The Maine Lighthouse That Transforms into a Holiday Wonderland

There’s just something special about a Maine lighthouse, especially in the winter.

They sit there stoically, handling whatever the weather throws at them without so much as a flinch...kind of like Mainers themselves.

As we know, 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 buzz, the other 63 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 seen from a boat cruise.

This Southern Maine Lighthouse is a Can't Miss

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

Standing a few hundred feet off the town of York’s coastline is the unmistakable Nubble Light. It’s a popular tourist destination during the warmer months; however, its Christmas transformation is when the magic truly shows.

Nubble Light Is a True Maine Christmas Highlight

According to Maine Lights Today, Nubble Light’s Christmas “switch” flips on every year on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. The lighthouse has made the transformation every year since 1987.

READ MORE: 30 Maine Holiday Dining Spots to Add to Your Bucket List

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 cover Nubble and its surrounding buildings create such a beautiful display. The outline of the compound highlights the old structures wonderfully, and the window candles help give a sense of history. It’s easy to imagine the days when the lighthouse relied on real candlelight to keep the “lights on.”

This stunning spectacle can get anyone into the holiday spirit. Nubble Light is absolutely worth the visit, especially during the most wonderful time of the year. But you’d better go soon—the season will be gone before we know it.