Winter Festivals & Gatherings
Worth The Drive
Gardens Aglow November 15–January 3 · Boothbay
Experience nature in motion at Gardens Aglow and see the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens come alive after dark! New England’s premier light show transforms the landscape into a glowing journey through scenes depicting the flora and fauna of Maine’s forests, shorelines, and meadows.
mainegardens.orgChristmas at Victoria Mansion
November 28–January 4 · Portland
The iconic Victorian mansion dazzles with themed rooms decorated by Maine designers—six weeks of exquisite interiors, nostalgia, and holiday splendor in an historic setting.
victoriamansion.orgChristmas Prelude December 4–14 · Kennebunkport
A charming coastal holiday festival when Kennebunkport transforms into a Christmas wonderland with tree lightings, lobster-trap decorations, caroling, craft fairs, and festive strolls.
christmasprelude.comFestival of Trees December 5–7 · Stonington
Join the 8th Annual Island Festival of Trees to gaze at the many beautifully decorated trees that you could win. Plans are in the works for visits from Santa, the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, Max, and our own Gingerbread Man Cookie.
islandcommunitycenter.orgSparkle Celebration December 5–14 · Freeport
Ten days of twinkling lights, a Parade of Lights, Santa’s grand arrival, local shopping specials, and the famous Talking Christmas Tree in downtown Freeport.
visitfreeport.comHoliday Light Parade December 6 · Presque Isle
Aroostook County’s favorite parade lights up downtown with glowing floats, festive music, and Santa’s grand arrival—a heartwarming kickoff to the northern Maine holiday season.
visitaroostook.comAmarcord Holiday Concert December 10 · Camden
Acclaimed German vocal ensemble Amarcord performs medieval to modern carols in a spellbinding a cappella concert—an elegant evening of holiday music and artistry.
baychamber.orgChristmas by the Sea December 12–14 · Ogunquit
The 39th annual event is a cherished tradition for residents and visitors. A weekend of tree and bridge lightings, concerts, craft shows, children’s activities, fireworks, and a parade.
ogunquit.orgWells Christmas Parade December 14 · Wells
Celebrate the 40th Annual Wells Christmas Parade with festive floats, music, and community joy along Route 1—a cherished southern Maine holiday tradition.Christmas with Kennerley December 23 · Portland
Organist James Kennerley and the Kotzschmar Brass present a joyous concert of carols and holiday classics—an uplifting “home for the holidays” experience for all at Merrill Auditorium.
visitportland.comLobster Dip for Special Olympics Maine January 1 · Old Orchard Beach
Brave the icy Atlantic in Maine’s biggest New Year’s plunge. This spirited fundraiser supports Special Olympics Maine—chills, cheers, and charitable warmth included.
somaine.orgWinter Festival at Pleasant Mountain January 2 · Bridgton
Nighttime torchlight parade and fireworks at the ski-resort base, kicking off winter with a lively slopeside celebration under the stars.
pleasantmountain.comHot Cocoa Sip-Off January 11 · Portland
Free-entry tasting of creative cocoa recipes in Congress Square Park; bring your own mug and vote for your favorite while warming by fire pits.
congresssquarepark.orgLong Lake Ice Fishing Derby January 24–25 · St. Agatha
Maine’s largest ice-fishing derby with hundreds of anglers, prize draws, and a weekend of cold-weather camaraderie on frozen Long Lake.
visitaroostook.comRangeley Snodeo January 29–February 1 · Rangeley & Oquossoc
A legendary snowmobile festival featuring races, fireworks, live music, and the thrilling RAVE-X Freestyle Show. Three days of nonstop winter adrenaline in scenic Rangeley.
rangeleysnowmobile.com
Map drawn by Ron Draddy
