The temps are chilly, we’ve seen snow and Mainers are ready for the rest of winter. Sure, summer is great, but there’s just no denying that winter is where Maine truly shines. Unlike some other states, we love getting outside and enjoying the outdoors no matter what the weather. We ski, we snowshoe and we love it. While all those outdoor endeavors are awesome, it’s even better when the temps drop and we have an excuse to just appreciate the small towns around us. If you love the warm feeling that comes with Christmas in Maine, you’ll want to check out these delightful towns that are the best during this time of year.
- Freeport
Visit Freeport / Facebook The Sparkle Celebration in Freeport makes the holiday extra special. With a festive parade, visits with Santa, and lots of hot cocoa you can’t go wrong. You might even be able to finish your Christmas shopping list here! Freeport, ME 04032, USA
- Gardiner
Gardiner Main Street / Facebook The town of Gardiner celebrates Christmas for an entire month, which means the lights go up around Thanksgiving and stay up until after Christmas. Plan a shopping day here for a special experience. Be sure to check out Gardiner’s Facebook page to stay up to date on all the holiday festivities. Gardiner, ME, USA
- Bar Harbor
Visit Bar Harbor Maine / Facebook One of the most quintessential Maine towns in the summer only gets more magical when the snow falls. The tourists thin out a bit but don’t expect to have it to yourself. The secret is out that towns like Bar Harbor twinkle with the holiday spirit at Christmastime. Bar Harbor, Maine 04609, USA
- Bath
City of Bath / Facebook You can’t go wrong with a town that celebrates Christmas for an entire month! The annual “Old-Fashioned Christmas” celebration begins just after Thanksgiving with the Christmas Tree Lighting, Jingle Bell Walk, & Visit with Santa. Continue the celebration during Trolley Christmas Caroling on Fridays & Saturdays in December. Or, just walk around and wonder if you’ve made your way to a movie. Bath’s Facebook page can help you plan your visit! Bath, ME 04530, USA
- York
Michelle Callahan / Flickr Specifically, Nubble Light. Watching one of the most photogenic lighthouses in Maine light up for the season is almost unbelievable. It’s lit every night after dark for quick visits or longer moments of appreciation. York’s official website has all the answers to your travel questions so you can plan your visit to Maine during Christmas. York, ME, USA
- Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude / Facebook The town’s Christmas Prelude is known throughout New England as one of the best ways to celebrate. But, if you missed it, you’ll still love strolling the streets and popping into shops, bars, and restaurants. Things get seriously cozy around here in December. Kennebunkport, ME 04046, USA
- Portland
coreytempleton / Flickr Sure, it’s one of Maine’s biggest towns but that doesn’t mean the scene this time of year isn’t totally magical. With nearly every tree covered in lights and the tree twinkling in Monument Square, spending time in Portland is a great choice this holiday season. Portland, ME, USA
- Waterville (or, Kringleville!)
Kringleville / Facebook This is the only town in Maine that actually transforms into a whole new town this time of year. Welcome to Kringleville! The season kicks off with the Parade of Lights, followed by a few weeks of Santa visits and more. Waterville, ME, USA
- Camden
Experience Camden Maine / Facebook While there are plenty of holiday festivities planned for Camden, we just love walking around any ol’ time. Shop windows are decked with merriment and if there’s snow on the ground it truly feels like a dream. Camden, ME, USA
As you’re celebrating Christmas in Maine, be sure to check out one of the most wonderful celebrations in Freeport. If you’re feeling up for an extra bit of adventure, check out some of these Christmas towns in Maine and follow along on this road trip we have created. We know you’ll love it!
Visit Freeport / Facebook
The Sparkle Celebration in Freeport makes the holiday extra special. With a festive parade, visits with Santa, and lots of hot cocoa you can’t go wrong. You might even be able to finish your Christmas shopping list here!
Freeport, ME 04032, USA
Gardiner Main Street / Facebook
The town of Gardiner celebrates Christmas for an entire month, which means the lights go up around Thanksgiving and stay up until after Christmas. Plan a shopping day here for a special experience. Be sure to check out Gardiner’s Facebook page to stay up to date on all the holiday festivities.
Gardiner, ME, USA
Visit Bar Harbor Maine / Facebook
One of the most quintessential Maine towns in the summer only gets more magical when the snow falls. The tourists thin out a bit but don’t expect to have it to yourself. The secret is out that towns like Bar Harbor twinkle with the holiday spirit at Christmastime.
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609, USA
City of Bath / Facebook
You can’t go wrong with a town that celebrates Christmas for an entire month! The annual “Old-Fashioned Christmas” celebration begins just after Thanksgiving with the Christmas Tree Lighting, Jingle Bell Walk, & Visit with Santa. Continue the celebration during Trolley Christmas Caroling on Fridays & Saturdays in December. Or, just walk around and wonder if you’ve made your way to a movie. Bath’s Facebook page can help you plan your visit!
