Holiday Magic Awaits at This Gorgeous Maine Lighthouse

Maine Lighthouses

There's nothing like the beauty and stature of a lighthouse. These iconic structures sit idly by, almost stoic in nature, through changing seasons and fickle weather.

Maine is no stranger to these historic protectors of seafarers. Incredibly, the Pine Tree State still has 65 of them standing.

While Portland Head Light and Marshall Wharf get the majority of the national attention, the other 63 lighthouses are all special in their own way. Many have been protecting travelers for over 100 years. Some are open to the public for tours, while others can be viewed on boat cruises.

Nubble Light

And then there's one lighthouse that truly lights up the holiday season—a can't-miss for all lighthouse enthusiasts who love this time of year: Cape Neddick Lighthouse, better known as Nubble Light.

Standing a few hundred feet off the town of York's coastline is the stoic Nubble Light. It's a popular tourist destination during the warmer months. However, its Christmas transformation is when the magic truly unfolds.

Nubble Light Christmas Display

According to Maine Lights Today, Nubble Light's Christmas "switch" flips on every year on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. The lighthouse has undergone this transformation every year since 1987.

Thousands of Mainers and tourists gather at Sohier Park to watch the incredible spectacle. The event includes hot cocoa, choirs, snacks, and even a Christmas tree that appears from underwater. The town spares no detail.

The lights that adorn Nubble and its accompanying buildings create a stunning display. The outlining of the compound highlights the historic structures beautifully, and the window candles evoke a sense of history. It's easy to imagine a time when the lighthouse relied on real candlelight to keep the "lights on."