Essential Maine Holiday Events to Do This Christmas Season

Maine is a great place to visit during the holidays, with lots of fun things to see and do. From bright lights to festive towns, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this winter.

But which ones do you pick?

We've got four essential ones that should be on your holiday list.

The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, Maine

The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens have so many offerings in each season. From November 15 through January 3, you can experience the garden at night during Gardens Aglow.

Their website states, “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.”

What’s amazing about the Botanical Gardens is that they keep people visiting even in the colder months.

It’s such a cool experience for visitors of all ages. There are 750,000 energy-efficient LED lights, equivalent to 65 miles, illuminating the garden landscape.

The Polar Express at Maine Narrow Gauge in Portland, Maine

Maine Narrow Gauge hosts the Polar Express Train Ride during the holiday season.

It is the largest annual fundraiser for the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum.

According to their website, this theatrically driven Christmas train has become an annual tradition for thousands of families, drawing over 23,000 passengers in 2023.

The train begins at Portland’s Ocean Gateway Terminal, and with live actors, golden tickets, hot chocolate, and Christmas music, the trip to the North Pole begins. This seems like such a magical activity to do with your family, it really brings out the spirit of Christmas. And who doesn’t love The Polar Express?

Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport, Maine

Picture a Hallmark Christmas movie coming to life with festive lights and a giant tree in the middle of Dock Square.

The Christmas Prelude website highlights that HGTV called Kennebunkport the No. 2 Christmas town in America.

During the Christmas Prelude, you can enjoy tree lightings, Santa arriving by lobster boat, caroling at the Franciscan Monastery, a fireworks display, a lively street festival, and much more!

Don’t forget about this holiday-spirited town this winter, which you can visit with your family.

Freeport Sparkle Celebration in Freeport, Maine

The Freeport Sparkle Celebration is an annual holiday tradition in Freeport, Maine.

This weeklong event features lots of fun activities for the family, including Sparkle the Stealth Elf, a Parade of Lights on Main Street concluding with Santa’s arrival, and the Frosty Frolic, where everyone can enjoy bonfires, music, food, and gift giving.

At the end of the Sparkle Parade, the “Talking Tree” is lit. The tree comes to life on weekends to visit with guests who want to sing songs together, tell jokes, and more.

Freeport is such a cozy little town perfect for the Christmas season, not only for its festivities, but also for dining and shopping downtown, and of course, getting to see Santa as well.

So grab your kids and head out to experience Maine's winter festivities during the holiday season. There is so much to check out.