It’s the most wonderful time of the year—the season leading up to Christmas! In New England, the leaves fall, the weather gets colder, and charming small towns light up with holiday cheer. Maine is home to some of the best Christmas events I’ve ever experienced, and I’m excited to share my top recommendations with you! Here’s your guide to the best Christmas celebrations in Maine!

Best Christmas Celebrations in Maine (2025)

Here are my favorite Christmas Events in Maine that you should definitely add to your list.

1. Gardens Aglow

Did you know that Maine’s small coastal town of Boothbay Harbor is home to one of the best light shows in the entire country? It is!

I had the pleasure of visiting Gardens Aglow last holiday season, and let me tell you, it lived up to the hype.

We walked through the lit-up forest, which features The Gardens Aglow.

It features over 750,000 holiday lights that illuminate the gardens’ landscapes, pathways, trees, and sculptures.

We grabbed a spiked hot cocoa and made our way through the gardens on a cold December night. It was truly magical!

Read more! Boothbay Christmas Events 2025: Gardens Aglow & More

2. North Pole Express in Portland

Another fun activity in Portland is the North Pole Express!

The Polar Express™ Train Ride is the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum’s biggest annual fundraiser.

The Conductor boards passengers onto historic coaches, and children receive golden tickets.

As costumed chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies, Christmas music fills the air, and the steam locomotive begins its journey to the North Pole.

It is one of the best Christmas events in Portland, Maine!

3. The Feast of the Seven Fishes In Portland

I was fortunate to experience the Feast of the Seven Fishes this past holiday season at ViA VECCHiA in Portland.

It’s an iconic dinner on Christmas Eve that celebrates Italian-American heritage. 

The event is held annually and features a six-course tasting menu, featuring seven fishes!

Dishes ranged from shrimp and scallops to, of course, lobster!

They even had a variety of Christmas-themed cocktails, such as The Grinch and the Gumdrop.

Reservations will open for the event usually in December, so keep a lookout for that!

If you want to see more pictures of my dishes from this event, read: The Feast Of The Seven Fishes At Via Vecchia!

4. Visit The Lobster Buoy Christmas Trees!

One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season in Maine is visit all of the Lobster Buoy Christmas Trees.

You can easily do this by taking a scenic ride along the coast and stopping for photos along the way.

The first tree was located in Cape Neddick, near Nubble Lighthouse. Another one stood on the property of The Beachmere Inn in Ogunquit.

Even on a cold, blustery winter day, it was refreshing to walk along the beach and visit both spots.

After all, Maine is known for its lobster year-round, so it’s only fitting to see it celebrated in this unique way!

5. Holiday Festival of Trees in Rockland

The Holiday Festival of Trees in Rockland is an annual event that showcases beautifully decorated Christmas trees, each sponsored by local businesses, organizations, or individuals.

Visitors can stroll through the display, enjoy live music, and participate in raffles for a chance to win the trees or their accompanying gift baskets.

The festival, which starts in November, also offers holiday shopping, craft vendors, and deals on holiday dining!

6. Christmas By The Sea Ogunquit

Ogunquit is also home to the festive Christmas by the Sea festival, and this year marks the 40th annual event.

It includes tree and bridge lighting, concerts, craft shows, children’s activities, a parade, bonfire, fireworks, Santa, and more.

My favorite part of last year’s festival was the bonfire on the beach, followed by the fireworks show.

Walking by the ocean at night with the warmth of the fire was such a beautiful winter experience.

You can check out the full event schedule for 2025 here.

7. Santa Sunday at Sunday River Resort

Santa Sunday at Sunday River Resort is a festive tradition that kicks off the holiday season in Maine.

On this special day, Santa himself swaps his sleigh for skis and hits the slopes, spreading holiday cheer throughout the resort.

Guests are encouraged to wear their best holiday attire, and there’s a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of activities for all ages.

Santa Sunday often includes a parade with Santa leading the way, followed by photos with the jolly man himself.

8. Christmas Boat Parade

In addition to Gardens Aglow, Boothbay also has a fun event called Boothbay Lights.

One of the highlights is the Christmas Boat Parade in Boothbay Harbor, which is always a blast to watch – we even saw Santa cruising around the harbor!

You can also snap a picture in front of the massive Lobster Buoy Tree, built by the locals.

Be sure to stick around for the fireworks show, which takes place right over the harbor.

You can check out the full itinerary here for this years show.

9. Winter Wonders in Eliot

Winter Wonders in Eliot, Maine, is a must-see light show with over 2 million lights!

This 14-acre walk-through display is one of the best in New England. If you love holiday lights, don’t miss it!

There are plenty of new displays this year, making every visit special and unique. Come check out the Christmas lights in Eliot Maine!

The best part is it’s open all winter long!

10. Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a favorite town to visit during the holidays.

The town is beautifully decorated with wreaths, garlands, and lights, giving it a cozy, festive feel.

The Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport is a highlight of the season, featuring a tree lighting, caroling, holiday shopping, and visits with Santa.

They even have a pooch parade that you can attend.

You can also try the holiday cocktail flight at Romaind Speakeasy!

Here is a look into that: I Tried the Festive Christmas Cocktail Flight in Kennebunkport.

11. Bright Night Bath

Every year, the small town of Bath gets into the holiday spirit with festive decorations.

On one special Friday, they host Bright Night Bath, featuring themed window displays and Christmas carolers.

Local businesses stay open later, giving you the chance to shop until you drop while enjoying some of the best food and drinks in town.

Grab a glass of wine at one of the local bakeries!

12. Freeport’s Sparkle Celebration

Date: December 5th, 2025

Stop by Freeport’s Sparkle Celebration, one of Maine’s most beloved holiday events.

The 2025 festival kicks off on Friday, December 5, with the Sparkle Celebration Parade of Lights, where Santa arrives to bring the famous talking Christmas Tree to life!

The week is filled with lights and holiday cheer, including Gift Certificate Giveaways with the Stealth Elf, the Sparkle Stroll with special deals and door prizes.

Explore More Of Maine!

I love exploring everything Maine has to offer!

Make sure to check out A Local’s Guide To The Best Lobster Rolls In Maine!

Visiting Acadia National Park? Here is my entire collection.

You should also spend some time hiking Maine’s State Parks, even in winter, they are so pretty.

Read all of my Maine Travel Guides!