Bath, ME 04530, USA
Michelle Callahan / Flickr
Specifically, Nubble Light. Watching one of the most photogenic lighthouses in Maine light up for the season is almost unbelievable. It’s lit every night after dark for quick visits or longer moments of appreciation. York’s official website has all the answers to your travel questions so you can plan your visit to Maine during Christmas.
York, ME, USA
Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude / Facebook
The town’s Christmas Prelude is known throughout New England as one of the best ways to celebrate. But, if you missed it, you’ll still love strolling the streets and popping into shops, bars, and restaurants. Things get seriously cozy around here in December.
Kennebunkport, ME 04046, USA
coreytempleton / Flickr
Sure, it’s one of Maine’s biggest towns but that doesn’t mean the scene this time of year isn’t totally magical. With nearly every tree covered in lights and the tree twinkling in Monument Square, spending time in Portland is a great choice this holiday season.
Portland, ME, USA
Kringleville / Facebook
This is the only town in Maine that actually transforms into a whole new town this time of year. Welcome to Kringleville! The season kicks off with the Parade of Lights, followed by a few weeks of Santa visits and more.
Waterville, ME, USA
Experience Camden Maine / Facebook
While there are plenty of holiday festivities planned for Camden, we just love walking around any ol’ time. Shop windows are decked with merriment and if there’s snow on the ground it truly feels like a dream.
Camden, ME, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas in Maine October 27, 2022 Katie Feldkamp Are there any Christmas train rides in Maine? The short answer to this question is yes! There are several magical adventures that you can choose from while getting into the holiday spirit in Maine during Christmas. The Wiscasset, Waterville, and Farmington Railway Museum has the most unique Victorian Christmas train that takes you on a journey through the snowy countryside and, of course, a visit with Santa himself! At the Boothbay Railway Village Museum, their Little Red Caboose reimagines itself and becomes the North Pole Express. The festive journey takes riders to the North Pole and Santa is also there waiting to greet you! What is it like to celebrate Christmas in Maine? Christmas is a magical time of year no matter where you live, but there’s just something about Christmas in Maine that seems extra special. For starters, since we live up north, we are far more likely to wake up to a white Christmas! Our towns take on a snowy layer that just adds to the winter wonderland vibes as the twinkling lights cast a glow on the snow. Also, true to our Maine roots, don’t be surprised if you see a lobster or two decorating a Christmas tree. Speaking of Christmas trees, there is no shortage of Christmas tree farms in Maine and these farms make family traditions and beautiful landscapes we remember year-round.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas in Maine
October 27, 2022
Katie Feldkamp
Are there any Christmas train rides in Maine? The short answer to this question is yes! There are several magical adventures that you can choose from while getting into the holiday spirit in Maine during Christmas. The Wiscasset, Waterville, and Farmington Railway Museum has the most unique Victorian Christmas train that takes you on a journey through the snowy countryside and, of course, a visit with Santa himself! At the Boothbay Railway Village Museum, their Little Red Caboose reimagines itself and becomes the North Pole Express. The festive journey takes riders to the North Pole and Santa is also there waiting to greet you! What is it like to celebrate Christmas in Maine? Christmas is a magical time of year no matter where you live, but there’s just something about Christmas in Maine that seems extra special. For starters, since we live up north, we are far more likely to wake up to a white Christmas! Our towns take on a snowy layer that just adds to the winter wonderland vibes as the twinkling lights cast a glow on the snow. Also, true to our Maine roots, don’t be surprised if you see a lobster or two decorating a Christmas tree. Speaking of Christmas trees, there is no shortage of Christmas tree farms in Maine and these farms make family traditions and beautiful landscapes we remember year-round.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The short answer to this question is yes! There are several magical adventures that you can choose from while getting into the holiday spirit in Maine during Christmas. The Wiscasset, Waterville, and Farmington Railway Museum has the most unique Victorian Christmas train that takes you on a journey through the snowy countryside and, of course, a visit with Santa himself! At the Boothbay Railway Village Museum, their Little Red Caboose reimagines itself and becomes the North Pole Express. The festive journey takes riders to the North Pole and Santa is also there waiting to greet you!
What is it like to celebrate Christmas in Maine?
Christmas is a magical time of year no matter where you live, but there’s just something about Christmas in Maine that seems extra special. For starters, since we live up north, we are far more likely to wake up to a white Christmas! Our towns take on a snowy layer that just adds to the winter wonderland vibes as the twinkling lights cast a glow on the snow. Also, true to our Maine roots, don’t be surprised if you see a lobster or two decorating a Christmas tree. Speaking of Christmas trees, there is no shortage of Christmas tree farms in Maine and these farms make family traditions and beautiful landscapes we remember year-round.
