The entire town of Kennebunkport, Maine transforms into a real-life North Pole as it’s dressed in bright lights and festive bows for the 43rd Kennebunkport Maine Christmas Prelude. This transformation marks the commencement of the holiday festivities! HGTV featured the town as the “second-best Christmas town in America,” tourists and locals alike gather to kick off the holiday season, a tradition dating back to 1982!
When is the Kennebunkport, Maine ‘Christmas Prelude’?
The celebration always begins following Thanksgiving. This year the holiday prelude runs from December 5 through December 15. While the Christmas charm of the prelude is so accurate you’ll think you just stepped foot onto the set of a holiday Hallmark film, Kennebunkport highlights the Maine roots throughout the parade.
Local carolers echoe magnetic tunes off of seaside waves as Santa sails in on his very own Maine lobster boat. The festivities will continue through Sunday, December 15 so make sure to pay a visit for a day. The holiday spirit is so contagious you’ll probably end up prolonging your stay!
Where to stay in Kennebunkport, Maine?
There are plenty of lovely lodging options in Kennebunkport ranging from modern hotels to romantic Kennebunkport inns. For a stunning spacious resort brimming with history, head to The Nonantum Resort, a family-friendly hotel nestled on the Kennebunk River, where many prelude events are held. Equally as luxurious are the bungalows of the Yachtsman Hotel & Marina, a stylish stay just a quick walk from the Dock Square tree lighting.
If you can’t find space it’s just an hour and a half from the city so you can make a day trip out of it!
All the festivities scheduled for the Kennebunkport ‘Christmas Prelude’
Perhaps one of the most recognized events of the Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude is the Dock Square Tree Lighting Ceremony and live caroling which will take place from 5:30 PM to 6:15 PM on Friday, December 6, 2024.
Some other events running for the remainder of the prelude through December 15 include:
- Heated trolley rides on the private heritage railway
- Outdoor igloo winter picnic complete with an electric fireplace, blankets, board games, & choice a cheese board or s’mores
- Christmas street festival
- DIY hot chocolate bar featuring the finest European chocolates
- Fire+ Ice festival complete with Picasso-level ice carvings, live entertainment, award-winning eats, and more
- Pin the tail on Rudolph competition
- German coffee roasting demos
The full list of events can be found on the Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude website.
While you’re in town, make sure to swing by the festively decorated holiday destination, The Tinsel Bar at The Burleigh at Kennebunkport Inn! The space is dripping in tinsel, ornaments, and sparkling lights. Enjoy a meal with live music and an ambiance that feels straight out of a holiday movie!
There is not a minute of time wasted at the Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude–daily events run from as early as 6 AM until well past midnight.