewelry and home decor to original artwork and personalized gifts. Explore the creativity within the South Portland High School cafeteria and...

The Portsmouth School of Ballet presents their enchanting annual production of The Nutcracker. This classic holiday ballet offers a magical experience for audiences, featuring talented dancers from the school. It's a cherished tradition that brings the festive spirit to life.

Irving Berlin's 'White Christmas' comes to life at the historic Music Hall. This spectacular production features dazzling dance numbers, iconic songs like 'Blue Skies' and the title track, and a cast of talented performers. Follow the story of two veterans whose song-and-dance act leads them to a charming Vermont lodge,...

Step back in time with Portland Ballet's 'A Victorian Nutcracker,' a captivating reimagining of the holiday classic. This enchanting performance transports audiences to a richly detailed Victorian era, showcasing the company's professional dancers in a visually stunning production. Experience the magic and wonder of Tchaikovsky's iconic score brought to life...

Get ready for a Superfantastic Christmas Extravaganza with The Fogcutters! This 19-piece big band from Portland, Maine, delivers an electrifying performance blending funk, rock, Afro-Cuban, and hip-hop with traditional big band sounds. Featuring 13 horns, a powerful rhythm section, and captivating vocals, they offer a truly unique and unforgettable musical...

Embark on a festive journey with 'The Magic of Christmas' tour, a captivating classical music experience. This tour brings together talented orchestras and conductors for enchanting performances that capture the spirit of the holiday season. Discover a lineup of concerts designed to delight audiences of all ages, promising a magical...

Step into a winter wonderland with Christmas Prelude Trolley Rides at the Seashore Trolley Museum. Journey through a scenic, wooded campus aboard heated, vintage trolleys adorned with live holiday greens. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and roast marshmallows by an outdoor fire pit. Explore fascinating exhibits, including a model railroad building...

Experience the magic of Kennebunkport's Christmas Prelude, a beloved 11-day festival that transforms this charming Maine town into a winter wonderland. Recognized by national media as a top holiday destination, Prelude offers a heartwarming celebration with over 160 events. From Santa's unique arrival by lobster boat to dazzling tree lightings,...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Saco Holiday Festival & Parade of Lights. This vibrant community event brings together residents and visitors for a dazzling display of festive cheer. The highlight is the spectacular Parade of Lights, featuring creatively decorated floats that illuminate the streets with holiday...

Step into a bygone era at the Candlelight Stroll, where historic houses are aglow with hundreds of candle lanterns and adorned with handmade decorations. Costumed roleplayers bring the past to life, sharing stories of seasonal traditions. Enjoy wandering musicians, festive music, and a warming bonfire.

Celebrate Christmas Day with an unforgettable buffet experience at the historic Wentworth by the Sea. They offer a spectacular spread of culinary delights, including a festive carving station, a New England raw bar, and an impressive dessert display. Enjoy complimentary champagne as you dine in the elegant Wentworth Ballroom.

Lace up your running shoes and don your most outlandish holiday knitwear for the annual Ugly Sweater 5K! This fun-filled event supports a great cause, with all proceeds going towards purchasing holiday gifts for children in the community through local giving trees. Whether you sprint, jog, or walk, it's a...

The 40th Annual Wells Christmas Parade is a beloved holiday tradition sponsored by the Wells Chamber of Commerce. This festive event kicks off at 2:00 PM, with the parade route starting at Wells Plaza and proceeding north to Wells Junior High School. It's a wonderful opportunity for the community to...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Rochester's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Join the community as they gather to witness the enchanting first lighting of the downtown Christmas tree. Enjoy festive caroling, dance performances, and a special reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Kids can delight in cookie...

Experience the festive spirit at the Dover Holiday Parade, a beloved community tradition. This vibrant event features a colorful procession of decorated floats, energetic marching bands, and enthusiastic community groups. It's a wonderful opportunity for families and individuals to gather and celebrate the holiday season together.

Join the 37th Annual Lobster Dip on January 1st, 2025, at Old Orchard Beach for a thrilling New Year's tradition. Brave the chilly Atlantic waters to raise vital funds for Special Olympics Maine athletes. This event offers a unique opportunity to make a splash for a great cause and kick...

Join the community for First Night Portsmouth, a cherished New Year's Eve tradition. This alcohol-free celebration focuses on outdoor festivities, featuring breathtaking ice sculptures and a spectacular fireworks display to welcome the new year. It's a time for reflection and hopeful anticipation, bringing people together for a memorable evening.

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Portsmouth Illuminated Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting. This beloved event transforms downtown Portsmouth into a winter wonderland with a dazzling parade featuring creatively lit floats, marching bands, and community participants. Following the parade, the city's holiday tree will be lit, officially...

Step back in time at Victoria Mansion's enchanting holiday celebration. This historic Italianate villa, meticulously restored, comes alive with festive decorations, showcasing its original 1860s furnishings. Explore the opulent interiors and uncover the rich history of the Morse-Libby House, from its opulent past to its ongoing preservation.